OBITUARIES

Peacefully and surrounded by her loving family at her home in Stratford on Friday, May 23, 2025 the death occurred of Susan Winnifred Chaisson (MacAulay) of Stratford, age 93 years.   Loving mother of Darrell (deceased), Debbie MacDonald (Victor), Brenda MacCormack (Peter), Sharon Chaisson, Mary Lee Larkin (Larry), Marlene Robichaud (Herbie), Michele MacAulay (Ron) and Frances Mahar (John). Cherished grandmother of 30 grandchildren and 45 great-grandchildren. Sister of Helen Brown and sister-in-law of Kitty MacAulay and Everett MacDonald. Survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents Joe and Julia (Doyle) MacAulay, husband Emmett Chaisson, brothers John, Eugene (Frances), sister Joanne MacDonald and brother-in-law Ivan Brown. Susan grew up in Sheep Pond, where she developed a love for the family farm. She later attended school at the convent in Souris. As a teenager, she became independent, living and teaching school in Johnston’s River, where she formed lifelong friendships and connections. In 1956, Susan married Emmett and found great joy in raising their family of eight young children.  Tragically, in 1963, Susan lost Emmett. Despite the loss, she persevered, working tirelessly to provide for her young family and keep them together. Throughout her life, Susan faced numerous hardships and struggles. Yet, she consistently demonstrated resilience and gratitude, embodying a mantra that guided her until her last day.  Susan’s philosophy of faith, acceptance and focusing on the positive aspects of any situation, will be cherished and carried on, by her children ‘Little Darlings’, grandchildren and great-grandchildren ’Hugabugs’, all of whom she held so dear. Resting at Hillsboro Funeral Home from where visiting hours will be held on Monday, May 26, 2025 from 6:30-8:30 pm. Transferred from Hillsboro Funeral Home to Dingwell Funeral Home for visiting hours Tuesday from 5-7 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held from St Mary's Church Souris Wednesday at 3pm. Interment in St Alexis Cemetery, Rollo Bay. Memorial donations may be made online to PEI Association for Community Living or the Home Care Integrative Palliative Care Program. Arrangements entrusted to Hillsboro Funeral Home, Stratford.

It is with heavy hearts that the family of James Cyril (BB) Chapman announces his passing, which occurred peacefully at Souris Hospital on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at the age of 82. We are honoured to celebrate the life and legacy of this remarkable man. Cyril was born on April 18, 1943, to loving parents Joseph and Loretta (Sutherland) of Black Pond, PEI. He will be forever loved by his wife of 56 years Gloria (MacDonald), his four sons Craig (Rachel), Jeffrey (Cherie), Jason (Marise), Jamie (Tracy), his 13 grandchildren: Jessica (Devan), Danika, Drew, Tori Jayne, Rebecca, Alex, Daniel, Renée, Marc, Jalyn, Marybeth, Sarah, Bryce, and his great-grandson Turner. Cyril will be missed by his brother Reggie (Betty) and his sisters Eileen (Kenny) Murphy, Anne MacPhail, Florence (Ferdie) Gallant and Margie (Larry) Crown. He is predeceased by his brother Merlin (Marie), his sisters Mary (John) MacCormack, Jean and Elaine (George) and brother-in-law Ronald MacPhail. By age 12 Cyril knew he wanted to be a hockey player or a businessman/contractor. The seed of Chapman Brothers was planted in the 1960s when Cyril sold his car to buy a dump truck so he could join with his brother Merlin (Buddy) and go into the construction industry. His drive, dedication and passion for asphalt paving led Chapman Brothers to become a successful road building and paving contractor in the Maritimes spanning the last 60 years. In 1989, Cyril and the family were devastated by the tragic death of his brother and business partner, Buddy. With the support of his wife, Cyril was committed to continuing the business. In the 1990s, Cyril’s four sons joined the company, making the Chapman Brothers name whole again. Sunday evening meetings became a ritual he loved and always looked forward to. Cyril’s joy and pride grew over the years as his grandchildren started working with Chapman Brothers. Cyril was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. He was a man of integrity and unwavering faith. He was proud to live in and support his community. His passion for hockey led him to coach and manage numerous teams to Island championships. His support of local minor hockey, other sports teams in the community, and personal support to people in need or disadvantaged spanned decades. The family would like to acknowledge the exceptional care and compassion given to Cyril during his time in Souris and Montague Hospitals. Resting at Dingwell’s Funeral Home where visiting hours will take place on Sunday, May 25, 2025, from 3 – 6 pm. A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church on Monday, May 26 at 2 pm and a livestream can be viewed at service time here: https://youtube.com/live/RtVBPqv7_kE Interment to follow in the church cemetery. If so desired, donations in memory of Cyril can be made to the Eastern Kings Health Foundation.

Peacefully at the Kings County Memorial Hospital in Montague, on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, the death occurred of Ron Milas “Buster” McMillan. Born on April 20, 1947, he was aged 78 years of East Lake, PE. He will be forever loved by his spouse and partner Tamy Campbell. Buster is survived by his sons Dennis (Melissa), Daryl (Michelle), and grandchildren Jack, Jessica, Logan, Jacey and Jalen. He leaves behind his brother Earl (Marion) and brother-in-law Ron Picco. Predeceased by his parents William and Mae (Acorn) McMillan, and sister Dorothy Picco. By personal request, there will be no visitation or funeral service. If so desired, donations in memory of Buster can be made to Fox Aid PEI.

It is with sadness and heavy hearts, the family of Allison Grace Walsh, announce her passing which occurred surrounded by her loving family at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Born on July 31, 1957, she was aged 67 years of Canavoy PEI. She will be forever loved by her best friend and husband Mark, and deeply missed by their children Andrew (Samantha) and Sarah (Kenny). She is survived by her dear siblings Jennifer McGrath (John), and Beverly Carlaw (Doug). In addition, she is remembered by nieces Emily, Charlotte, Jackie, Meghan, and Monica. Predeceased by her parents Desmond and Valerie Chatterton. There won’t be a day that will not be the harder because Allison does not share it. Whether as a wife, mother, sisterly companion, Aunt to her nieces or beloved friend she touched our hearts. She was our ardent fan and our most blessed life companion. She left us on angel’s wings and her faith lit the way. +++++++ Resting at Dingwell Funeral Home where visiting hours will take place on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, from 5-7pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at the St. Peter’s Bay Roman Catholic Church on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 11:00am, with interment to follow in the St. Alexis Roman Catholic Church Cemetery, Rollo Bay. If so desired, donations in memory of Allison can be made to The St. Peters Catholic Church Restoration Fund.

It is with sadness, the family of Margaret Lillian Gillis (nee Coffin), announce her passing which occurred with family by her side at the Souris Hospital on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Born on November 30, 1935, in Kingsboro, PEI, she was aged 89 years. Margaret is predeceased by her husband Joe and will be forever loved by their children Donnie (Beverley), Eric (Jean), Rena Grant (David), Walter (Anita), Murray, Kent, and Sheldon. Margaret will be remembered as a loving grandmother to 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. She is survived by her siblings Shay, Weston (Kay), Eileen Sweeney, Birdie Rose, and sister-in-law Lorraine Coffin. Predeceased by her parents Percy and Louise Coffin, son Blair, 9 siblings, granddaughter Jennifer Grant, brother-in-law Sheldon Rose, and sister-in-law Doreen Coffin. Resting at Dingwell Funeral Home where visiting hours will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 11am-1pm. A funeral mass will be held at the St. Columba Roman Catholic Church in Fairfield, on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 2:00pm with interment to follow in the church cemetery. If so desired, donations in memory of Margaret can be made to the St. Columba Cemetery Fund .

It is with sadness and heavy hearts, the family of Betty Bruce (nee Ching) announce her passing, which occurred surrounded by love and family at the Souris Hospital on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Born on September 18, 1942, she was in her 83rd year of Kingsboro, PEI. She leaves behind her loving husband of 61 years, Merton Bruce and will be forever loved by their children Rhonda Grant (Danny) and Vance Bruce (Michele). Betty was a most loving Nana to Allyson Gallant (Ryan) and Erin Grant. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Donna Ching. Predeceased by her parents Lowell and Florence (nee Hayden) Ching, brother Walter Ching and infant daughter Laura Christine. Betty was a devoted wife and the heart of her home. She and her husband Merton were true best friends, rarely seen far apart. They loved taking drives to Montague, BBQing in the summer, and could always be counted on to keep the neighborhood foxes and cats well fed. She was a gifted quilter, knitter, cook, and baker, she shared her talents generously ensuring no one ever left her home hungry or empty-handed. She was known for her unforgettable turkey dinners and legendary gravy. Betty’s greatest joy was showing love through food. Summers were a special time when she welcomed Vance and Michelle home with trays of squares, cinnamon rolls, fresh bread, and hearty meat-and-potato dinners each night. Every holiday, birthday, and anniversary were marked by a homemade gift, often accompanied by a handwritten note stitched into a quilt or tucked beside a fresh pair of mittens. Some of her most treasured memories were spent on girls' days in Charlottetown with Rhonda, Allyson and Erin—browsing for the best fabric deals at the thrift stores, shopping for new clothes, and ending the day with Swiss Chalet. Betty also had a soft spot for her grandson-in-law, Ryan—though she’d say it was mostly because of his hair, which she absolutely adored and complimented at every chance she got. Betty was known for carrying a purse like Mary Poppins—anything you needed, she had. But what she carried most was a genuine interest in others. Conversations with Betty were never just small talk—she had a gift for connecting with people. One of her favorite conversation partners was her son-in-law, Danny. The two shared a special bond rooted in their mutual love of chatting, when they were in the same room, silence didn’t stand a chance. Their lively banter and shared laughter became a beloved part of every family gathering. Betty’s gentle spirit, creativity, and love touched many lives. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness-and a little sparkle- in every heart that she touched. Resting at Dingwell Funeral Home where visiting hours will take place on Sunday, May 11, 2025, from 2-5pm. A funeral service will be held at the Kingsboro Baptist Church, Kingsboro, PEI, on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 3:00pm with interment to follow in the Kingsboro Cemetery. If so desired, donations in memory of Betty can be made to the Kingsboro Cemetery Fund or the Eastern Kings Health Foundation (Souris Home Care).

The death occurred peacefully at the Souris Hospital on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, of Kevin Adolphus Conway, at the age of 77 years. He is survived by his sister Roma MacDonald and numerous nieces and nephews. Kevin was born in Rollo Bay on July 19, 1947, and remained there for the majority of his life. However, he moved to Perrin’s Marina Villa in Montague in October of 2023. Kevin will be remembered by many for his love of hockey cards, and especially his favourite hockey team, the Chicago Blackhawks. Kevin is predeceased by his parents Adolphus and Ethel (nee Peters) Conway, and siblings Ernest MacDonald, Ruth Crispin (Earl), Frank MacDonald, Clifford MacDonald (Yolonda), Lois Gregory, and Mary Irene at infancy. Also predeceased by his brother-in-law Hugo (Don) Malfara, nephews Bradley Gregory (Godson), Frank MacDonald, and grandnephew Shawn Evan Gregory. By personal request, there will be no visitation or funeral. A graveside service will take place in the St. Alexis Roman Catholic Church Cemetery, Rollo Bay, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 3:00pm. If so desired, donations in memory of Kevin can be made to the St. Alexis Cemetery Fund.

Peacefully at the Colville Manor on Sunday May 4, 2025, Mary Catherine “Kay” MacDonald (nee Mallard) of Morell, passed away with her loving family and caregivers by her side. Born on Christmas Day 1933 in New Zealand to Garfield and Judy Mallard, she was in her 92nd year. She is predeceased by her beloved husband, Merlin MacDonald, and will be lovingly remembered by their children, Heather (Kerry), Blair (Janie), Clayton, Brian (Brenda) Lynn (Shelley) and Jacinta. Kay was a grandmother to Christopher, Steven (Laurie), Stefanie, Kyle, Jamie, Andrew (Emily) and Chandler. A great grandmother to Ty, Seth, Liam, Alice, Casey, and Lennon. She is survived by her brother, Clarence Mallard (Sabina dec.), sister-in-law Juanita (Frank Lechowich) and brother-in-law Donald MacDonald (Pat), as well as many loving nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents, Garfield and Judith Mallard, sister, Emma Anderson, and brother Earl Mallard, in-laws, Andrew and Mary Ann MacDonald, Sabina Mallard, Irma MacDougall, Milton (Jean) MacDonald, Bernice (Lornie Kelly) and Edna (Andy Mckenna). Kay will be remembered for her love of family, friends, animals, flowers, and music. Her home was always welcoming, and she loved to entertain. A gracious host she took great pride in her home and flower gardens. Kay was a generous community person, often delivering meals discreetly to people in the community. A lifetime musician, Kay was a former organist at Saint Theresa of the Little Flower and for many years played piano in a local band. She donated her time and talent to many community benefits, dances, and parties. Kay enjoyed traveling in particular her shopping get aways. In later years Kay enjoyed attending music events across PEI and was always up for a house party. She had a special place in her heart for animals, especially her beloved Kitty and the pups. Kay was a devoted member of her church, prayed the rosary daily and had a special love for the Virgin Mary. She took many trips up the hill to light a candle for a family intention. When she would come home she would announce “I laid it on the line with Mary.” Resting at the Dingwell Funeral home where visiting hours will take place on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, from 4 to 7 PM. A funeral mass will be held at the church of The Little Flower in Morell on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 11 AM with interment to follow in the church cemetery. If so desired donations in memory of Kay may be made to the Eastern Kings Health Foundation (Colville Manor) or the IWK children’s Wish Foundation.

Surrounded by the love and comfort of her family, Marilyn passed away peacefully at Souris Hospital on May 1, 2025. Marilyn was born on November 10, 1946, to loving parents Stillman and Mabelle (nee Gourley) of Cape Spry, PEI. Left to mourn her loss is her loving husband of 60+ years, Garnet MacDonald, and her children Gary (Maureen), Mark (Lena), Philip (Debbi), Denise and Roxana. Marilyn was a loving Nanny to 11 grandchildren; Jason, Adam (Mallory), Erin (Paul), Sarah (Joel), Timothy (Nik), Alyssa (Mike), Brody (Ava), Emily (Ethan), Tiffany (Jason), Coady, and Jerid, 13 great grandchildren, with a new bundle of joy coming at the end of June. Marilyn leaves behind her siblings, Annie MacLean (Lockie-deceased), Stephen MacDonald, Beverely Beaman (Gary deceased), Kevin MacDonald (Kathy), and Dorothy MacDonald. She was a very special “Auntie Marilyn” to 3 nieces, 2 nephews, 7 grandnieces and 1 great grandniece. She is predeceased by her infant sister Margaret Carol, parents Stillman and Mabelle (nee Gourley) MacDonald, great granddaughter Layla and granddaughter in-law Melissa. Marilyn will be remembered for the incredible love she poured into every part of her life. Her home was a constant source of warmth and comfort — a place where the door was always open, and no one ever left hungry or empty-handed. Whether it was a friend, family member, or neighbour, all were welcomed with the same genuine kindness and care. From raising her own children to later becoming “Nanny” to many, she always put others first, offering her time, energy, and heart without hesitation. Marilyn had a boundless spirit — often found dancing, walking, or even jumping on the trampoline with her grandkids and nephew, rain, or shine. Her rocking chair soothed countless babies and grown-ups alike, offering quiet moments of comfort that will be forever treasured. Her cooking was celebrated — circling the table mashing potatoes and carrots for everyone, homemade rolls that filled the house with warmth, and tins of cookies that rarely lasted the day. Everyone who visited eagerly made their way to her cupboards, hoping for a fresh batch. She loved armchair curling and catching up on the news through CBC, but more than anything, she cherished time with her family. The annual Labour Day family reunion, a tradition she helped begin more than 30 years ago, is a testament to her love of togetherness. Raised in Little Pond, Marilyn’s bond with her siblings was lifelong and unshakable — if one felt joy or pain, they all did. As young children, they would walk 3 miles uphill, in the snow, one way to school. As well, there were many summer days that were spent picking berries for winter jam. Marilyn’s life was a reflection of quiet dedication and care — from fishing alongside her husband in their early years to later providing home care to elderly community members and with her sister in Halifax. Her empathy, resilience, and commitment to others defined her life’s work and left an enduring impact on all who knew her. At the family’s request, there will be no visitation or funeral services. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. Marilyn would be honoured if donations were made to the ALS society of PEI or the Annandale United Church Cemetery Fund. A special thanks to Dr. Terry Magennis, Dr. Craig Campbell, Dr. Craig Malone, and the staff of Souris Home Care and Souris Hospital for your compassionate care. Thank you to others for all the visits, comfort, and all of the food brought over the past year. Last but definitely not least, a big thank you to the ALS Society of PEI.

It is with heavy hearts, the family of Katherine “Kay” Sweeney (nee Campbell) announce her passing which occurred peacefully at the Kings County Memorial Hospital in Montague on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Born on May 31, 1943, she was in her 82nd year of Elmira, PEI and formerly Somerville, Massachusetts, USA. She is predeceased by her beloved husband Rufus, and will be forever loved by their children Danny, Glenn (Angela), and Susan (Alan). Kay was an extra special Nana to Riley (Emily), Jayden (Stephen), Hannah, Camden, and Ethen who brought her much Joy and happiness throughout her lifetime. She is survived by her sister Rita Goldsberry, and special friends Gen, Regina, and Linda. In addition, she will be missed by many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends. Predeceased by her parents Jimmy and Ruth Campbell, brother Harold Campbell, and special cousin Lillian. Resting at Dingwell Funeral Home where visiting hours will take place on Monday, May 5, 2025, from 6-8pm. A funeral mass will be held at the St. Columba Roman Catholic Church in Fairfield on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 4:00pm. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. If so desired, donations in memory of Kay can be made to the St. Columba Cemetery Fund.