OBITUARIES

Peacefully at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown, on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Hilda Gertrude MacLaren, passed away with family by her side. Born on September 19,1939, she was in her 87th year, of Goose River PEI. Hilda was a loving mother to Keith (Terri), Wesley (Donelda), Diane (Allan Fogarty), and Bruce. She was also a caring grandmother to Sylver, April, Ryan, Crystal, Kyle, Robbie, and Jessica, and to her 8 great grandchildren. Hilda is survived by her sisters Gladys and Alice and sister-in-law Melanie. Predeceased by her parents Andrew and Ida (nee MacPhee), brothers and sisters; Gus, Dottie, Roddy, Jack, Hazel, Raymond, Cecelia, Sissy, Emmett, Helena, Hubert and Frank. Brothers and sisters-in-law; Mary, Frank, Francis, Buster, George, Charlie and Pete. Resting at Dingwell Funeral Home where visiting hours will take place on Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 2:00-5:00pm. A funeral Mass will be held at the St. Peters Roman Catholic Church, St. Peters Bay, on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 11:00am, with interment to follow in the church cemetery. If so desired, donations in memory of Hilda can be made to the Eastern Kings Health Foundation (Souris Hospital). *Family flowers only please.

Peacefully with her loving daughters by her side at the Souris Hospital, on Friday, February 13, 2026, the death occurred of Mary Lauretta Hennessey (nee Dunphy), age 79 years, of Souris, PEI. She leaves behind her daughters Dianne Mahar (Merlin), and Marcella Hennessey, and is survived by her grandchildren, Brendon, Ryan, Lindon, Lincoln, Denver, Jayden, and Kerri, along with her 8 great grandchildren. Lauretta will be missed by her siblings Maggie Longaphie-MacEwen, and Sandra, Buddy (Debbie), Anthony, and Annie Longaphie. Predeceased by her husband Bernard Hennessey, parents Howard and Mary Dunphy, siblings Isabel Dixon, and Thelma (Leroy), Levon and Colin Longaphie, and brother-in-law Sefton Dixon. The family would like to acknowledge the exceptional care given to their mother during her time at the Bayview Lodge and Harbourview Training Centre. She will be forever loved and missed by all the staff, residences and friends. A funeral Mass will take place at the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Souris, on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 11:00am. The interment will follow in the church cemetery. If so desired, donations can be made to the St. Mary’s Cemetery Fund or Harbourview Training Centre.

On Thursday February 12th surrounded by her loving family and just ten days from her 96th birthday Joan Anne McIntosh (nee Lutz) passed away at her residence in Souris P.E.I. Joan will be forever remembered as a loving and supportive mother to Ronnie (Lorraine), Norman (Colleen), Gertie Campbell (Wayne), Chrissy MacAulay (David), Andy, Rena MacAulay (Dwain), Roger (Tania), Laura MacDonald (Joe), Beth, Lenny, Pam Whalen (Lennie), and Danny (Cindy), along with her daughters-in-law Sharon and Jeanna McIntosh. She will be deeply missed by her grandchildren Alisha (Jeremy), Robyn, Holly (Liam),Sonya (Danny),Morgan, Evan (Heidi),Candice (Joey), Kendyle (Desi), Nathan (Amy), Brandon, John (Kelsey), Matthew ,Marrissa, Josh, Kathryn, Christopher(deceased), Daniel, Nicole (Matthew), Calvin, Alex (Morgan), Jason ,Grant, Nelson (Nicole) ,Emma, Julia, Kassidy (Ronnie),Ben, Beth, Thomas, and Bridget. Also, her great grandchildren Sam, Ruby, Elliot, Evelyn, Andie, Cameron, Zach, Ava, Frankie, Emmett, Harper, Ellie, Spencer, Oliver, Vance, Nova, Ross, Grayson, Shae, and Decker. Also remembered by her special family, Connie McQuaid (Peter; deceased), Elizabeth Chaisson, Michael, Heather Lesperance (Brad), Meaghan McCormack (Lukas), Katie and JP Chaisson, and Poppy and Bo McCormack. Survived by her sisters Rita and Linda Lutz and her brother Edward of NFLD. Joan is predeceased by her beloved husband John, sons Kevin and Michael. Also, her parents Charles and Gertrude Lutz and Joan’s siblings Dorthy, Doreen, Ken, Robert “Bob” Rollie, Blanche Richard “Dick”, and Pat. Joan’s life was first and foremost about her family: caring for them and having a genuine interest in each and every one of them. She loved to go for drives with her family and with her sisters Rita and Linda. She especially liked to visit her home areas around Little River, Howe Bay, and Little Pond. She had a lifelong interest in all of Lucy Maud Montgomery books. Later in her life she loved to do crossword puzzles and often helped others get the correct answers. Most of all Joan had a special light in her eyes when little ones came to visit her. The family would like to acknowledge the kindness and compassion shown to Joan and her family by Dr. Malone, Souris Home Care, and Palliative Care team. Resting at Dingwell Funeral Home where visiting hours will take place on Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 4:00-7:00pm. A funeral mass will be held at the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Souris on Monday, February 16, 2026, at 11:00am, with interment to follow in the church cemetery. If so desired, donations in memory of Joan can be made to the St. Mary’s Cemetery Fund or the Eastern Kings Health Foundation (Souris Home Care).

It is with heavy hearts and sadness, the family of Sandra Blanche Jennings, age 78, announce her passing, which occurred peacefully with her daughter and family members by her side, on Monday, February 2nd, 2026, at the Souris Hospital. Sandra will be remembered as a loving and caring mother to her daughter Kelli Dingwell (Stephen), and special Nannie to Dayna. She will be deeply missed by her siblings, Ricky (Brenda), Nadine (Larry) and sisters-in-law Gail, Lorna, Dorothy and Mary Jennings and many nieces and nephews. She was also a very special “Sasha” to Steven, Holly, Taylor, Wesley and Charley. Predeceased by her parents Jimmy and Edna Jennings, brothers Jackie, George, Billy, Sam, Dougie, Keith, Brian, sisters Mary and Gail, infant siblings Billy and Blanche, and brother-in-law Hugh McCarville and sisters-in-law Joanne and Margaret Jennings. Sandra’s family was her first priority and nothing brought her more joy than spending time with them. When she was around her numerous dear friends, who affectionately called her "Bug," she also greatly treasured those times. As well, Sandra was a very devout woman to her faith, which carried her through some very difficult times in her life. Being an RCW for 37 years at the Colville Manor, she was known for her nurturing presence, gentle kindness, and genuine devotion to the well being of those in her care, and displayed that same affection to her family and friends. Resting at Dingwell Funeral Home where visiting hours will take place on Thursday, February 5th, 2026, from 5:00pm-8:00pm. A funeral mass will be held at the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Souris, on Friday, February 6th, 2026, at 11:00am with interment to follow in the church cemetery. If so desired, donations in memory of Sandra can be made to the Eastern Kings Health Foundation (Souris Hospital), or the St. Marys' Cemetery Fund.

It is with deep sadness, and very heavy hearts, that the family of Kent Ferron announce his passing, which occurred suddenly at his residence in Red Point, on Monday, February 2nd, 2026. Born on April 25th, 1963, he was in his 63rd year. Kent leaves behind his best friend and wife of almost 40 years, Trena (nee MacNeill), and will be remembered as a loving father to Kyle (Stephanie) and Kendra (Hayden), and as a very proud “Poppy” to his three grandchildren Noah, Jorie, and Harper. He will be deeply missed by his siblings Danette, Claudette, and Janine (Glen), mother-in-law Beryl, brother-in-law Lennie (Lynn), sisters-in-law Diane and Darlene (Carmen), and numerous aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends. Predeceased by his father Arthur Ferron, mother Bernice (nee Madore), father-in-law Lorne MacNeill, and sister-in-law Clarice Villard (nee MacNeill). Kent was a devoted family man who loved deeply. He enjoyed spending his free time fishing, clamming, tinkering on projects, watching sports, and taking great care of all his beloved animals. He will be remembered for his kindness, his strong work ethic, and the steady presence he was to his family. He will be dearly missed and forever loved. A visitation will be held at Dingwell Funeral Home on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 5:00pm-7:00pm, with interment to follow at a later date in the Kingsboro Cemetery. If so desired, donations in memory of Kent can be made to the Eastern Kings Health Foundation (Souris Hospital) or Diabetes Canada.

Peacefully at the Kings County Memorial Hospital in Montague, on Saturday, January 31, 2026, the death occurred of Roma Margaret MacDonald, in her 87th year, of Roseneath, PEI. She is predeceased by her husband Hugo (Don) Malfara and lovingly remembered by her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. Roma was a strong woman with a quiet determination and a trailblazing spirit. She left home at the age of 17 to build a life for herself in Montreal. At a time when few women were encouraged to pursue careers, she forged her own path. She began working in the textile industry and through intelligence, grit, and an unwavering work ethic she rose to be manager of marketing where she was often the only woman in the room, earning her place alongside her male counterparts. But Roma will be remembered most for her dedication to her family, subtle wit, and quiet lifestyle. She will be missed by all that knew her. Predeceased by her parents Frank MacDonald and Ethel Conway (nee Peters), and siblings Ernest MacDonald, Ruth Crispin (Earl), Frank MacDonald, Clifford MacDonald (Yolonda), Lois Gregory (George), Kevin Conway, and Mary Irene at infancy. Also predeceased by her nephews Bradley Gregory, Frank MacDonald, and grandnephew Shawn Evan Gregory, and her sister and brother in laws in Montreal Edith Malfara, Alfie Malfara (Reg), Nick Malfara (Gertie), Tony Malfara (Peggy), and Chuck Malfara (Alberta). By personal request, there will be no visitation or funeral service. A graveside committal service will take place at a later date in Montreal, Quebec. If so desired, donations in memory of Roma can be made to the Eastern Kings Health Foundation (Colville Manor) or Kings County Memorial Hospital.

Peacefully at the Souris Hospital on Thursday, January 29, 2026, Elam “Joe” Saunders, passed away surrounded by love and family. Born on July 12, 1930, he was in his 96th year, of Goose River, PEI and formerly Change Island, NL. He is survived by his beloved wife, Maddie (nee Noel), and will be fondly remembered by her children Roland (Wanda), Melinda Steele, and John (Debbie) Noel. He is survived by his grandchildren Laura, Jeanna (Matty), Troy, Anita, Emily, Abigail, Aaron, great grandchildren Cohen, Sophie, Malcolm, Malcolm, Rowan, sister-in-law Ivy Saunders, and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his first wife Audrey Cornick, parents Heber and Ida Saunders, siblings Gladys Saunders, Bertram, Janet Clouter (Saul), Roy (Edna), Frank, and son-in-law Wilfred Steele. A visitation for family and friends will be held at the Montague Pentecostal Assembly Church, 187 Douses Road, Montague, PE, on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 12:30pm, with a funeral service to follow in the church at 2:00pm. Interment will take place at a later date. If so desired, donations in memory of Joe can be made to the Montague Pentecostal Assembly Church.

It is with sadness and heavy hearts, the family of James Andrew Chaisson announce his passing, which occurred surrounded by his loving family at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown, on Thursday, January 22, 2026. Born on September 15, 1953, he was in his 73rd year of Souris, PEI. He leaves behind his beloved wife and life partner of 50 years, Vera (nee MacDonald), and their children Troy (Vanessa), Stephanie MacAdam (Colin), and Jake (Candice). Jim was a loving and supportive grandfather to Sabrina, Cassandra, Katrina, Liam, Felicia, Monica, Sam, Madelyn, Christian, Charlotte, and Julia. He is survived by his dear siblings Mary (Cecil), Loretta (Gerry), Joey, Cathy, Kenny (Donna), Margie (Wayne), Colleen (Mike), Anne Marie (David), Gerard (Cheryl), Joanne (Jackie), Frankie (Gail), Vince (Lana), along with numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members. Jim was a hard worker, always doing a meticulous job from start to finish. He had a great attention to detail and held himself to high standards. This showed in the care he took in his finished work, his dress, and his spotless car. In recent years, Jim could be seen around Souris in one of his many vehicles with a family member, or a friend he considered family in the passenger seat. Jim genuinely cared for everyone in the community and accompanied many people along different paths. He will be missed by all who knew him. Jim is predeceased by his parents Johnny and Marguerite, grandson James David “JD”, sister Helen, daughter-in-law Manon, sister-in-law Abby and brother-in-law Bobby Gregory. Resting at Dingwell Funeral Home where visiting hours will take place on Sunday, January 25, 2026, from 3:00pm-6:00pm. A funeral Mass will be held at the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Souris, on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 11:00am with interment to follow in the church cemetery. If so desired, donations in memory of Jim can be made to the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church Cemetery Fund. Please click on the link below to watch the funeral mass for James Andrew Chaisson http://youtube.com/watch?v=dn-GDZQ6KQg

Peacefully at the Colville Manor on Friday, January 16, 2026, Therese Peters (nee MacCormack), passed away surrounded by her loving family. Born in Launching, PE to the late Jack and Mary MacCormack (MacLean) on August 12, 1929, she was in her 97th year. She is predeceased by her beloved husband, Joey, and was a loving mother to Alan (Sheila), Sheryll Mullin (Danny; deceased), David (deceased) (Susan), Greg and Tammy Rice (Jason). Therese was a cherished grandmother to Troy (Melanie), Kelly (John), Sheri (Mike), Conor (Alycia), Celia (Dan), Jayne (Nic), Alex, Simon, Keiran, Dan, Bennett and Abby. Dear great-grandmother to Haley, Audrey, Hadley, Ella, Hannah, Seth, Sophia, Kaelynn Hudson, Maud, Oona, Cormac, Ethan, Matthew, and Isaac, and great-great grandmother to Kash. Fondly remembered by numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her father and mother-in law, Reggie and Gertie Peters, siblings Dan (Buddy), John, Mary, Anne, Susan and forever remembered by her loving sister, Jean. Therese’s kind nature and ability to connect with others will forever be her legacy. She truly had friends of all ages and could easily build relationships with everyone she met. Therese rarely missed a curling game on TV and loved the energy she felt from a good fiddle tune. Special thanks to staff at Souris Hospital and Colville Manor for providing the very best loving care to our mom. Resting at Dingwell Funeral Home in Souris, where a visitation will take place on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, from 4-7pm. A funeral Mass will be held at the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Souris, on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 11:00am. Interment will take place at a later date in the St. Alexis Roman Catholic Church Cemetery, Rollo Bay, PE. If so desired, donations in memory of Therese can be made to the St. Alexis Cemetery Fund or the Eastern Kings Health Foundation (Colville Manor).

It is with heavy hearts and sadness, the family of Elizabeth “Betty” Ann Paynter (nee Carter), announce her passing, which occurred at the Souris Hospital on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Born on August 11,1947, she was in her 79th year, of Souris, PEI. She is predeceased by her beloved husband, Wendell Paynter. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughters, Wendy Paynter; Tracy Jackman (Michael); and Shelly O’Connor (Kevin). She will be deeply missed by her grandchildren, Kassidy (Colton), Summer (Jack), Zachary, and Lindsay, who brought her immense pride and joy. In addition, Betty is survived by her dear siblings Rosie, Georgina (David), David, Gary (Lorraine), Shelia (David), Karen (Wayne), Randy (Stella), Shawna, and Wayne. Predeceased by her brothers George, Gordon, and James. The family extends sincere thanks to Dr. Malone and the staff at Souris Hospital, and want to acknowledge the unwavering support of Jean Carter, a cherished member of our family and Shelley Hennessey, Mom’s best friend, for the love, daily visits, and unwavering support they shown Mom during these last two months in hospital. The family is also grateful to the Alcoholics Anonymous community for their steady support and fellowship throughout Betty’s many years of sobriety, which she valued deeply. Betty will be remembered for her kind heart, her love of storytelling, and her quick wit. She truly loved a good laugh and sharing a joke with those around her. In keeping with Betty’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. A graveside committal service and interment will take place at a later date, beside her husband (Wendell Paynter) in the St. Alban’s Anglican Church Cemetery, Souris, PEI. However, friends and family are welcome to share a memory or reach out to the family. If desired, donations in memory of Betty may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.