PENNEY, BESSIE VIOLA (Nee Taylor)

January 13, 1937- March 13, 2024

Passed peacefully away into the arms of the Lord on March 13, 2024, Bessie Viola Penney of St. Anthony, NL, in her 87th year. Bessie was born in St. Anthony Grenfell Hospital on January 13, 1937 to mother Mary Jane Taylor (nee Andrews) and father Hubert Taylor. She was the second oldest of her siblings, Reuben, Beatrice, Rosie, Zilda and Glossen. She grew up and attended school in Raleigh until she reached Grade 10. Bessie then moved to St. Anthony, to attend the Grenfell School and stayed with Her Aunt Lizzie and Uncle Albert Elson. When she finished school, she stayed with her grandmother Beatrice Andrews in the Annex and worked alongside of her in the hospital laundry. This was during the time of the TB outbreak and the Old Sanatorium. On their days off, they would go visiting all of their relatives.

After the summer she moved to teach in Boat Harbour for about a year. The next stint of her teaching career took her to Ireland Bight around 1954. She boarded with George and Martha Reid during that year in Ireland Bight; she enjoyed teaching all of the children and often spoke of the young mischievous boys who were always up to no good. As she loved lots of fun herself, she said it was hard for her to contain her laughter so she might have to turn back on to the kids and crack a smile. During her off hours away from school she reminisced about the “FUN” they had while she was there. There were tricks played on this one and that one. A group usually gathered at the Reid’s homestead for a game of Flinch during the evening hours. This brought about much laughter and jokes. Bessie often recalled that there was one fellow who cheated but it was all in fun. Ruby Johnson (daughter of Martha and George Reid) recalled that Reuben Patey who played Flinch with the friends the night before would come round the next day and pull 2 or 3 Flinch cards out of his pocket. Ruby also recalled that Bessie went home for Christmas that year when her Dad came by dog team to pick her up. The following year, Bessie moved back to St. Anthony and began working at Wentworth Stores, where she met the love of her life, Morris Penney. They married in 1957 and later had and raised two beautiful daughters, Dale and Lois. In 1985, they were blessed with their first grandchild, Penney-Lynn, and five years later, in 1990, blessed with their second grandchild, Zachary. They were the joy of Morris’ and Bessie’s hearts. They were later in life blessed with four beautiful great-grandchildren, Reid, Olivia, Isabella and Grayson.

She leaves to mourn with many beautiful memories, her daughters Dale (Scott) and Lois (Hank), loving grandchildren, Penney (Nathan) and Zach (Vanessa), precious great-grandchildren Reid, Olivia, Isabella and Grayson, sister, Rosie and brother, Glossen (Bernice), special sister-in-law, Marie (Wayne) Eaton, as well as a very large circle of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Bessie is predeceased by her husband, Morris, sisters Beatrice and Zilda, brother Reuben, parents, Mary and Hubert Taylor, mother and father-in-law, Ida and Malcolm Morris Penney, nephew, Malcolm Eaton, brother-in-law’s Ronald Penney, Val Taylor and Ralph Elliott and special grandson-in-law, Matthew Reid.

Bessie is fondly remembered for her kind, nurturing nature, her humour and wit! Over the years, she gained many special and lasting friendships through working at St. Anthony Cosmetics, and Consumers Pharma Choice (formerly, Shopper’s Drug Mart), and was well known for her attention to detail, dedicated work ethic and her shining personality and smile. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Visitation to take place from Kerry M. Fillatres Funeral Home in St. Anthony. Private visitation will take place on Thursday, March 14, 2024 from 7-9 pm to be followed by public visitation on Friday, March 15, 2024 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. A private funeral will take place on Saturday, March 16, 2024 from the funeral home at 2:00 pm with Carol Roberts and Minnie Morris officiating. Cremation to follow with inurnment at a later date.

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

PILGRIM, CHARLES BRUCE

January 14, 1947 - January 19, 2024

It is with profound sadness that the Family of Charles Bruce Pilgrim announce his passing on Friday, January 19, 2024, at the age of 77 years.

Bruce was born in Raleigh and spent his childhood there. He moved with his family to Main Brook at age of 15. There he finished High School and went on to Memorial University in St. John's where he and his wife Donna completed their teaching degrees together. He started his teaching career in Main Brook in 1969 and retired in 1998 after a long career teaching and as principal. He has provided guidance and motivation to many many students throughout several generations in Main Brook.

He would be called upon to be Master of Ceremonies at many Weddings, Celebrations and Community Events. In addition to his teaching, principal duties he was also Commissioner of Oaths and provided services to many surrounding communities. Bruce took great pride in entertaining all his nieces and nephews and loved when they would visit.He was a man of tremendous wit and humor. Always there to tell a joke or make a witty comment. He always enjoyed meeting others and striking up a chat and of course sharing a joke.

After his Retirement from teaching he discovered his talent and love of woodworking, he would spend many hours each day in "Da Shed" creating his masterpieces. When he wasn't in "Da Shed" he could be found logged into Facebook. He would share many jokes, inspirational thoughts and words of Wisdom with the World! and a scatter cartoon with Donna's face stuck to it - All in Good Fun.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 52 years, Donna. His sister Eileen Marshfield (Allan), brothers Clyde (Joy), Ivan (Rena), Sister-in-law, Jean Ryan (Steadman) and brother-in-law, Murray Pilgrim (Madonna), 4 Nieces, 6 Nephews, 10 Great Nieces and 5 Great Nephews, One special Uncle, Edward Bessey (Martha).

He was predeceased by his parents Maxwell and Florrie Pilgrim and his Mother and Father-in-law Florence and Eric Pilgrim.

Visitation will be held from Kerry M. Fillatre Funeral Home beginning 10am to 12pm and 2-4pm on Tuesday January 23rd 2024. The Funeral service will be held at the funeral home at 2pm on Wednesday January 24th, at 2pm with Pastor Skinner officiating. In keeping with Bruce's wishes Cremation will take place and interment will follow at a later date at the United Cemetery in Main Brook.

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

COOPER, GLADDIE

February 22, 1928 – December 1, 2023

It is with heavy hearts that the family of the late Gladdie Alexandra Cooper (nee Hodge) announce the passing of their beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend at the age of 95 years.

Gladdie was born at home in Savage Cove in 1928, the first of five children. Following her adored mother’s passing in childbirth, 15-year-old Gladdie left school to care for her siblings. Shortly after, her family moved by dog sled to Main Brook, to be closer to relatives. There Gladdie met and married Thomas Cooper in 1947. They had two children before moving to St.Anthony in 1954.

Gladdie always held education in high regard. Once her family were raised, she continued her education by achieving her high school diploma in night school. Then she completed a correspondence certificate in practical nursing which would eventually lead her into a career in health care. She always encouraged her children and grandchildren in their studies, and celebrated their every accomplishment.

Rightly named, Gladdie had a beautiful smile and warm heart. She was a sincere and caring person who loved welcoming and supporting others. She began her career by serving her community as a friendly face of the several general retail stores on the East Side of St. Anthony. Later she transitioned to work at the IGA Dr. Charles S.Curtis Memorial Hospital as a switchboard operator. Her kind and engaging attitude made her a natural choice for on the job training as a dental assistant. In that role, she made many friends and happy memories, and brought reassurance to many dental patients (young and old) until she retired.

She had a deep commitment to her faith in God during her lifetime and was a dedicated member of the church. She was an active member of the ACW at St.Mary’s Church, St.Anthony for over 60 years.

The happiest times of her life were shared with her family and friends, particularly annual summer vacations in their truck camper and motor home. Gladdie treasured her memories of the people and places that brought so much joy to her life. She particularly enjoyed connecting with her cousins. Her family was of utmost importance to her, each one holding a special place in her heart.

Leaving to mourn with a lifetime of fond and loving memories are her daughter Rose (Arne Helgeland), son Kevin (Dora), grandchildren DeAnn Vincent (Fred), Dana Cooper (Ben), and Michael Cooper; great-grandchildren: Emily Vincent, and Liliane Cooper-LaChance as well as many other nieces, nephews, extended family and friends, especially those living in the area who frequently visited Gladdie and supported her in the absence of her immediate family.

Gladdie was predeceased by her much-missed husband Thomas; her parents Philip Hodge and Rosanna Hodge (White); Siblings; Cora Cassidy (Reg), Dulcie Hancock (Willis), Bill Hodge (Mary), and Dan Hodge (Marie); In Laws, Wilfred Simms (Goldie), Cornelia Sweetland (Art), Cyril Cooper (Fanny), Harold Cooper (Effie), Joe Cooper (Annie), Lillian Sansford (Harry).

The family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to the numerous healthcare professionals at Dr. Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital and the staff at Shirley’s Haven. Their expertise, compassion and patience will never be forgotten.

Visitation to take place from Kerry M. Fillatre Funeral Home in St. Anthony on Monday, December 4, 2023 from 2-4 pm and 7-8:30 pm with family prayer taking place from 8:30-9 pm. The funeral service will be held at St. Mary’s Anglican Church in St. Anthony on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at 11:00 am with Rev. Arthur Kinsella officiating. Interment to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Mary’s Church at parishofstanthonynl@gmail.com.

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

BLAKE, MARIE RUBY

February 24th, 1933 - March 11th, 2020

Marie Blake passed away peacefully on March 11th 2020 at Shirley’s Haven Personal Care Home in St. Anthony, NL at the age of 87. Left to mourn with loving memories are her children Ruby (Bob), Vincent (Mildred), Audrey (Lawrence), Harry (Sheila), Keith (Bethany), Edna (Wilb) and Neil; her sisters, Doris (Wilson), Jessie and Ella; Daughter-in-law Daphne, 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Marie was predeceased by her parents Alice and Harry Ward; husband Garfield Blake; sister Mary (Eddie), brothers George (Caroline), and Wallace (Ethel). Visitation will be held at United Central Church, Quirpon Branch on March 12th from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm and will continue on March 13th from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. DUE TO SATURDAY’S WEATHER The funeral will now take place on Monday, March 12th 2020 at 2:00 pm with Rev. John McGonigle officiating. Interment to follow. Funeral arrangement entrusted to Kerry M. Fillatre’s Funeral Home, St. Anthony and Roddickton, Alicia Patey, Funeral Director.

TAYLOR, JEANETTE IRENE

December 1, 1945 – May 27, 2019Passed away on May 27th at the Palliative Care Unit of Western Memorial Regional Hospital, Corner Brook, Jeanette Irene Taylor of Gunner’s Cove. She was born at Forteau, Labrador on December 1st, 1945. With the passing of her father two years later she, along with most of her family, moved to Pilley’s Island, Green Bay. In her teenage years she migrated back to Point Amour, Labrador where she worked “in-service” to the family of the late John Earle (light keeper). While working as a Bell Telephone operator at Levi Normore’s in Lanse-au-Loup she met and married Leonard Taylor. They had two children. She had an abiding love of the outdoors with almost daily excursions walking, hiking, snowshoeing, skiing and berry-picking. She loved her woodpile, her shed, her axe, cleaver and wood-splitter and dearly loved her wood stove. She was a political junkie whose stripe was born out of her brother’s treatment during the loggers strike of the Smallwood era; she was a hopeless Toronto Maple Leafs fan though it was difficult when they played Sidney Crosby and the Penguins; and she had an insatiable appetite for current affairs, feeding a very opinionated mind. Anyone who passed through Gunner’s Cove in the winter can attest that she was a wonderful hand to clear snow though a bit rough on snowblowers and shovels. She had four grandchildren and three great- grandchildren and her love for them was the source of immense pride. She brought a resolve and determination to all aspects of her life and though often lonely after the passing of Leonard, she found solace in doing something to “keep the devil out of my mind” as she would say. That resolve and determination carried her through the past few debilitating months of her life with a rare grace. She leaves to mourn Son Trevor (Udlu) and Daughter Trudy (Michael); Grandchildren Ian (Lindsay), Nicolas, Emily and Jonathan; Great Grandchildren Kate, Leo and Julie; Sisters Grace Hancock, Thelma Furey, Nellie Batstone, Jessie Roberts (Reg); Brother Gordon (Rose); Special Friends Louise, Grace, Leona, Rick, Max, Gladys, Bill and Mabel and a large circle of family and friends. She was predeceased by husband Leonard; Parents Delbert and Emily Roberts; Brothers Ralph & Jack; Sisters Clarissa and Flossie and dear friend Ethel Hedderson (mudder). Visitation was held from the Central United Church at Quirpon Branch on Thursday, May 30, 2019 at 11:00 am with Rev. Gus Pendleton officiating. Interment followed in the Quirpon Community Cemetery. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Kerry M. Fillatre’s Funeral Home, St. Anthony and Roddickton, Lee Nippard, Funeral Director.