It is with a mixture of heavy hearts for our loss but a sense of gratitude that Ruth Mahen has peacefully passed on from a lengthy struggle with ill health and may now continue her spiritual journey after a life well lived. She passed away on 18 July 2021 at Beach Grove Home under the expert and compassionate care of the staff, with family members by her side.

Ruth was born on 15 January 1938 in her grandmother's house in the small community of Beaver Harbour on Nova Scotia's Eastern Shore. She was the eldest of 9 children born to Hector and Catherine (Patriquin) Smiley, and as such was called upon often to look after her sisters and brothers, and to help around the house. From the minister's wife she learned how to play an old-fashioned pump organ and played the hymns for Sunday services, sometimes twice a day when the minister was called upon to preach in a neighbouring community. Early schooling was in a one-room schoolhouse and the older children were often called upon to teach some of the youngest ones. She discovered she had a talent for artwork and did a lot of drawing, and then painting later in life.

After completing Grades 8 and 9 in one year at age 14 she moved to Dartmouth and Halifax to complete grades 10 and 11. At 16 she was too young to be admitted to the Victoria General Hospital's three-year Registered Nursing Diploma program so took the one-year secretarial program at the Halifax Vocational School and then worked for a year as a secretary for a Halifax business. Having reached the entry requirement of 18 years of age she was admitted to the nursing program, graduating in the fall of 1959. She worked for two years in the Emergency Department at the VGH from 1959 - 1961, and during this time she joined the Royal Canadian Medical Corps. In October 1961 she was appointed to the rank of Second Lieutenant. Looking to broaden her experience outside NS she was hired by the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal in 1961 but said to the VGH Director of Nursing she’d return if the position of Assistant Head Nurse in Emergency was created and offered to her. That happened in 1963 and she accepted the position. It was then she met her future husband Robert (Bob) Mahen who was hired as a summer employee to work as an orderly. Ruth earned a Diploma in Nursing Administration at Dalhousie University in 1966, and continued at the VGH until she married and moved to PEI where her husband had been hired to teach at Prince of Wales College. She was hired at the Polyclinic for a few years and retired shortly before her first child was born in 1970.

Ruth dedicated her life to helping others, both in her personal and professional life, and was happiest when she was contributing to improving the conditions of others. Early in UPEI’s existence she was co-founder and President of the Women’s Group, raising money for student bursaries and other needs as identified by the university. She was awarded the Red Cross’s Certificate of Honour for outstanding volunteer service in 1984 for her work with the school swimming program. She also served as the Chair of the Social Functions Committee of Spring Park United Church for many years. She combined her artistic abilities with skills in cooking, baking, and knitting to create gourmet dishes, decorative desserts, and knitted apparel for all ages to donate to numerous fund-raising causes for our church, our children’s schools, and celebrations of significant family and community events. She played a key role in organizing many of these and worked tirelessly to ensure they were successful. Her bright, warm, and dedicated personality was treasured by those who worked with her. She will be sadly missed by those who knew and worked with her.

Left to cherish fond memories of her are her husband Robert Mahen, son Gregory (Kellsay Compton), daughter Gillian (James Phillips), siblings Beverly Smiley, Lower Sackville; Elaine Porter, Halifax; Steven Smiley (Sharon), Bridgewater; Sharon Finlayson (Malcolm), Vancouver; Heather Smiley-Stone (Paul Stone), Halifax; and Brent Smiley (Rita), Toronto, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father Hector Matthew Smiley Jr., (1987), brother Gary H. Smiley (2001), mother Catherine Elizabeth Smiley (Patriquin) (2007), and brother David Wentford Smiley (2018).

Resting at MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel. The funeral service by invitation only will be celebrated at Spring Park United Church at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 30. For those unable to attend, the service will be live-streamed at: https://www.youtube.com/SpringParkUnited. Donations may be made to the Huntington’s Society of Canada or to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.macleanfh.com

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Rita Elizabeth Dunnett on July 11, 2021, after a brief illness, with her loving soulmate of 27 years, Larry, by her side.

Born on January 25, 1956, in Blackville, NB, Rita spent most of her life in Fredericton where she worked for the Department of Supply and Services with the Province of NB for 30 + years and retired in 2010. After retirement, she and Larry spent 7 wonderful years in FL during the winters and travelled to many other destinations, always meeting new friends along the way. She will always be remembered for her beautiful smile, her love of life and her love and dedication to her family.

Rita is survived by her husband, Lawrence (Larry) Bishop, siblings Paulette (Stew) Johnson, Shirley O’Neill, Hubert (Francene) Dunnett, Frances (Pat) Haddad, Joanne (Willy) Hodgson and Yvonne Dunnett, Godson, Matthew Donovan, and many other nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Reginald and Edna (Underhill) Dunnett, sisters Esther Dunnett and Marion Somerville and brother-in-law, John O’Neill.

There will be no service at this time. Online condolences maybe made at www.macleanfh.com

The death occurred at his late residence on Friday, July 9 of Paul Arthur Weeks of Charlottetown, age 69 years. Loving husband of Marlene (Mitchell) and father of Tanya (Scott) Garnhum and Paula (Kent) Pollard. Grampy Paul to Harrison, Lilla, Pearce, Cheyenne, Camden, and Peyton. Survived by brother David Weeks (Maurice Gallant), brothers-in-law Roger (Jean), George, Allison (Valerie), Leslie (Karen), Dougie (Bonnie), and sister-in-law Beverley (Joey) Campbell. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents John and Bernice (MacArthur) Weeks, sisters-in-law Gloria (Bruce) Jay, Valerie (Omer) Harvie, and brother-in-law Richard.

Resting at MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel. Funeral Monday at 2:00 p.m. from St. John’s United Church, Mount Stewart (by invitation only). A recording of the service will be made available for viewing Monday evening. Interment in Mount Stewart Peoples Cemetery. Flowers gratefully declined, however if so desired, memorial donations to Highfield Cemetery or St. John’s United Church. Online condolences may be made at www.macleanfh.com

To view the funeral service, please follow this link:

https://ourchurchhome-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/office_ourchurchhome_ca/EZLHFnQwfIhMj7P2t5sChW8Bu3vsTN0P3eMMx_uSyInA1g?e=d495vP

The death occurred peacefully at the Provincial Palliative Care Centre on July 8, 2021 of Margaret Susan Whiteside of Charlottetown, age 81.

She was the younger daughter of George B. Whiteside and Margaret I. Litster Whiteside. She is survived by her sister Mary E. Whiteside Ranby (Berkeley), Chester, England, niece Catherine Darwent (Pete) of Cheshire, England, nephew David Ranby (Rachel) of Boston Spa, Yorkshire, England and Elizabeth Bergstrand (Colin) of Ashton-Hayes, Cheshire, England. Also survived by grand nieces and nephews Matthew and Rachel Darwent, Verity Ranby and David and Hannah Bergstrand.

Born in Truro, NS, Susan’s family moved to Charlottetown in 1943, where her father worked for the Federal Department of Agriculture. Educated at Prince Street School and Prince of Wales College, Susan went on to acquire a BA from Dalhousie University, an MA (History) from the University of British Columbia, and a degree in Library Science from the University of Toronto.

After thirty years working as a librarian at Dalhousie and the Nova Scotia Museum, Susan returned to Charlottetown in 1997. She enjoyed making many new contacts and having community involvement in such organizations as the Charlottetown branch of the Canadian Federation of University Women. She learned valuable lessons during a two-part journey through cancer and above all rejoiced in friendships, new and life-long.

Susan was an avid gardener and reader. She loved to travel around the Island visiting craft shops and discovering new places to eat.

She gives thanks to her family and all who helped her along her journey.

Resting at MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel. Funeral Monday at 10:00 a.m. from St. Paul’s Anglican Church. Interment in Sherwood Cemetery. If so desired, donations may be made to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Anglican Church’s Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund or to a library or literacy program of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.macleanfh.com

The death of Deborah Tanton occurred suddenly at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on Sunday, May 30, 2021.

She will be lovingly remembered by her son Adam (Jennifer) of Toronto and brother Andrew Pletch (Olga) of New Paltz, NY. Debbie will be missed by her nieces and nephew, her many friends and her dog Finny. Predeceased by her parents Herbert and Esther (Rattenbury) Pletch, and sister Anne Walton (Wally).

Resting at MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel from where the funeral will be held on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. (by invitation only). For those wishing to attend virtually, the service will be live-streamed at https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=fd381dbd-0f42-47d6-9006-7c5d94613380 Interment later in The Peoples Cemetery. If so desired, memorials to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation or Canadian Mental Health Association would be appreciated. Online condolences may be made at www.macleanfh.com

The death occurred at her late residence on Friday, July 2, 2021 of Cathy Kaptein of Charlottetown, age 61 years. Beloved daughter of Jennie and the late Charlie Kaptein. Loving mother of Brittany and Matthew. Sister of Wilhelmina Parker and aunt of John and James Parker. Predeceased by her brother Johny.

Resting at MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel. A private graveside service will be held in Mount Stewart Peoples Cemetery. If so desired memorials to the Canadian Mental Health Association would be appreciated. Online condolences maybe made at www.macleanfh.com

The death occurred peacefully at the Prince Edward Home on Monday, June 28, 2021 of Thelma J. Bernard of Charlottetown, age 86 years. Loving wife of the late Raymond Bernard, mother of Paul “Bruno” (Rhonda) and Pam (David Christian), and Nana of Owen and Cate. Survived by her sisters Gloria Ryan and Nancy (Donald) Hughes, and sister-in-law Marie Ford. Predeceased by her brother Harold Ford and brother-in-law Archie Ryan.

Resting at MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel. If so desired, memorials to the Alzheimer Society of PEI would be appreciated Interment in The Peoples Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.macleanfh.com

The death occurred at home on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 of A. Bruce Pickard of Cumberland, age 77 years. Loving husband of Janet (Lambe) and beloved father of Bobby (Kathy), Sherry, Donna, Darrin (Pheasant), and Amanda (Walter). Grandpa of Madison, Nathan, Ivan, Will, and Adalyn. Also survived by Janet’s family Dale (Shirley), Debra (Bill), Darrell, Scott, Valerie, and Laura (Chris). Brother of Russell (Janet) and Frances Ramsay. Predeceased by his first wife Carol (Ward), parents Milton and Lily Pickard, and brother-in-law Leigh Ramsay.

Resting at MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel from where the service will be held on Friday, June 25, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. (by invitation only). For those wishing to attend virtually, the service will be live-streamed at https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=0a4dc89b-d6b8-4052-9a0d-33a3bf81caa1. Interment in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens. If so desired, memorial donations to Queens Home Care would be appreciated. Online condolences may be made at www.macleanfh.com

The death occurred peacefully at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on Thursday, June 17, 2021 of Philip John Koch of Charlottetown, age 78 years. Loving husband of Nadine (Smith), father of Peter (Tahra) and grandpa of Liam and Troy.

Resting at MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel with private arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.macleanfh.com

The death occurred peacefully at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 of Rob Lawlor of Stratford, age 42 years. Loving husband of Elizabeth DeBlois and father of Samantha Foster and Cameron, Mason and Christian Lawlor. Beloved son of Bill and Sonia Lawlor and brother of Carrie and Richie. Survived by his in-laws Rob and Elaine DeBlois and brother-in-law Bill (Michelle) DeBlois.

Resting at MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel. A private service will be held. If so desired, memorial donations to the Lawlor boys’ education fund may be made at the Stratford Credit Union. Online condolences may be made at www.macleanfh.com