OBITUARIES

Surrounded by love and by his family, Peter ‘Petie’ McInnis aged 88 of Souris, PEI passed away at the Souris Hospital on November 29th. Petie was the beloved husband of Margaret ‘Peg’ McInnis (Sheehan) for 62 years. Cherished father of Donna (CND), Theresa (Libbie), Janet (Philip), Kevin (Patsy), Lisa (Jon) and Jamie (Kim). Grampie to Chelsey (Garry), Tegan (Darcy), Melanie, Laura, Matthew, Erin, Carlyn and Julia. Grampie Cookie to Isla and Bennett Gregory and Poppy Petie to Grace and Aiden O’Hanley. Lovingly remembered by his sister Dot MacIntyre, many nieces and nephews and extended members of the Sheehan family. Predeceased by his parents, Peter and Laura (Mallard) McInnis, his siblings Mary (Mac) MacKay, John (Flo), Harold, Harry and Joe McInnis, his brother-in-law Johnny Willie MacIntyre, special cousin Albert (Theresa) Mallard and by Mom’s parents Hugh and Agnes Sheehan and many extended members of the Sheehan family. Over the years Dad took great pride in his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Each in their own time became the subject of his ‘little one stories – Did I tell you what the ‘little one’ said/did?” He loved to jig and sing little ditties to the kids – often making up his own tunes. He loved to make the kids giggle and laugh – teasing was his first nature. He often reminded the children that they ‘made his day’. His faith was strong and this gift enabled him to face many struggles in his life especially health issues. His stubbornness and perseverance poked fun at the expression ‘The cat with 9 lives.’ We often said he was on number 15 and counting. He loved horse racing, playing cards, going to benefits, Doublemint gum (He had a reputation as the ‘The Gum Man’ - passing out sticks of gum to kids in church.), listening to old time music and of course, watching his beloved Maple Leafs – maybe next year, Dad! During covid days, it would be normal to find him and mom sitting in the living room simultaneously watching a hockey game on the TV, live horse racing on the computer parked next to the TV with old time music in the background. He was a self-taught man who learned the trades of plumbing and burner service. He often told stories of walking through waist-deep snow to help someone in need. Resting at Dingwell Funeral Home where visiting hours will be held on Thursday, December 2, from 6-9 p.m. (Vax pass and photo ID required). A funeral mass (invitation only) will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Souris. Interment to follow at the St. Alexis Roman Catholic Cemetery in Rollo Bay. If so desired, donations made to the St. Alexis Cemetery Fund or the Eastern Kings Health Foundation (Souris Hospital) would be greatly appreciated by the family. Go in peace Dad – you have fought the good fight! We will always treasure the gift that you have been in our lives.

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Leonard Walter MacDonald. Leonard, a beloved husband, Dad, and Poppy, passed away very peacefully, surrounded by his family, at the Souris Hospital, on Sunday, November 21, 2021, at the age of 84. Deeply missed and forever loved by his wife of 58 years, Ann (nee Whalen), children Lennie (Jeannie), Barbara (Don), Gail (Frankie), Cindy (Ronnie), and Darcy (Melissa), and 18 grandchildren: Coady, Tim, Matthew, Keirson, Carol-Ann, Kendel, Symonne, Jacob, Jesse, Kathryn, Austin, Luke, Isaac, Jenny, Abby, Jack, Madison, Nash and 5 great grandchildren: Chloe, Teo, Tanner, Mila and Oliver, as well as brother, Kenny (Frances), sisters, Walena (Carl) & Bernadette, brother-in-law, John (Christine), sisters-in-law, Theresa & Helen, Aunt Rose, and god-daughter & special niece, Linda. In addition, he will be deeply missed by many nieces and nephews, as well as members of the extended Whalen family. Predeceased by his parents Walter & Eileen (nee Bailey), brothers, Arnold and Melvin, brothers-in-law, Albert & Danny, and sisters-in-law Mary, Helen, Margaret & Jean and god-daughter Lori-Ann. Leonard was born into a farming family in Chepstow and started picking potatoes as soon as he could walk. After spending his early teens on the large farm, he and his brother, Melvin, headed for Toronto but eventually found themselves back in Chepstow. The two bought an old boat for $5.00, repaired an engine they salvaged off the beach and began fishing. Leonard went on to have a successful fishing career. He was also an avid carpenter and spent a lot of time not only swinging a hammer for himself but for his family and friends. He was heavily involved with the original hockey rink in Souris and was one of the driving forces in the construction of the new community rink. He was also instrumental in bringing the sport of ringette to Souris. He was also involved with minor hockey and ringette and managed several teams through the years. Although his “on-ice” time was limited to broomball, he definitely knew the game of hockey and would voice his opinion regularly on the decisions made by the Maple Leaf’s organization. Resting at Dingwell Funeral Home where public visiting hours will take place on Thursday, November 25, 2021 from 6-9pm (Vax pass and photo i.d. required). A funeral mass for invited guests will be celebrated at the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, on Friday, November 26, 2021 at 2:00PM, with interment to follow in the church cemetery. Donations in memory of Leonard can be made to the Eastern Kings Health Foundation (Souris Hospital) and are appreciated by the family.

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Leo Joseph Miller, a beloved husband, Dad and Grampy, peacefully and surrounded by his loving family, at 10:15 am on Saturday, November 20, 2021 at the age of 73. Left to mourn are his wife of 52 years, Joan (nee MacDonald), children Lori (Billy), Kelli (Mark), Leo and Keila (Terry), and 6 grandchildren: Ayden and Maddox Clinton, Austin and Sophie Kickham, and Kallie and Breah Miller, as well as brother-in-law LeRoy (Sally) MacDonald, sisters-in-law Anne Miller and Helen MacKenzie, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Leo was a well-known carpenter and musician. He was foreman on the special builds of his two daughters’ houses, as well as many more builds with his 42 years at Clinton & MacAulay (B. Clinton Construction), then as a “window man” for Souris Home Hardware, and local handy man until his death. Leo loved to play music at local benefits, jam sessions with his friends and grandchildren, and strumming on his own. He could play any instrument, but mostly played guitar and mandolin. He enjoyed bluegrass music, and loved to take part in the local Bluegrass Festival. Leo was an avid outdoorsman, who loved to be outside hunting, fishing, swimming, snorkeling, water skiing, walking, and sharing these activities with his family and friends. He loved all animals, from numerous family dogs, to bunnies, guinea pigs, fish, horses, and outdoor “rescues” of raccoons, foxes, hares and pheasants. We are sure he is surrounded by all these companions now. Resting at Dingwell Funeral Home where visiting hours will take place on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 from 5-8pm (Vax pass and photo i.d. required). A funeral mass for invited guests will be celebrated at the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church with interment to follow in the church cemetery at a later date. Donations in memory of Leo can be made to Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation or Eastern Kings Health Foundation (Souris Hospital) and are appreciated by the family.

It is with great sadness the family of Doris Ann Sheehan (nee MacDonald) announce her peaceful passing which occurred surrounded by family at the Souris Hospital on Saturday, November 20, 2021. She was aged 80 years of Rollo Bay, PE. She is predeceased by her beloved husband Gerard and will be forever loved by her children Karen Sheehan, Richard (Carolyn), Glynn (Charity), Roger (Cindy) and Gary (Mindy). Doris was a loving and dear grandmother to Katelyn, Brittany, Madalyn, Owen, Avery, Makenzie, Alivia, Ethan and Nate. Also to mourn her loss are siblings Shirley MacDonald, Helene MacKinnon (Hughie), Audrey Sweeney and numerous nieces, nephews and extended members of the Sheehan family. Predeceased by her parents Margaret and Hughie MacDonald, brother Alban MacDonald and brother-in-law George Sweeney. Resting at Dingwell Funeral Home where visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 from 6-9pm (Vax pass and photo i.d. required). A funeral mass by invitation only will be held at the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church with interment to follow in the St. Alexis Roman Catholic Church Cemetery, Rollo Bay. If so desired, donations made to the Eastern Kings Hospice Inc. or the Souris Hospital would be appreciated by the family.

Peacefully at home on Tuesday, November 16, 2021, E. Mark Rose passed away surrounded by family and much love. He was aged 55 years of Souris West, PE. He was the beloved husband of 28 years to his dear wife Sheila (nee MacClure) and will always be remembered as a proud and loving father to his children Deanna LaBrech, Carolyn MacPhee (Dustin), Tyler and Jenny. Mark was a fun and caring grampie to Callum MacPhee. He leaves behind his siblings Marion McMillan (Earl), Marie Lee (Murray Fraser), Matthew (Rosie) and Molly Rose-Smith (Peter). He is also fondly remembered by his mother-in-law Louise MacClure and brothers and sisters-in-law Shane & Shirley, Janet & Joe, Cindy & Pete, Cheryl & Lee, and Patty & Lindsay. Mark also had numerous nieces and nephews on both sides of the Rose and MacClure families whom he loved dearly. He will also be missed by his “second dad” Jiggs Poole. Predeceased by his parents Edgar and Sharon (Connolly) Rose, brother Chuck, father-in-law Derrell MacClure, and brothers-in-law Laurie and Wade MacClure. Mark grew up in the woods of East Baltic, skipping school to go hunting, trapping, and fishing with his father. From a young age, he knew he was not meant for school, but that fishing was in his blood, often quoting that he never worked a day in his life because he loved his job so much. It was imperative to him that new fishers take leadership in the sustainability and future of the fishery. He had a deep love for nature, and the ocean, which he carried with him every day and passed onto his children, all four of whom he took extreme pride in. Whenever he was not on the water or with his family, Mark was found at the rink, on the phone, or having coffee and a chat with his myriad of friends, whom he spoke fondly and often of and loved to tell stories with. You often heard him before you saw him, and he made it known when he made his entrance anywhere. Mark spoke his mind and stood up for what he believed in, never afraid to call a spade a spade. He was a little rough around the edges but had a heart of gold and was always the first to help a friend in need. Mark will be remembered for his three loves in life: fishing, family, and friends. Mark passed away at 3 am... just in time to go fishing forever. Resting at Dingwell Funeral Home where a public visitation will take place on Saturday, November 20, 2021 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm (proof of vaccination will be required). A private funeral service for close friends and family will be held at the Kingsboro Baptist Church with interment to take place at South Lake Church Cemetery at a later date. Following the funeral service, the family invites all for a last drive around North Lake Harbour. If so desired, donations made to Eastern Kings Sportsplex or Souris Food bank would be appreciated by the family.

It is with the heaviest of hearts and extreme sadness, the family of Melissa Dawn and Layla Lauren MacDonald announce their sudden passing which occurred as the result of a motor vehicle accident on Sunday, November 14, 2021 in Cardigan, PE. Melissa (nee McNeill), age 36 years formerly of Richmond, PE and Layla, age 8 years of Fortune, PE. They leave behind a loving husband and father Adam MacDonald and dear son and brother Alex. Both will be deeply missed by parents and grandparents Shane and Holly McNeill, Gary and Maureen MacDonald and great-grandparents Joan FitzGerald, Faith McNeill, Garnet and Marilyn MacDonald and Alycia Weir. In addition, Melissa is survived by her siblings Barry (Cassie), Chad (Samantha) and Megan (Colby). Also to mourn the loss are Adam’s siblings Jason (Shallon), Erin (Paul), Sarah (Joel) and Layla’s special cousins Isabelle, Paul, Parker, Archie, McKenna, Bo, Luke and Ewan. The family would like to acknowledge the special friendship both Melissa and Layla had with Brett, Allison, Tina, Shawn and Mitchel. Predeceased by Melissa’s paternal grandfather Bill McNeill, maternal grandfather Lorne FitzGerald, uncle Barry FitzGerald and Layla’s paternal great grandfather Paul Weir. Resting at Dingwell Funeral Home where a private visitation will take place for family and friends. A funeral mass will be held at the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Souris with interment to follow in the St. Charles Roman Catholic Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Melissa and Layla can be made to Alex’s Education Fund at the CIBC in Souris. To view Melissa and Layla’s funeral mass, please click on the link below: https://youtu.be/_um7SdpZVfg

Ray passed away peacefully at the Kings County Memorial Hospital, Montague in his 89th year with family by his side. He leaves to mourn his caring wife of 58 years Lena (nee McCarthy), daughter Nancy (Clay) and was predeceased by his loving son Junior in March 2021. Survived by brothers Philip (Gerry), Tommy (Marlene), Pat (Doreen), Mike (Claire); sister Nancy (Nick) and by his extended McCarthy family. Predeceased by his parents Edward and Josephine Moore; brothers Johnie, Neil, Bert, Ronnie; sisters Helen, Frances, Marjorie, Betty all from Ontario and also by his father and mother-in-law Joseph and Bertha McCarthy, sister-in-law Donna and niece Crystle. Ray worked hard all his whole life and grew up on a farm in Ontario. He left home at an early age to work on PEI in 1959. He had many jobs which included driving a transfer truck for Frank Rush, working at potatoes and carpentry. Ray really enjoyed his life. May he rest in peace. A funeral mass will be held at the St. Cuthbert’s Roman Catholic Church, St. Teresa, with visiting hours in the church prior to the mass. Following the funeral service, interment will take place in the church cemetery. If so desired, donations in memory of Raymond can be made to St. Cuthbert’s Cemetery Fund. If you wish to attend the mass, please contact the funeral home for services details.

Peacefully at the Souris Hospital on Friday, November 5, 2021, Mae Fiander (nee MacDonald) passed away with her loving children by her side. She was aged 76 years of Souris, PE. She is predeceased by her beloved husbands George and Ted and will be forever loved by her son Joe Fiander and daughter Charlotte MacEachern (Angus). Mae is survived by her grandchildren whom she dearly loved Jessi, Chelsea and Jake MacEachern. In addition, she is survived by her siblings Colleen Sullivan (Dick) of Boston Mass., Joe “Maverick” MacDonald (Rose) of Souris Line Road and sister-in-law and dear friend Theresa “Mickey” MacDonald of Souris. Predeceased by her parents Roy and Lottie MacDonald, infant son John Gordon, brothers Jack, Mickey and Roddie and sister Arlene MacDonald. A private liturgy of the word will take place at Dingwell Funeral Home for invited guests with interment at a later date in the St. Alban’s Church Cemetery. If so desired, donations made to the Eastern Kings Health Foundation (Souris Hospital) would be greatly appreciated by the family.

It is with sadness the family of Esther Deborah Gillam announce her peaceful passing which occurred surrounded by love at the Souris Hospital on Sunday, October 31, 2021. She was aged 70 years of Souris, PE. Esther was a caring and loving mother to Shawn “Chico” Laybolt (Michelle), Kelly MacDonald (Todd) and her late son Craig Carter. She will be deeply missed by her grandchildren Kelsey Woods (James), Jasmine (Steven), Darian, Emily, Carly, and Taylor Dawn Bishop. Esther was also a dear sister to Billy Gillam (Carla), and will be forever loved by her best friend Mary Trainor. Predeceased by her parents William and Marion Gillam, siblings Phyllis, Roger, and Mary; her best friend and life partner Wally Wall and special aunt and “mom” Margaret Mossman. A private celebration of life for friends and family will be held at Dingwell Funeral Home with a visitation prior to the service. If so desired, donations in memory of Esther can be made to the PEI Humane Society.

The death occurred peacefully with family by his side, at the Souris Hospital on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 of Jerard Thomas Hanlon. He was in his 89th year of New Zealand, PE. He is predeceased by his beloved wife Mary Leila (nee Peters) and will be lovingly remembered as a dear father to Wayne (Judy), Dena Doyle (Jim) and Ian Hanlon. Jerard is fondly remembered by his grandchildren Angela (Nick), Kevin (Erin), Mary Theresa and Jane Hanlon (Nick); Shawn Paling (Erica); Jared (Leah), Kathryn (Jason) and Emma Doyle and by his great grandchildren Cole, Owen and Sloane. In addition, he will be missed by numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws. Survived by his siblings Marie McKenna, Joan Davidson (Steve), Edna MacInnis, Ann Kirby, Elaine Jenkins (Cy), Barbara Coles (Parker) and Jimmy Hanlon. Predeceased by his parents Jim and Mary Hanlon, sister Ellen Veader (Francis), brothers-in-law John McKenna and Danny MacInnis. Resting at Dingwell Funeral Home where visiting hours will take place for family and invited guests. A funeral mass will be held at the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Souris with interment to follow in the St. Alexis Church Cemetery, Rollo Bay. Please note that proof of vaccination will be required for those attending the visitation. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Eastern Kings Health Foundation (Souris Hospital).