The morning is cold and brisk, but bright sunshine cuts the chill. It will mean bundling up in her puffy, bright orange winter coat so as to meet with her walking group, or take her little dog for a walk of his own. Afterwards, a homemade soup may be in order, inspired by vegetables carefully preserved from this summer’s bountiful garden, or perhaps featuring fresh basil from the plant overwintering in the garage. Sadly, these will longer be a part of Prairie’s day; as of the early afternoon on January 31, she rests. Never one to be short of words, whether in conversation or written word, we can only expect her obituary to follow in kind.

Born October 16, 1947 to William and Pauline (Koshelanyk) Vance, she was the youngest of her siblings. She is survived by Constance (Earl) Orth, George (Elaine) Vance, and Gordon Vance. With her first husband Greg (Sharron) Wilson, she had three amazing children, Tyler, Jonathan, and Ashley Wilson (Ryan Gilmour). She was an extraordinarily proud grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren, Veronica Wilson, Chloe, Knox, and Davis Gilmour. While living in Penetanguishene, ON, Prairie met and married her loving husband Paul Fontaine. Following a brief move to Woodstock, ON, together they found their forever home in Canoe Cove, PEI.

Prairie will be remembered sporting a broad brimmed hat and with pruning shears in hand, weaving through her gardens, sharing stories for every tree, shrub, flower, and feature. Their origins, history, and future plans for each of them - what would be rebuilt, moved, divided, pulled up, or cut back. A breeze off the Strait will ripple her white, long sleeve shirt, worn as part of her daily regimen against the sun's rays. Inside, is a collection of books to be read with varying degrees of interest, whether for personal enjoyment or to be discussed with her book club. Never one to be ashamed, Prairie will readily share that she skipped to the last chapter to see if it will be worth reading all of the proceeding pages. Her writings fill journals, pieces for her writing group, traditional mail correspondence, and an extensive blog (www.prairiewakerobin.com). Challenging crosswords or Netflix series wrap up a day filled with projects, gardening, delightful cooking, and her most favourite, cherished conversations with dear friends and family. Prairie was sure to keep everyone up to date, even if it meant oversharing, in her passion to bring everyone together and spread her love.

To remember Prairie, details for summer celebrations, both in Ontario and PEI, will follow. Please do not send flowers, Prairie would very much rather see them stay in the ground to be enjoyed by everyone. She recently made a donation to Island Nature Trust, an organization dedicated to the protection of natural areas on PEI, and would be delighted to have anyone wish to do the same in her honour.

Prairie will be missed fiercely, as a wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, cousin, neighbour, and club member, but also in her words, a teacher, dream counselor, art creator, reader, diarist, dreamer, gardener, walker, yoga practitioner, soul-miner. But even greater will she be missed as a dear friend, with her open heart and unlimited love for all. Each of us is incredibly fortunate to have had her a part of our lives, and never will she be forgotten. Remember her in the warmth of the sun on your face (while wearing sunscreen), within the beauty of a garden, and when giving the biggest and best hugs you can (never miss the chance for a hug).

Mom, may your spirit follow your dreams. We love you and will forever miss you.

Tyler, Jonathan, and Ashley.

Arrangements entrusted to MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.macleanfh.com