BARRETT, RITA

It is with profound sadness that the family of Rita Barrett announce her peaceful passing at Charles S. Curtis Memorial hospital on the 24th of September, 2024 at the age of 64.

Rita was born in Roddickton in 1959. After high school, she worked in Deer Lake and Toronto before returning to Newfoundland. She participated in the archaeological dig out along the shore in Crouse, and worked for many years at the Fish Plant in Conche. Her strong work ethic was very evident, always committed to her work, and always strived to do her best. Rita was a woman of great integrity and honesty, and always displayed a willingness to go above and beyond in completing tasks.

Rita was a kind and gentle soul who loved to have a laugh, especially at work and when she played Mrs. Claus at the Conche Christmas Parade. She loved going on adventures in the great outdoors: going on boat rides, fishing, skidooing, hiking, playing darts, and participated as a volunteer in many community and parish activities.

Rita's grandchildren were the center of her world. She could be found doing anything they asked of her. She often played dinkies and dressed up as various characters on her FaceTime sessions with the boys. She loved visiting them and having them come to her home. When they were around, she danced, played catch, went sliding, and did many more fun activities with them.

Rita will be deeply missed,, always loved, and never forgotten.

Lovingly remembered by and leaving to mourn are the love of her life, Stephen, her loving family: son, Victor (Pamela), her grandchildren: Broderick, Patrick, and Nicholas, her sisters: Ivy Curl (Guy), Wavey Colbourne, her brothers: Garry Colbourne (Violet), Lorne (Lucinda), Austin, Terry (Belinda), Keith (Lisa), many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a large circle of friends.

Predeceased by her parents: Wesley & Ida Colbourne, siblings: Wesley Junior and Alvin Colbourne.

The family would like to thank the Staff at the Charles S Curtis Memorial Hospital in St. Anthony, her ENT doctor in St. John's, Dr. Jamie Tibbo, and her oncologists for their special care and compassion.

Visitation will be held at the Calvary Pentecostal Temple in Roddickton will take place on 28th of September from 11-12pm and a Celebration of Life Service will take place at the same location with Pastor Murdoch Pittman officiating on Saturday, September 28th, at 2:00 pm. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Kerry M. Fillatres Funeral Homes, St. Anthony and Roddickton, Alicia Reardon, funeral director.

Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
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“To live in the hearts of those we love is not to die!”

— Thomas Campbell

KEARNEY, LAURA

Sept 28, 1946-July 14, 2024

Laura passed peacefully away surrounded by her family on July 14, 2024.

Laura Mary Kearney (Byrne) was born in Conche Sept 28, 1946. She married Donald Kearney May 1968. They raised 4 beautiful children. Karen, Darlene, Mae and Chris. Laura's children and grandchildren were her pride and joy. Laura was a woman of true faith. She raised her children on values she believed in to be kind and honest and always love one another.

She leaves to mourn her husband Don of 56 years, daughters Karen (Andrew), Darlene (George), Mae (Eric), Son Christopher (Christa); Grandchildren, Toni, Gregory (Rachel) Hunter, Mackenzie (David), Logan, Erica, (Johnny), Ashton, Caidyn, Connor and Maggie. Sisters Margaret (Art) and Theresa. As well her sister in law Marie Byrne, Mae Simmonds, Angela Dillon, Gertie (Gerry) Bromley, Brothers in-laws Frank (Mariella) Kearney, Jerome (Margaret) Kearney, Calvin Humphries and Lawrence Casey as well as a large number of nieces and nephews.

Laura is predeceased by her parents Margaret and Elias Byrne, in-laws Vincent and Marie Kearney, grand daughter Katie Marie Hunt, nephews Darren Kearney, Vincent Kearney, Steve Meaney, sisters Sadie Meaney, Rose Humphries and Mary Casey, brothers Mike, Vincent and Gerald Byrne, Also her brother in Laws John Meaney and Reynold Bujold, George Dillon and Tony Simmonds. Sister in laws Lucy Byrne, Aline Byrne.

Special thanks to all our family for their continued support, her home care workers over the past few years. As well special thanks to the staff at the John M Gray for your support and the tremendous care you showed to our beautiful mother. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Sacred Heart Parish or Sacred Heart Cemetery fund, Conche, NL.

Visitation to take place from the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Conche on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 from 2-4 pm. The wake service will take place at 7:00 pm on Wednesday with the funeral to follow at 11:00 am on Thursday, July 18, 2024 with Fr. George officiating. Interment to follow.

SYMMONDS, MICHAEL JOSEPH

December 21, 1946 - June 23, 2024

Passed peacefully away in the presence of his family at White Bay Central Hospital in Roddickton at the age of 77 years. He is fondly remembered for his love of music and friends.

Accordion Man

He leave to mourn his loving wife of 57 years: Hilda; Sons: Glenn (Daphne), Craig (Charlene), Murray (Kelly), Dean (Daisy); Daughter: Nicole; Grandchildren: Shawn, Thad (Jessica), Alana (Mike), Chelby, Kyra; Great-grandchildren: Shayla, Aubrey, Caylee, Parka, and Jack; Brothers: Kevin (Marilyn), Bill (Sandra), as well as a large circle of Nieces, nephews, and Special Nephew: Tony Chaytor.

He is predeceased by his parents: Jack and Kathlene; and Brothers: John and Tony.

The family would like to thank the staff at Curtis Memorial and Roddickton Hospital for making him comfortable in his last day.

Visitation to take place from the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Conche beginning the afternoon of Tuesday, June 25, 2024 and will continue until the funeral Mass on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at 11:00 am with Fr. George officiating. Interment to follow.

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

FITZGERALD, GERALD DANIEL

November 25, 1930 - June 13, 2024

Passed away peacefully in the presence of his family at the Curtis Memorial Hospital, St. Anthony, NL on June 13, 2024,  Mr. Gerald Daniel Fitzgerald

Predeceased by his wife Ellen (Nellie), his son Stan, daughter Helena, grandson Trevor and his sister Evangeline.

Leaving to mourn with fond and loving memories his children; Mary (Henry), Linda, Judy (Paul), Elizabeth (Michael). His siblings; Ida, Alicia, Stan, and Annie. Ten grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, one great great grandchild. Special cousin Dan. As well as a large circle of nieces/nephews and extended family and friends. 

The family would like to thank the staff at the Curtis Memorial Hospital for the excellent care and comfort to Gerald and the family. 

Visitation will take place from the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 from 7-9 PM. The funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at 11:00 AM with Fr. George officiating. Interment to follow.

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

BROMLEY, JOHN THOMAS

1932 - 2024

It is with broken hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our dear beloved father on Partridgeberry Path at the John M. Gray Centre in St. Anthony on May 12th, 2024.

Born January 10th, 1932 in Conche he was the youngest child of Patrick & Frances (nee Murphy). John lost his mother at age 2 and was raised along with his 6 siblings by his Dad with help from friends and family. He grew up to be a kind, caring, soft hearted gentleman respected by those who knew him and loved dearly by his family. He left home at age 16 to work in the stables at the Grenfell Mission in St. Anthony.

He worked various jobs, even the engineer on a schooner, The Glider, before joining his three brothers in later years as their fishing buddy. Years later they were joined by his son, Steve and they worked side by side fishing until him and his brothers  retired 1992. John was a Jack of All Trades, master of none as he would say. He took great pride in his work and he loved and served his Saviour without question.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, mechanics, having a good yarn, reminiscing about olden days and oftentimes would make your jaw drop while relating some of the pranks he and a buddy played as their idleness took over – all in fun of course as he wouldn’t hurt a soul, not knowingly anyways. Of everything in life he was most proud of his children and grandchildren, he loved us dearly and he always finished his conversation with us by letting us know it and saying “I love you… I really loves ya too!” We will miss him for sure.

Left to mourn his loss are his loving wife, Susan (nee Whelan), the love of his life with whom he spent just over 60 years of wedded bliss with; his children: Maureen (Chris Tucker), Stephen (Michelle Higgins) and Josephine (Gordon Chaytor); Grandchildren: Marshall, Jessica (Bobby Byrne), Sarah (Robby Osmond), Michael (Alana Symmonds), Jonathan (Erica Hunt), Katrina, Chelsea (Ryan Sweeney), Karessa, and Karson; as well as his Great-grandson Liam; brothers in law: Jim Whelan (Cheryl) and Nick Whelan; his lifelong friend Gerald FitzGerald; special great nephew Murray Symmonds, as well as a number of nieces, nephews and numerous friends.

Gone before him and eagerly awaiting his arrival with open arms are his Mom and Dad: Patrick and Frances (nee Murphy); brothers: Con, Anthony, Patrick; his sisters: Bridget, Kathleen and Josephine; his daughter in law: Evelyn; parents in law: Nicholas and Mary (nee Joyce) Whelan, as well as in-laws numerous cousins and friends.

Peace be thine Dear Daddy/Pop -your wings were ready but we weren’t. You were the best you could be to us and you will be greatly missed. Fly high with the angels sweet man, we will meet again. We love you….we really loves ya too!!

The family extends a heartful thank you to his many care givers and doctors at the John M Gray Centre as well as his caregivers at Shirley’s Haven where he lived for 3 years up until last summer- your kindness and caring deeds have not gone unnoticed. We so very much appreciate each and every one of you. Thank you too to Gerry Bromley.  Many times he mentioned how good you were, bringing him in things he wanted and ensuring he got whatever he asked for. Thank you for your time and generosity, being there when we couldn't, a true friend indeed! Last but not least, from the bottom of our hearts thank you Theresa Flynn! You are an angel, it was you who allowed him to stay home and have a few more years in the place he loved tending to his and our mother's needs. He had many kind words for you and so appreciated everything you done.  We are grateful too for everything you did and so appreciate the excellent care you provided.

Gifts or flowers are graciously accepted but in lieu, at his request, donations can be made to Sacred Heart Parish.

Visitation will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Conche beginning on Tuesday, May 13, 2024 at 7 pm with the wake service taking place on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 7:30 PM. The funeral mass will be held on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 11 am, Father George officiating. Interment to follow.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Kerry M Fillatre Funeral Home, St. Anthony and Roddickton, Funeral Director Lee Nippard. Thank you, too, for all your help and professionalism.

DARLING, JERRY LEE

28 June, 1940 – 4 May, 2024

Jerry Lee Darling passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 4, 2024 with his wife Angela by his side at the John M. Gray Center, St. Anthony, NL .

Jerry grew up in Ohio, joined the USAF in 1961 where his travels brought him to NL where he stayed and embarked on a civilian career as an aircraft maintenance engineer, eventually retiring in Conche, NL. During his retirement years he enjoyed his time at the cabin in Port au Port, and travelling to visit family in Ohio, Alberta and Ontario with his wife Angela. Whether it was a long walk, hunting or fishing Jerry had a love for being outdoors. He will always be deeply loved and known as Granddad, Jergie and Papa Jerry by his granddaughters whom he cherished. 

Leaving to honor his memory is his spouse Angela; His children: Lee (Lynn), Sherry (Ray), Sandy, Todd (Angela); Granddaughters: Caitlyn, Alannah and Breanna; Siblings: Jenny, Zane, Larry, Jane, and Betty; Special In-laws: Lynn and Ray; Special Friends: Eddie Dempsey, Maurice Power, Connor Power, Michael Deraps, Henry Smith, Frank Duffy, Francis Hunt, Mary Flynn, Paul Power and Bob Frazie along with countless others.

Predeceased by his parents, William and Leota; Brothers: Wayne and Roger.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to The Power Family in St. Anthony for their hospitality and thoughtful acts of kindness, the staff of the John M. Gray Center and Curtis Memorial Hospital and the Labrador-Grenfell Paramedics who went above and beyond to give exceptional care to Jerry. Thank you to Father Amar and the Doctors and care team who saw to his medical needs, as well as Kerry M. Fillatre Funeral Home for their service.

Cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of Flowers donations can be made to your local Cadets Corps or Squadron.

“And within me I know I was born to fly.”

— Joe Onfrio

CASEY, ROSE MARY

Passed away gracefully in St. John’s, NL on Thursday, November 22, 2023 with her loving family and several close friends at her side. Rose was born on January 12, 1927 in Conche, NL.

She was predeceased by her husband Thomas John (1931 - 1991), parents Joseph and Ellen (Kearney) Hunt; Parents-in-law Peter and Adell (Byrne) Casey; adoptive parents Mary (Hunt) and John Brown and their children Margaret (Elias), Mary Theresa (John), Johnnie and Mick; siblings Adelle Hunt, Margaret (Herbert Bromley), Rita (Leonard Abbott), Jack Hunt (Annie), Jim Hunt (Nell) and Edmond who had passed as a baby, William Hunt (Margaret); brothers-in-law Stephen Casey and Jim Casey; sisters-in-law, Annie Hunt, Evangeline Casey, Margaret Hunt, Anne Casey-Bromley and Mary Casey-Blanchard.

Left to celebrate her life are her children Gordon (Marian Coleman), Terry (Rosina O’Dell), Judy (Jerry Pulchan) and Theresa (Terry Foley). Her grandchildren Andrew (Erica), Michael (Jessica) and Katherine (Luke) Casey; Alexander Pulchan; Marc and Robyn (Nicole) Foley. Her great-grandchildren Jack, Thomas and Noa Casey; Nora and Wren Casey; Alyssa Carew and Colton Foley. Also left to sing her praises are her brothers-in-law Edward Blanchard, Edward Bromley and sister-in-law Loretta Casey and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mom had a large extended family and numerous lifelong friends in Conche, Corner Brook, L’Anse au Loup, Goulds and St. John’s, just to name a few, who will regale her stories for years to come.

A special thanks must be made to her very special friend Joan Woodrow who ensured mom took many shopping trips, played hands of cards and always had an unlimited supply of chocolate chip cookies. Joan read to her, sang her favorite tunes and prayed with her. Our family will always be grateful for Joan’s attention and the unconditional love she showed so unselfishly during her visits to Conche and then to Saint Luke’s Long Term Care Home when mom became a resident in December 2020.

Also special thanks to two of her many special Conche friends Patsy Hunt-McGrath and Alice Simmonds-Flynn and her three unofficially adopted sons Bert Bennett, Pat Pike and Gary Carroll.

Our love and gratitude will always be extended to the staff and residents of Saint Luke’s Home for their kindness, love, compassion and understanding to mom. Many of them from Trinity Square and Inglewood who visited her in her final hours. We were so impacted by their love for her.

Mom also spent time at the Labrador South Long Term Care Health Center located in Forteau, Labrador in 2020. We thank the many workers and visitors who made her time there comfortable during the early restrictions of COVID visiting.

Visitation will take place at Barrett’s Funeral Home, 328 Hamilton Avenue, St. John’s, November 24, from 2-8 p.m. and at the Sacred Heart Church in Conche on Monday, November 27 from 2-4 and wake service 7pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Conche on Tuesday, November 28 at 10:30 a.m., Co-Celebrants Father George Thotra and Father Edward Terry, followed by interment at the Conche Community Cemetery.

In lieu of Flowers and as expressions of sympathy, donations may be made via mail to the Sacred Heart Church Cemetery Fund, Conche, NL A0K 1Y0; or e-transfer to terrycfeild61@yahoo.ca [Official Tax Receipts will be issued.]

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Barrett’s Funeral home, St. John’s and Kerry M. Fillatre Funeral Home, St. Anthony.

“If there is a way to figure out how to cheat at a hand of cards, bake a batch of bread and cook a ‘feed’ of salmon, star in a concert…under the watchful eye of the Good Lord…rest assured…Sweet Rose will find it.”

Though her smile is gone forever and her hand we cannot touch, we still have so many memories of the one we loved so much. Her memory is now our keepsake with which we’ll never part. God has her in good keeping, we have her in our hearts. Sadly Missed, but never forgotten.

Visitation to take place from the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Conche on Monday, November 27, 2023. The funeral will be held at10:30 am on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 with Fr. George officiating. Interment to follow in the new Roman Catholic Cemetery.

GARDINER, LUCY MARGARET (Nee Flynn)

“Her eyes are like diamonds, her face is so fair. Red, rosy cheeks and her curly brown hair. I always will love her wherever I roam, my darling wife Lucy, she’s the pride of our home”.

The life force of our family, Lucy Margaret Gardiner (nee Flynn) passed away peacefully with her family by her side, on May 8th, 2023. Lucy was born on April 25th,1934 in Shoal Cove, Canada Bay. She died at the Health Science Center, St. John’s on May 8th, 2023.

Lucy lived her 89 years to the fullest. She was happiest at home in the “Beauty Spot of the North” - Conche, where she would always welcome those who visited especially her close family and friends. Lucy was known for her sharp wit and her many stories and poems. She wasn’t one to keep her thoughts to herself. She shared her opinions freely. Lucy was one of the most kind-hearted and compassionate people that you could meet. She cared for both young and old. She will be missed by all!

Left to mourn are her children: Joan (Ron), Austin (Ida), Gertie (Bernie), Louis, Sharon, Edward, Michelle (Bernie) and Desmond (Maria). Her grandchildren: Chad, Justin, Gillian, Ryan, Kayla, Sheena, Blair, Ashley, Brandon, Zachary, Patrick, Zane, Nathan, Braedyn, Connor, Luke, Miguel, Jacob, Ana and Mariah. Her great-grandchildren: Brody and Brooke. Her sister Gertrude and her many nieces, nephews, family and special friends.

She is predeceased by her husband, Ronald Gardiner and two of her children. Her parents, Edward Flynn and Bridget Hope.

Visitation to take place from the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Conche beginning the afternoon of Thursday, May 11, 2023. The celebration of life, will be held at 7 pm on May 11, 2023. The funeral service will take place at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 12, 2023 with Fr. George officiating. Interment to follow.

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

BROMLEY, ANNE FRANCES

August 16, 1935 - August 1, 2022

Anne was born in Conche to Peter and Adell Casey on August 16, 1935. Anne went to Fishot Island in 1955 where she met and married the love of her life, Ed Bromley on Nov 12, 1957. In 1970 they moved to Goose Cove where they raised their children.

She will be forever loved and sadly missed by her husband of 65 years (Edward Bromley); her daughters Adell (Lorne Carter), Michelle (John Williams), Mary (Leonard Alyward); her sons, Eugene, Sean (Regina Byrne), and Cory (Susan McDonald); her sisters, Mary (Ed Blanchard) as well as a large circle of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews that she dearly loved.

Anne was predeceased by her loving parents Adell and Peter Casey; Brothers, Steven, Tom and Jim; Daughters, Clara and Bernadine; Great-granddaughter Emily.

The family would like to send a thank you those who helped in any way.

Visitation to take place from Kerry M. Fillatre Funeral Home in St. Anthony on Thursday, August 4, 2022 from 2-4 pm with a private visitation to follow in the evening from 7-9 pm. The funeral service will take place on Friday, August 5, 2022 at 11:00 am from the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Goose Cove with Fr. Rossi officiating. Interment to follow.

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

BYRNE, VINCENT

April 25, 1948 - December 7, 2021

It is with great sadness that the family of Vincent announce his sudden passing. Vincent passed peacefully away at his home in Conche on December 7, 2021 at the age of 73 years. ”Vince” as he was known to his family will be sadly missed. He was born to Elias and Margaret Byrne (Brown) on April 25, 1948. On July 22, 1998 he married the love of his life, Lucy. They were truly devoted to each other. They lived a small yet large life.

Vince had a great sense of humor. He enjoyed music and company. He lived a simple life. He enjoyed his family coming home for summer visits and going fishing while he love skidoo rides in the winter. We would like to send a sincere thanks to everyone in Conche who showed him kindness, especially after Lucy’s passing. Special thanks to Chris, Matt, and Larry for their continued support during this difficult time.

Vince enjoyed a simple life, uncomplicated, unmaterialistic, yet rich with love and kindness.

He leaves to mourn. his siblings, Gerald, Mary (Lawrence). Laura (Donald), Margaret (Arthur), Theresa; Sister-in-law, Marie Byrne; Brother-in-law, Calvin Humphreys; many nieces and nephews; special Godchildren, Mae, Matt, Trena, and Colleen, as well as a large circle of family and friends. As well we would like to make a special acknowledgement to Nick Whalen, his great friend with who he made many trips together to Roddickton and St. Anthony; Harvey Cassell who he spent hours talking to on the phone and often visited in Roddickton; Rita Barrett, his skidoo buddy, they had many great adventures and skidoo rides together; Christa Randell who made many trips to Roddickton just to grab a coffee and a chat.

He is predeceased by his parents; Wife, Lucy; Brother, Mike; Sisters, Rose, Sadie; Brother-in-law, John and Reynald; Sister-in-law, Aline as well as nephew, Steve Meany.

Cremation to take place with funeral and burial to be determined at a later date. Donations in his memory may be made to Gerry Bromley for the Conche Cemetery fund. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Kerry M Fillatre Funeral Home, St. Anthony and Roddickton, Alicia Patey, Funeral Director.