OBITUARIES

It is with sadness, much love and appreciation for a life well lived, that we announce the passing of Grace Ryan of Priest Pond in her 90th year. Ann Grace Ryan (nee MacEachern) was born in Lakeville on April 14th, 1935, and passed away at home on February 21st, 2026. She was the daughter of Angus D. MacEachern and Mary Ellen MacDonald. Grace was a Northsider. She grew up in Priest Pond and Lakeville. She attended Priest Pond and North Lake School. She briefly left the Island for employment and was back within two weeks. She had no wish to be anywhere else and remained here, only leaving for vacation trips. Grace had a fierce love for the Island and everyone she cared about. She was a guiding hand and pillar of strength for many and did so, quietly, behind the scenes. She embraced the northside values of family, faith, farming and fishing. At 22, she married Bernard Ryan and moved to the Ryan farm in Priest Pond where they raised their son Kevin. Grace worked the livestock and was quite involved with her dairy herd and the special breed of cows that she raised. The farm prospered under her guidance and steadfast determination. By the 1980’s the farm operation was scaled back, and after Bernard passed, with no farming to be done and no fishing fleet, Grace travelled to Scotland and Ireland. She kept herself busy with poetry, knitting and receiving visitors in her home. She enjoyed watching the different species of birds coming to the feeder and into the Pond. Grace had a love of animals and an appreciation for nature, and it was that appreciation that resulted in her donating the land that her childhood frog pond was on in North Lake to Souris Wildlife. Grace was a grand storyteller like her father Angus and shared many happy and sad tales, keeping family memories alive. Grace lived for 69 years at the Pond. Later in her life she had two goals, to bring family back to the Island and to leave this earth from her home. Her stories, kindness, compassion, generosity, and wit brought the family back and her determination or according to her “contrariness”, and the support of family allowed her to remain in her home until she passed. Grace is survived by her grandson Devin Holmes of Saskatoon, SK and Luke Romans-Ryan of Stratford, PE as well as her cousins Jim and Laura MacEachern of North Lake, PE and Larry and Isobel Fitzpatrick of Priest Pond, PE. She is also survived by extended family in Ontario and the New England States. She was predeceased by her parents, an infant sister Catherine in 1934, husband Bernard Ryan in 1995 and son Kevin Ryan in 2018. Resting at Dingwell Funeral Home, Souris, where a visitation will be held on Thursday, February 26th, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 pm. A funeral mass will take place at the St. Columba Church, Fairfield, on Friday, February 27th, at 11:00am. Interment will take place at a later date in the church cemetery. The family would like to thank the staff of Souris Homecare/ Palliative Care and Dr. Tom Bronaugh. In leu of flowers the family request donations to the Eastern Kings Health Foundation (Souris Homecare/ Palliative Care) or the St. Columba Cemetery Fund.

Joseph John Keen, age 81, of Roseneath, PEI, passed away peacefully at the Gillis Lodge, Belfast, with his children by his side, on Saturday, February 21, 2026. Joseph is survived by his wife Rose and will be deeply missed by his children Bill (Leny), Marjorie (Ron), June (Sean), and Amy (Mike). He will also be missed by his grandchildren Dustin, Matt, Kenny, April, Dana, Shane, Sarah, James, Daniel, Zack and Emily, as well as his great grandchildren Benjamin and Aiden. Predeceased by his children Jay and Gord; great granddaughter Mila, brothers Robert and Frank, and his parents William and Amelia. A special thank you goes out to the staff of the Gillis Lodge who treated Joe like family the moment he came into their care. They fondly remember him as a gentle and kind soul. By personal request, there will be no funeral services. If so desired, donations can be made to the Union Cemetery, Souris West.

It is with sadness, the family of James Louis MacDonald, announce his passing, which occurred peacefully with family by his side, at the Souris Hospital, on Friday, February 20, 2026. Born on March 22, 1946, he was aged 79 years, of Chepstow PEI. James is survived by his beloved wife Claire and will be forever loved by their children Charlotte Burke (Gordie), and Daryl MacDonald. He was a fun-loving grandfather to Crystal, Brodie Burke, Kayla MacDonald, and great grandfather to Reagan, Raffe, Meadowe, and Beau. James will be deeply missed by his siblings Anne MacCormac, Cecil (Mary), Simon MacDonald (Arlene), Gerald MacDonald (Rose), and uncle Earl (Elaine) MacDonald. James enjoyed spending time with family and friends in the summer at the cottage. He was a devoted carpenter with Cahill’s Construction for many years. He loved working with all kinds of wood, and many homes were built beautifully with his touch. On weekends in spring, you would find him checking out the cottages to see that they were all ready for the summer people when they arrive. He will be missed by many people, especially his wife Claire, his immediate family, friends and his U.S. family. Predeceased by his parents Joe and Genevieve MacDonald, parents-in-law John and Bertha MacCormac, granddaughter Melissa Burke, sisters-in-law Nancy and Barb MacCormac, and brothers-in-law Emmett, Bernard and Gerald MacCormac. Resting at Dingwell Funeral Home, where visiting hour will take place on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 4:00-7:00pm. A funeral Mass will be held at the St. Margaret’s Roman Catholic Church, St. Margaret’s on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 11:00am. Interment will take place at a later date in the church cemetery. If so desire, donations in memory of James can be made to the St. Margaret’s Cemetery Fund, or the Eastern Kings Health Foundation (Souris Hospital).

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.