OBITUARIES

Peacefully at the Souris Hospital, on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, the death occurred of Charles “Charlie” Blaisdell. Born in Fortune, PE to the late Duncan and Lucy Blaisdell on January 29, 1940, he was aged 83 years. He will be lovingly remembered by his best friend and companion Kathern Garrett, along with his sons Chris (Cory), Randy (Amanda) and stepdaughter Karla Burns (Greg). Charlie was a caring and fun-loving grampie to Catlin (Jessie), Kendel (Jonathan), Kilby (Logan), Brittany (Kyle), Rebecca, Callie (Blake), Waylen, Avery, Merrin and great grampie to Lilly, Wyatt, Georgia and Darcy. In addition, he is survived by his sister Hazel MacLaren (Wesley) along with extended family and friends. Predeceased by his infant sister and grandparents Charlie and Ida Mae Wilt whom he dearly loved. Resting at Dingwell Funeral Home where visiting hours will take place on Friday, March 17, 2023 from 5:00pm-8:00pm. A funeral service will be held at the Dundas United Church, Dundas, PE on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 1:00pm with interment to follow in the Old Dundas Acorn Cemetery. If so desired, memorial donations can be made to the Dundas United Church and are gratefully appreciated by the family.

Peacefully at the Colville Manor on Friday, March 3, 2023, George Kells passed away with his loving wife and daughter by his side. He was aged 85 years of St. Margarets and formerly Charlottetown. He was the beloved husband of 65 years to his dear wife Anne (nee MacDonald) and will be remembered as a loving father to Patricia Kells (Bruce McIntosh), Joanne Petrunik (Bill) and Susan Christie (Neil). George will be missed by his grandchildren Elise, Christopher (Liz), Brian, Alec (Ali), Robert, Ian and by his great granddaughter and namesake Kelsey. Family gatherings at the cottage were the highlight of his life. George is survived by his siblings Maude Kemp (Bob), Monty (Carol) and Elliot (Janet) Kells and extended members of the MacDonald family. Predeceased by his parents William and Mary Kells and parents-in-law Arthur and Mary MacDonald of Souris. George led his life fully and with dedication to his principles. He believed in service to his country and care of the family. His career was devoted to 45 years in the Canadian Armed Forces. As a retired Major General, he then served as the Human Rights Commissioner for PEI. He was respectfully known as a leader who listens. The family would like to express their appreciation to the entire nursing and supportive staff at the Colville Manor, along with his devoted caregiver Bev McIntyre. The care and kindness shown to George during his stay at the manor will always be remembered. A visitation will take place at Dingwell Funeral Home with a Funeral Mass to follow at the St. Margarets Roman Catholic Church. Completed arrangements will be announced at a later date. If so desired, donations in memory of George can be made to the Eastern Kings Health Foundation (Colville Manor).

It is with sadness the family of Alphons van Vlymen announce his peaceful passing which occurred with family by his side at the Souris Hospital on Thursday, March 2, 2023. He was aged 82 years of Red Point and formerly Wellesley, Ontario. He is predeceased by his beloved wife Thea (nee Hollweg) who passed on December 10, 2020, and will be forever loved by his daughter Heidi (Gerard MacNeil) and son Markus (Donna Holmes). Alphons was also a most loving grandfather to Little Markus (Boo) and Little Thea Mae. In addition, he is survived by his sister Anneke Sevenster (Jan) and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his dear son Fritz van Vlymen (September 20, 2019) and siblings Jos, Ineke and John van Vlymen. Resting at Dingwell Funeral Home where visiting hours will take place on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 from 4-7pm. A funeral service for both Alphons and his wife Thea will be held at the Kingsboro Baptist Church on Friday, March 10, 2023 at 2:00pm. If so desired, donations in memory of Alphons and Thea can be made to the Eastern Kings Health Foundation (Souris Hospital or Colville Manor).

Walter E. Mahar died peacefully at Colville Manor in Souris on Monday, February 27th at 78 years of age. Formerly of Souris West, Walter is survived by his sisters and brothers-in-law Mary and Robert Rossiter, Betty and Allen Roach, and Danny Stanley. He is predeceased by his parents Edward and Margaret (Steele) Mahar and sisters Margie Stanley and Josie Cross, as well as brother-in-law Jim Cross. Walter trained as a diesel mechanic. Some of the locales he worked included: Labrador City, Newfoundland; Flin Flon, Manitoba; Ottawa, Ontario; and Sudbury, Ontario, which was his favorite. He loved listening to country music, working on engines, and clocks (buying them, listening to them, and fixing them). Walter’s family would like to express thanks to the following individuals: the staff at Colville Manor who took such wonderful care of Walter in his final years; the staff at Bayview Lodge in Souris – especially Janice Carter-Gallant; Dr. Craig Malone; and his cousins Theresa Murphy and the late Earl Mullally, who never forgot Walter. A private family visitation and public funeral will be held at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Souris in April. If so desired, a memorial donation to the Eastern Kings Health Foundation (Colville Manor) or The Heart and Stroke Foundation of PEI in Walter’s memory would be appreciated.

Peacefully at the Colville Manor on Thursday, February 16, 2023, “Judy” Ann Nowlan (nee Schurman) passed away with her loving husband by her side. She was aged 76 years of Souris, PE. She was the beloved wife of 55 years to her dear husband Gilles and will be forever loved by their sons Alyre and Carl and deeply missed by her granddaughter Brenda. She is survived by her siblings Clara Rafuse, George Schurman (Donna), Ann Knox (John) and Rodney Hogg (Ruth). Also, by her sisters-in-law Dianne Hache, Corrine Lowell, and Linda Nowlan. Predeceased by her parents Bruce and Myrtle Schurman, dear son Claude, brother Eric, and brothers-in-law Joey Rafuse, Guy Nowlan, Andre Hache and Ross Lowell. The family wishes to acknowledge the exceptional care given to Judy by all the nursing and supportive staff during her time at the Manor. Their care and support will always be remembered. A Funeral Mass will be held at the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Souris, on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at 11:00am with interment to follow in the St. Alexis Roman Catholic Church Cemetery, Rollo Bay. By personal request, there will be no visitation. If so desired, donations in memory of Judy can be made to the Eastern Kings Health Foundation (Colville Manor) or the St. Alexis Cemetery Fund.

It is with much sadness and heavy hearts, the family of Leona Margaret Savoie (nee Carter), announce her passing which occurred surrounded by love at the Provincial Palliative Care Centre in Charlottetown on Saturday, February 11, 2023. Born to the late Garfield and Helen Carter on June 11, 1947, she was aged 75 years of Souris, PE. Leona was a caring and devoted wife of 58 years to her husband Norman and will be forever loved by their children Lynette (Joseph), Norman “Bumper”, Paula (Adrian), Nancy (Andrew) and Suzanne (Blaine). In addition, she will be remembered as a most caring Nanny to Lauren, Dylan, Austin, Cassie, Brady and “Old” Nanny to Tia, Eden, Gage and Ellie. She is survived by her dear siblings Paulette, Terry (Jean), Blair, Verna, and Janeen (Dale). Also, fondly remembered by her in-laws Bonita Carter, Noella (Bert), Vince, Maryanne (Bobby), Sylvia (Jimmy), Alice, Linda, Bobby (Pauline), Joanne (Mario), Anne, Linda, and Tania Savoie; special Aunt Dolly, beloved friend Joyce Perry; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins whom she dearly loved. Predeceased by her brothers Eric “Bim”, Austin, David, Colin, and Harvey Carter, a great grandbaby, brothers-in-law Sonny, Gerald, Melvin, Fred, Lloyd, Wayne, and sister-in-law Lucille. Resting at Dingwell Funeral Home where a private visitation will take place for family and invited guests. A funeral mass will be held at the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at 1:00pm with interment to follow in the church cemetery. If so desired, donations can be made to the St. Mary’s Cemetery Fund or the Provincial Palliative Care Centre and are appreciated by the family.

Peacefully at the Souris Hospital on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, Thomas Edward Walters passed away with his loving family by his side. He was aged 85 years of St. Peters Bay and formerly Hamilton, Ontario. He is predeceased by his beloved first wife Phyllis (nee Smith) and will be forever loved by their children Randy Walters, Sandra Bailey (Mike), Leeann Steacy (Tony), and Shelley Bevan (Ron). Ted will be fondly remembered by his grandchildren Brittany and Randilee Walters, Tia MacEachern (John), Nathan Bailey (Tara), Cory and Naaman Walters, and KJ, Kaitlyn, Joseph, Shania and Amanda Rous. In addition, he is survived by numerous great grandchildren who loved him dearly. Survived by brother Gordon Walters (Cheryl). Predeceased by his parents Archibald and Pearl (nee Smith) Walters, his dear second wife Jane (nee Duncan), along with his brother Frank Walters (Audrey). By personal request, there will be no visitation or funeral service. A graveside service for family will take place at a later date in Ontario. If so desired, donations in memory of Ted can be made to the Eastern Kings Health Foundation (Souris Hospital).

It is with heavy hearts the family of James "Bernard" MacDonald, announce his sudden passing on Thursday February 2nd, 2023. Born in North Lake, he was 62 years old and the youngest son of the late Jim and Beatrice (nee Cheverie) MacDonald. Survived by his siblings; Gerry MacDonald, Bernadette McInnis, Loretta (Leroy) Walsh, Charlie (Helen) MacDonald, Victor (Debbie) MacDonald; sister-in-law Anne MacDonald and aunt Marie MacDonald. He will be deeply missed by his nieces and nephews; Vanessa (Duane) Mahar, Johanna (David) Field, Kara (James) Campbell, Susanne (Sean) Connors, Brodie (Emily) MacDonald, Lisa (Aaron) Cooper and Andrew (Lyndsay) MacDonald. Bernard will be fondly remembered by his special grand nieces and nephews; Amelia and Daniel Mahar, Lauren and Vivian Field, Elizabeth Campbell, Rohan Connors, Chuck MacDonald and Ellie and Penny MacDonald. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers Johnny and Leonard, sister Patricia, brother-in-law Leo McInnis and sister-in-law Mary MacDonald. Resting at Dingwell Funeral Home where visiting hours will take place on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 from 4pm-7pm. A funeral Mass will be held at the St. Columba Roman Catholic Church, Fairfield on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 11:00am with interment to follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Columba Cemetery Fund or Souris Meals on Wheels.

It is with much sadness, the family of Joyce Helen O’Brien announce her passing which occurred peacefully at the Kings County Memorial Hospital, Montague on Wednesday, February 1, 2023. She was aged 71 years of Souris and formerly Morell, PEI. Joyce was a faithful and devoted wife of 52 years to her beloved husband Earl Gregory and will be forever loved by her daughter Alana Martell (Adam) and grandsons Dakota McGregor, Clarke and Drew Martell. She is lovingly remembered by her siblings Doreen Birt (Roy), Louise Shepard (Lester Campbell), Donnell (Susan), Claude (Nancy), Lloyd (Jane), and Anthony (Rose) along with extended members of the Gregory family. Predeceased by her parents Smith and Agatha O’Brien, son David, brother Pat and dear granddaughter Chelcie McGregor. Joyce will be remembered for her kindness, compassion, and above of all, her selflessness. Whether she was hosting family and friends, or preparing a complimentary meal for those in need, she continuously put others needs above her own. Joyce was also devoted to her role as a resident care worker and dedicated the majority of her time serving others. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Resting at Dingwell Funeral Home where visiting hours will take place on Sunday, February 5, 2023 from 2pm-5pm. A funeral mass will be held at the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church on Monday, February 6, 2023 at 11:00am with interment to follow in the church cemetery. If so desired, donations in memory of Joyce can be made to the MacIntyre House and are appreciated by the family.

Peacefully at the Saint John Regional Hospital on Thursday, January 26, 2023, the death occurred of Linda Alice Dingwell. She was in her 76th year of North Winsloe and formerly Fortune Bridge, PE. She will be remembered as a loving mother to David, Tracy and Lisa Mills. In addition, she will be deeply missed by her grandchildren Paige Spencer (Cam), Tanner, Dawson, Hannah, Caelan, Devin, Alyssa and Chloe Mills and great-grandchildren Kamala Mills, Hailey and Keagan Spencer. Linda is survived by her dear sister Joyce Ramer and best friend Marlene. She will also be missed by her fur baby Bosco. Predeceased by her parents George and Hilda, brother Keith Dingwell, infant sister Ruth Dingwell and grandson Griffin Mills-Blackett. Resting at Dingwell Funeral Home where visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 from 4pm-8pm. A funeral service will take place in the Bay Fortune United Church on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at 1:00pm with interment to follow in the church cemetery. If so desired, donations in memory of Linda can be made to the Alzheimer Society of PEI or the Bay Fortune United Church.