SAUNDERS, RITA MAY (Nee Earle)

Celebrating the life of Rita May (Earle)(Hussey) Saunders.

September 11th, 1932 - February 17, 2025.

Aged 92 years.

Rita was born to parents William and Alice Earle of St. Lunaire- Griquet. She was one of 11 children born to them. Rita married Sidney Hussey of St. Lunaire on the 7th day of January, 1949. Together they brought 14 precious children into the world.

Rita is survived by her children; Pansy (Clyde), Roy (Lucy), Verna (Rod), Blanche (Al), Bruce, Lynn (Winston), Ruby, Michelle (Brad), and Tanya (Danny), Rochelle (Daughter/Granddaughter); 22 grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren, sister Marsha (Lew); Son-in-laws: Austin and Albert; and brothers in law Noah and Morgan. (As well as a large circle of family and friends).

She was predeceased by sons; Tony and David, Daughters; Ann, Joy and Lillian, First husband; Sidney, and second husband; Eric.

During her 92 years she devoted many years to raising her children, whom she loved dearly. She worked for a number of years at Fishery Products International. She was also a devoted member of the United Church- Her faith in God was unwavering. She cherished her relationships with friends and family alike. Her home was a place where all were welcomed. She was a wonderful cook, baker, and homemaker. Her personality was jovial, kind, caring, compassionate and loving. She never met a stranger and she always made time to get to know everyone she met. Whether you knew her a lifetime or only a short while, she had a way of making you comfortable in her presence.

To the world she was one person, but, to her family, she was the world.

Rest in peace precious mother.

Visitation will be held on Friday February 21st at the Central United Church at Quirpon Branch from 2-4pm and 7-9pm, The funeral service will be held at 2pm on Saturday February 22nd followed by burial at the Old United Cemetery in St. Lunaire-Griquet
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Funeral arrangements entrusted to Kerry M. Fillatre Funeral Home, St. Anthony and Roddickton, Lee Nippard, Funeral Director.

HOPKINS, BERTHA MILDRED

Bertha Mildred Hopkins (nee Tucker) May 4, 1946 – February 12,2025

It is with great sadness that the family of the late Bertha Mildred Hopkins announce her passing on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital, Palliative Care Unit at the age of 78 years. She leaves to mourn with fond and loving memories her husband Wilson Hopkins; son David Thomas Hopkins (Michael), Rockport, Ontario; her sister Cora Johnston (Larry), Fort McMurray, Alberta; sisters: Margaret Newman, and Sharon McKinnon. Brothers: Stennie and Leander Tucker; as well as a large circle of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Bertha loved nothing more than travelling the country with her husband and son. Her sense of adventure took her all over the country, from Englee to Leaf Rapids, Fort McMurray, Gananoque, Springdale and so many more. Always looking forward to the next adventure and loved jumping in the car asking where are we going today.

Over her lifetime Bertha made numerous friends. From the girls in the many hotels she worked, a job she loved, to the many family members whom were also lifelong friends. The door was always open to anyone in need of a new start, a place to call home when they were so far home. Often taking the couch when someone was in need of bed. Bert was loved by many and respected by all.

She also loved the simpler things in life after her years of travelling the country. Country walks with Wilson, fishing, berry picking, making jam and the bread to eat it on. An evening of Yahtzee or knitting a pair of socks she was happy, always laughing. We’ll always remember her laughter. Besides her family her loves in life were her dogs, there was never a dog that didn’t make her smile. Bertha will now live on, in the happy memories of all those who loved her.

The family would like the nurses of Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital in St. Anthony and the family that surrounded her in her final hours. Thanks to Adrienne and the staff of Roddickton House for caring and assisting her in final days at the home. Thanks to Shirley’s Haven for caring for Wilson while she was at the hospital.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada https://alzheimer.ca

Visitation is being held at the Apostolic Faith Church in Englee Beginning Friday. February 14th, 2025 and continuing through to the Funeral Service at 2pm on Sunday, February 16th, 2025, With Pastor Michael Ivany officiating. burial will follow in the Church Cemetery.

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PATEY, DRUSCILLA (Nee Taylor)

October 8, 1950 - February 3, 2025

It is with deep sadness that the family of the late Drucilla Patey announce her passing on the 3rd of February, 2025 at the age of 74.

Drucilla loved to spend her time in the outdoors, whether close to home or at her cabin. She also loved to fish- summer or winter! She liked to trout, ice fish and smelt. Most of all, she loved to spend time with her family, especially her two grandsons. Being a grandmother was one of her greatest joys but she was also a cherished wife of over 54 years, mother, sister, aunt and friend. She will be dearly missed by those who loved and knew her.

She leaves to cherish memories, her husband: Louden; Daughter: Jeanne (Roger); Son: Lorne (Janet); Grandsons: Nicko and Ethan; Brothers: Abel (Viola), Norman (Gloria); Sisters: Bertha and Lucy, as well as many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and other extended family.

Drucilla is predeceased by her Parents: Llewelyn and Emily Taylor; and Brothers; Hector, Harvey, and Willie.

A celebration of life will take place on Monday, February 10, 2025 at 2:00 PM from the St. Anthony United Church with Carol Roberts and Minnie Morris officiating. Inurnment to follow at a later date.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Kerry M. Fillatre Funeral Home, St. Anthony and Roddickton, Lee Nippard, Funeral Director.

EDDISON, JANET

May 21st 1963- February 1st, 2025

It is with great sadness and broken hearts that we, the family of Janet Eddison announce her passing. Janet passed away peacefully on February 1st, 2025 at the Health Science Center in St. Johns surrounded by family.

Janet Eddison was born on May 21st, 1963 to Harvey and Rita Hillier of Griquet, NL, she was one of fourteen children. She moved to Noddy Bay and married the love of her life Arthur Eddison on May 22, 1981 and had three beautiful children that were her greatest accomplishment.

Janet leaves to mourn her three children, son Greg (Sherry); daughters Sheena (Ryan) and Nikki (Adam); grandchildren, Paityn, Ben, Jack and Conrad and mother-in-law Marion, along with a large circle of family and friends.

She is predeceased by her husband Art, parents Harvey and Rita, sisters Leona and Ruby and brothers Alvin, Wilfred and Dennis.

Public visitation will be held at Calvary Pentecostal Church on February 5, 2024 from 7:00-8:00 pm. With a celebration of life on February 6, 2025 at 2:00 pm with Pastors Geoff and Charity Butler officiating. Burial will follow the service at Quirpon Community Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Kerry M. Fillatre Funeral Home, St. Anthony and Roddickton, Lee Nippard, Funeral Director.

SPARKES, EPHRAIM JOHN

With heavy hearts, the family of Ephraim John Sparkes, age 84, of St. Anthony, NL, announces his peaceful passing on January 31, 2025, at Western Health's Palliative Care Unit, surrounded by his loving family.

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Ephraim was the rock of his family. He shared 63 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Marina Sparkes, who was his greatest companion and best friend. together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished moments.

Born on October 6, 1940 in Lower Island Cove. Ephraim dedicated his life to teaching, shaping the minds and futures of countless students over the years. His passion for education went beyond the classroom, as he believed that learning was a lifelong journey. Whether he was explaining a lesson, sharing a story, or offering words of encouragement, he had a gift for making people feel seen, heard, and valued.

Outside of teaching, Ephraim found his greatest joy in the outdoors, developing a deep love for nature at an early age. An avid hunter and fisherman, he found peace in nature whether casting a line on a quiet morning, tracking game through the woods, or simply sitting by a campfire sharing stories. He passed this passion on to his children and grandchildren, teaching them not just the skills of the outdoors but the values of patience, respect, and appreciation for the simple things in life.

Above all, Ephraim was a man of integrity, hard work, and kindness. He was happiest surrounded by family, reliving past adventures and teaching life's greatest lessons - not just in a classroom, but in everyday moments. His warm smile, steady presence, and unwavering love will be deeply missed.

Ephraim Sparkes is survived by his loving wife, Marina Sparkes; his children Bob (Cindy), Lisa (Bill), Lynn (Rick), Lori (Sheldon) and daughter in law Christina; his grandchildren Natasha, Vanessa, Krystopher, Mark, Benjamin, Jenna, Adrian and Joshua; and his treasured great-grandchildren Marcus and Jessie. Eph will be lovingly remembered by his siblings Arthur (Eileen), Josie, Phyllis (Boyd-deceased), Joyce (Rick). He will also be missed by sister in law, Audrey, Melva (David-deceased), Linda; brother in law Don and a large circle of nieces and nephews. Ephraim was preceded in death by his son and best friend David, parents Eliab and Mary Sparkes of Lower Island Cove, in-laws Fred and Edna Roberts of St. Anthony, sister Marion, brothers Lawrence and Warren (Elsie), son in law Trace Gardner, sister in law Rita Roberts and brother in law Guy Roberts.

Visitation will be held at Kerry M. Fillatre Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. The funeral service will take place from Kerry M. Fillatre Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 11:00 am with Major Anthony Stokes and Major Beverly Dart-Stokes officiating. Cremation will follow with inurnment at a later date. In honor of his love for teaching and the outdoors, the family invites friends to share their favorite memories and lessons learned from him. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Anthony Lions Club in his memory.

Though he has left this earth, his spirit will forever roam the woods, cast along the rivers, and live on in the hearts of those he taught, guided, and loved.

PARSONS, SADIE OLIVE (Nee Powell)

January 1, 1936 - January 30, 2025

It is with great sadness that the family of Sadie Parsons announces her passing at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital , St. John’s, NL on January 30, 2025, at the age of 89.

Sadie was a dedicated member of the United Church Women at St. Anthony United Church and she absolutely treasured her time spent with the Joy Fellowship group. The group members were always an inspiration to her and she looked forward to the time she spent with them. Sadie was an avid knitter and her grandchildren always looked forward to getting their new mittens at Christmas. Everyone will also cherish their quilts made lovingly by Sadie. But above all else, it is Sadie’s love and devotion to her family that should be remembered. She was and will always be a source of inspiration, support, and pride to her children and grandchildren throughout their entire lives. Sadie was innately kind and a tremendous source of strength to all who loved her.

Sadie was predeceased by her parents Albert and Sarah Powell, her husband Jehu Parsons, her daughter Donna Parsons, son-in-law Morey Hillier, brothers Hedley (late Mary); Melvin (Juanita); Alfred (Dorcas); Donald (late Joan); Gordon (Neta); her sisters Beulah (late Robert); .and Lydia (late Mount). Sadie was the last of her siblings

Leaving to mourn with a lifetime of wonderful memories are daughter Joan Pynn, Grand Falls-Windsor; daughter-in-law Karla Loder, St. Anthony; grandchildren Jeremy Pynn (Tammy), Milford, NS; Chelsey Perry (Brett), Calgary, AB; Emily Parsons Hillier (Simon Taylor), St. John’s; Hannah Parsons Hillier (Jasmine Strickland), St. John’s; great grandchildren Madelyn and Grace Pynn and Nate and Nora Perry; special niece Audrey Skaling (Frank), Sussex, NB and a large circle of nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family wishes to express enormous gratitude to Dr. Saroja and the nursing staff at Level One and ICU at Charles S. Curtis Memorial hospital at St. Anthony and to Dr. Taylor at St. Clare’s for their dedicated care. Your kindness made a tremendous difference.

Visitation will take place at Kerry M. Fillatre Funeral Home on Friday, February 7th 2025 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. Donation of flowers are graciously accepted as well as donations to the St. Anthony United Church in Sadie’s memory. The funeral service will take place on Saturday. February 8, 2025 at 11:00 am. Interment to follow in the Fishing Point United Cemetery.

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STRANGEMORE, SHEILA ELLEN (Nee McDonald)

It is with great sadness that the family of Sheila Ellen Strangemore (nee McDonald) announces her passing on January 28th at the Charles Curtis Memorial Hospital in St Anthony Newfoundland, at the age of 77 years.

Born June 13, 1947, in Goose Cove, Newfoundland, she was one of eleven children of William & Anastasia McDonald . Sheila loved life, her many friends and her family, especially her son Liam.

In her early years her sense of adventure and work took her to many places; London, Edmonton, Vancouver, Churchill Falls, to name a few, and she finished her career with Service Canada in St Anthony. Everywhere she went she indulged her passion for photography, enjoyed and shared a good scotch and made and nourished her many friendships.

Unfortunately at the age of 46 she was diagnosed with Leukemia, a disease that would challenge and change her; but never would define her. In 1992, a year before her diagnosis, she met Graham Strangemore, who nurtured and stood by her through her challenges, and five years later they were married. Their happiness however did not last as Graham passed suddenly in April 2002, at the age of 59.

Ever positive, always independent, and forever young, she took life’s challenges in stride and embraced every opportunity it offered.

She leaves to mourn and will be forever missed by her son Liam; six brothers: Raymond, Maurice, Brendan (Kim), Desmond (Martha), Donald (Kristen), and Kevin (Ann); four sisters: Evangeline, Gertrude (Patrick Troy), Mary, Ellen (Tony Sexton); as well as her nephews and nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, and many friends; especially Carol & Alvin Colborne.

She is predeceased by her husband: Graham; her parents: William and Anastasia McDonald; her beloved Uncle Pad; brothers in law: John Drudge, Harry Urshitz; Sisters in law: Betty, and Eileen.

Public visitation will take place from Kerry M. Fillatre Funeral Home in St. Anthony on Thursday, January 30, 2025 from 7-9 pm and Friday, January 31, 2025 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. The funeral service and mass will take place from the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Goose Cove on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 11:00 AM with Fr. Amir officiating. Cremation to follow with inurnment to take place at a later date.

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In lieu of flowers donations to the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal or the Goose Cove Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, in her memory would be gratefully accepted.  

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Kerry M. Fillatre Funeral Home, St. Anthony and Roddickton, Alicia Reardon, Funeral Director.

LAING, ROBENA TAMSEY

September 8, 1943 - February 25, 2024

It is with great sadness that the family of (Robena) Tamsey Laing Announces her passing at Charles Curtis Memorial Hospital on Sunday, February 25th, 2024 at the age of 80 years.

Tamsey was born on September 8th, 1943 to Lambert and Clara Woodward. She spent the majority of her working years doing what she loved in the fishing industry or working in Gerald Woodward’s General Store as a clerk/book-keeper. Tamsey’s other passions included knitting, berry picking, gardening, and various other activities that allowed her to reap the benefits of living off of the land. She loved her community and was a dedicated volunteer her entire life within her church and at all local events.Seeing people return home to Boat Harbour for a visit was one of Tamsey’s greatest joys. Above all else, family ranked the highest on her list of priorities. She was a dedicated and loving sister, wife, mother and grandmother throughout her years. 

She married her lifelong love Curling Laing in June 1964. Together they had 3 dearly beloved children. Left to mourn are Daniel (Debbie) Laing, Charmaine (Irving) Powell, and Angela Laing. She was also blessed with 6 grandchildren whom she treasured dearly. Left to mourn is DJ Noseworthy, Irving Powell Jr, Joshua Laing, Effie Powell, Tracy Laing, Evan Powell. She is also survived by great-grandchild Remi Laing, brother Randy (Sheila) Woodward, sister Donna (Jim) Roberts, step-brother Lloyd (Marjorie) Field and an extended circle of family and friends. 

She is predeceased by parents Lambert and Clara  Woodward, loving husband Curling Laing, sister by heart Marjorie Coates, step-brothers Hedley Field and Clarence Field. 

Visitation at St. Marks Anglican Church will begin Monday evening, February 26th at 7pm. The family service will be held on Tuesday, February 27th at 7PM. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 28th at 2:00 PM with Reverend Art officiating. Burial will follow at Boat Harbour Cemetery. 

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Kerry M. Fillatre Funeral Home, St. Anthony, Alicia Reardon, Funeral Director. 

ALLINGHAM, HORACE

December 21, 1934–February 24, 2024

It’s with great sadness that the family of Horace Allingham announce his passing at Charles Curtis Memorial Hospital on Saturday February 24, 2024 at the age of 89 years.

Horace Allingham was born December 21, 1934 to William and Gladys (Hancock) Allingham. He spent most of his days of his life fishing and working, where he made many friends along the way. He was Married to the love of his life, Hazel Marie Colbourne and they married on January 22, 1958. Together they had 6 children who he loved dearly.

He left to mourn his children: Pamela (Mario), Sharon (Barry), Sheila (Randy), Lynn (Tim), Lois (Morgan), Paul (Blenda). He was also blessed with 11 Grandchildren who he cherished so much; Tammy, Ashley, Barry, Terri, Scott, David, Shandi, Brittany, Kyle and Jade as well as 9 Great-Grandchildren: Devon, Dana, Riley, Max, Nash, Ava, Jake, Emma, and Wesley; his sisters Grace, Triffie (Earnest), Laverne and June (Ralph); Brothers Edgar (Elsie), Stedman and Llewellyn (Thelma). He also leaves behind a large circle of family and friends.

He was pre-deceased by his parents: William and Gladys; wife Hazel and his grandson Dillon; Sisters olive, Drucella and Alma; brothers Basil. Thomas and Rex.

Visitation will take place St. Matthew’s Anglican Church in Cooks Harbour beginning Sunday, February 25, 2024. The family service will take place on Monday February 26, 2024. From 7-8 pm. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday February 27, 2024 at 2 pm with Rev. Arthur Kinsella Officiating.

Cremation to follow with burial to take place at a later date.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Kerry M. Fillatre Funeral Home, St. Anthony, NL, Lee Nippard, Funeral Director.

FLYNN, SHANE STEPHEN

April 20, 1977 - February 21, 2024

Passed away February 21, 2024 at the age of 46 years. He leaves to mourn his Parents: Josephine and Leonard Clarke; Sisters: Jody (Jamie), Helen (John); Brother: Roger (Dianna); Nephews: Brody, Noah, Walter, and a large number of Aunts, Uncles, Cousins his Grandmother Marie and many many friends. 

Shane is predeceased by his grandfathers: Stephen and Gerald; Grandmother: Margaret; Aunt and second mother: Juanita; and his cousins Andy, Coady and Matthew.

Cremation will take place with the funeral service and burial to be announced at a later date.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Kerry M. Fillatre Funeral Home, St. Anthony and Roddickton, Lee Nippard, Funeral Director.