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.

RANDELL, NORMAN HEDLEY

January 9,1934 - January 18, 2025

Passed peacefully away at the Health Science Centre in St. John’s surrounded by his family members.

Proceeded by his parents, Lucy and Mark Randell; His wife, Dora Randell , His sons : Graham, Bedford, and Roger, Sisters: Stella Compton, Cassie Weir, Brothers: Darius (Roy) Randell, Alfred Tucker, Grandson: Jason Noonan

Norman grew up in Williamsport White Bay and later lived in Englee and Roddickton and lived the remainder of his life in St. John’s. He was a carpenter by trade, and built many houses and buildings throughout his lifetime. He worked in the Lumber Camp he was also a fisherman and worked in the Woods . He was a store owner who very generously open up his store in the early morning for customers whether they had money or not. He enjoyed singing hymns and playing the mouth organ. He enjoyed moose hunting right up in his late eighties. He was very spiritual and his greatest love was reading the Bible and reciting Bible verses. He loved having family prayers together.

Leaving to mourn his children; Glenna , Mark(Marie), Charia (Pierre), Lucy(Roger), Marcel, Grandchildren; Dawn(Corey), Jocelyn, Charlene(Jamie), Peter , Roger(Jaz), Kaleigh, Jordan , Also brother Wilbert Randell(Margret) and Sterling Randell(Jackie), Sister in law: Etta Mae (Eugene),, Annie May and Bessie, Brother in Law: Lee(Loretta), John, Lloyd, Several Great and Great Great Children and numerous amount of Nieces and Nephews., Special nephew Don Randell.

Visitations will be held 1 pm to 5pm on Friday 24th, 2025 at the Bide Arm Apostolic Faith Church, The funeral Service will be held from the church at 10:30 am on Saturday 25th 2025.

Internment to follow at the Apostolic cemetery in Roddickton

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

HOPKINS, ROWENA DORIS

May 16, 1936 - January 12, 2025

Rowena Doris Hopkins was born on May 16, 1936 to William and Annie Hancock. She married Percy Hopkins on May 30, 1958. Together they had 6 Children: Patsy, Wade, Eugene, Bert, Terry, and Larry.

Rowena worked for a short period of time on the Englee fish plant until she got married in 1958 when she then became a stay at home mom and raised her family.

She did her share of knitting and quilt making. She was her husbands right-hand woman. She helped him out at whatever he was doing, be it clearing snow or packing ion their winter wood. When he came out over the hill with this load of wood she was waiting at the basement door with her gloves on ready to work.

Many people young and old spent time at her home and ate many lunches, especially her famous lemon pies. She also gave many meals to her neighbours.

Rowena was a kind, caring, soft-spoken woman. She had a kind word and smile for everyone. She has served her Lord for many years and was faithful to him until he took her home. Rowena passed on January 12, 2025 at the age of 88 years.

She leaves to mourn with fond and tender memories, her Daughter: Patsy Fillier; Sons: Wade (Susie), Eugene (Donna), Bert, Terry (Bonnie), Larry (Mo); Sister: Hazel Brenton; 19 Grandchildren; 23 Great-grandchildren as well as a large circle of nieces, nephews, other extended family, and friends.

Rowena is predeceased by her loving husband: Percy Hopkins; Parents; William and Annie Hancock; Brothers: Willis and Stanley Hancock; Sisters: Verbina Hancock, Fannie Simms, Irene Jacobs, and Grandson: Stephan Hopkins.

Visitation will be held at the Salvation Army Church in Englee, beginning on Thursday, January 16th and continuing to the Funeral Service on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 2:00 pm with Major Janes officiating with interment to follow.

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

HEDDERSON, VELMA

June 24, 1940 - January 12, 2025
Passed away into peace on the 12th of January, 2025 Mrs. Velma Hedderson of Hay Cove in her 84th Year.

Velma was born in Hay Cove on June 24th 1940, to Dorman and Blanche Eddison. On January 12, 1959, she married the love of her life Vallance Hedderson. Together they raised three children: Dennis, Kettie, Audrey and grandson Tyler
Left to Mourn:
Husband: Vallance, Brothers: Ray, Carson, Louis (Effie), Vincent (Lavinia), Wilbourn (Edna), and Havener (Glennis), Sisters: Merial, Gladys and Dorcas, Children:
Kittie (Dave), Dennis (Marie), Audrey (Scott), Grandsons Tyler (Candace), Damien (Carolyn), Granddaughter: Mandy (Houston), Great Grandchildren: Jake, Luke, Logan and Sunnie, Special Friend Delina Anderson and a large circle of family and friends.
Velma adored her family and friends with her whole heart!
Visitation is being held at the Central United Church at Quirpon Branch, January 14th, 2025, and continuing through to the Funeral Service at 2pm on Wednesday January 15th, 2025 with Rev. Mark Willkoff officiating. Cremation will follow the service with burial at a later date.

FIELD, ELEANOR MARIE

Passed away into peace at the Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital in St. Anthony with her family by her side on the 5th of January, 2025, Mrs. Eleanor Marie Field, in her 81st Year.
Eleanor was a very outgoing woman who dearly loved her family. She was always up for a visit, game of cards and bingo, cooking and berry picking. She was a hard worker, caring, kind, selfless and strong woman who always helped others in any way she could.
The family are very thankful for the care their mom received since being unwell, from Strait of Belle Isle Health Center, Curtis Hospital, Richfell and Ivy Durly Place and all her home care workers (she was very grateful for every one of them).
Left to Mourn her passing are her Girls: Pat, Peggy (Dave), Gina (Kurtis & Jaxson), Brooklyn & Meghan,
Sisters: Gladys (Tony) & Ethel (Larry), Brother: George (Stella), Sister-in-Laws: Clara, Donna (Jimmy), Brother-in-Laws: Gordon, Enos, Lloyd (Marjorie) & Randy (Sheila), as well as a Large circle of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Eleanor was predeceased by her Husband: Clarence, Parents: Muriel & Eldred, Sisters: Jane, Bessie & Evangeline, Brothers: Harvey, Harrison (Winnie) & Nelson, Nephew: Ivan, Parents-in-laws: Violet & William and Lambert, Brother-in-Law: Hedley Field, Stepsister-in-law: Thamsie (Curling).
A Visitation is being held at the funeral home in St. Anthony on January 8th, from 2-4pm.
A family service will be held at the St. Thomas Anglican Church in Sandy Cove at 9pm on the 12th of January 2025, followed by the funeral service at 11am on Monday January 13th with Rev. Canon Vernon Short Officating. burial will follow in the Savage Cove Anglican Cemetery.

“You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them”
- Bishop Desmond Tutu

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PILGRIM, ERIC (DICK)

March 9, 1950 - January 2, 2025

It is with great sadness that the family of Eric (Dick) Pilgrim announce his passing on January 2, 2025 at the John M Gray Center in St. Anthony, NL at the age of 74 years.

Eric (Dick) loved to do things together with his wife, Winnie, especially during Christmas and birthdays. He also had a love for the great outdoors, fishing, and playing hockey. He was a lovely husband to Winnie, and father to his children: Toby and Tina.

One of the greatest things in his life was when he found the Lord and became a faithful member of the Bethel Pentecostal Church with his wife, Winnie.

Eric and Winnie did everything side by side up until they both began to struggle with dementia, then they both moved to the John M. Gray long term care home to spend time together again. Even in their illness they still showed their love for each other with Eric in particular doting on Winnie all the same.

He leaves to mourn with fond and loving memories his Wife of 23 years: Winnie; Son: Toby (Jody); Daughter: Tina; Sisters: Betty Pilgrim, Millicent (Millie); Brother: Albert (Marjorie), Murdock, Leonard (Janette), Fred (Carol); Sisters-in-law: Margaret, Bertha, Violet (Calvin) Johnson, Karen, Maysie (Primus) Mitchelmore, Joanne; Brothers-in-law: Harrison Hedderson, Roy Taylor, David Taylor, Adolphus Andrews, as well as a large circle of family and friends.

Eric (Dick) is predeceased by his parents: Wesley and Clara Pilgrim; brothers: Aubrey, Samuel; Sister: Evelyn (Harold) Adams, Blanche (Bill) Green, Alice Hedderson, Levinia (Walter) Richards; Brothers-in-law: Calvin Gillingham, Edwin and Ronald Taylor; Sisters-in-law: Darlene Pilgrim, Juanita Andrews, Lephna Hurley; Father and Mother-in-law: Robert and Ethel Taylor.

Visitation to take place from Kerry M. Fillatre Funeral Home in St. Anthony on Saturday, January 4, 2025 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. Due to inclement weather tentative visitations are scheduled for Sunday, January 5th, and Monday January 6th from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm, weather permitting. The funeral service will take place on Tuesday, January 7, 2024 at 2:00 PM from the Bethel Pentecostal Church in St. Anthony with Major Anthony Stokes and Major Beverly Dart-Stokes officiating. Interment to follow.

View the funeral Livestream here.

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

PILGRIM, HEZEKIAH ABSOLOM

November 23, 1942 - December 29, 2024

It is with heavy heats that the family of Hezekiah Absolom Pilgrim announce his passing on December 29, 2024 at the age of 82. Hezekiah (Kye) passed away peacefully at Curtis Memorial Hospital in St. Anthony.

Kye, as he was known to everyone, loved to spend his time outside. Doing anything from trouting, berry picking or just fiddling around. But his favorite past time was his garden, which he tended to with pride.

Kye will forever be remembered and missed by anyone who ever had the pleasure of meeting him.

Leaving to mourn with fond memories are his sisters: Gladys, Betty, Karen, Glenda (Nath), June (Willie), Wendy (Brent); his brothers: Tobias and Eugene; special Uncle: Ronald (Harriet); special Aunt: Bessie, as well as a large circle of nieces, nephews and extended family.

Hezekiah is predeceased by his parents: Jonathon and Annie; brother: Ivan; sister: Goldie; brothers in law: James, Ford; and sister-in-law: Robin.

The family at this time would like to extend their most sincere appreciation to the staff at Curtis Memorial Hospital for their compassion during their time of need.

Visitation will take place at the Salvation Army Citadel on St. Anthony on Wednesday, January 1st, 2025 from 2-4 and 7-9pm. The funeral service will take place on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at 11am with Major Stokes officiating. Cremation will follow the service with inurnment to take place at a later date.

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

EARLE, MARY (DUCIE)

March 13, 1944 - December 28, 2024

In Loving Memory of Elizabeth Mary Louise Earle (March 13, 1944 - December 28, 2024) With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Mary Earle, who was called home to be with the Lord on December 28, 2024.

Mary was a woman of unshakable faith, whose love for God and devotion to the church were guiding lights throughout her life. She lived each day with love for her family and enjoyed many precious days spent with her sister-in-law, Vianne Saunders. Her faith was her foundation, and she found comfort in the promise of eternal life. As she enters heaven, we take solace in knowing she is reunited with her beloved husband: Frank, cherished daughter: Diane, beloved son-in-law: Robert, and precious granddaughter: Charli.

Mourning her loss are her beloved children: Loni (Keon), Danny (Linda), Junior (Maxine), Faye (Mark) and Scott (Lori). As well, she leaves to mourn 12 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren and many family and friends who knew and loved her.

Mary’s laughter, kindness, and fun-loving spirit were gifts she shared freely with everyone around her. She brought people together with her warmth and especially her passion for berry picking. Her life was a testament to the power of love, faith, and community. She leaves behind a legacy of unwavering faith, unconditional love, and countless cherished memories.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held in the coming days, and we invite all who loved her to join us in honoring her incredible journey. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you carry her legacy forward by loving deeply, laughing often, and embracing the peace that faith brings.

Rest in peace, Mom. Your faith has carried you home, and your light will forever shine in our hearts.

Visitation will take place from the Calvary Pentecostal Church in St. Lunaire-Griquet on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm- family prayer to be announced. The funeral service will take place on Wednesday, January 1, 2025 at 2:00 pm with Pastors Geoff and Charity Butler officiating. Interment to follow.

You can view the funeral livestream here.

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