Obituary of Catherine Edward

Peacefully, on June 15th, Mary Catherine (née Gallant) Edward, of Belfast and then Charlottetown, age 76, passed away at the Provincial Palliative Care Centre, surrounded by her loving family.

Born July 13, 1948, in Saint John, New Brunswick, Catherine was daughter to Joseph and Helen (Keizer) Gallant. She leaves sibling Tom to mourn her passing.

Beloved wife of 52 years to Michael, she was mother to Gethin (Meg), Cecily, and Eric (Lisa), and dearest grandmama to Ruby, Steven, Joseph, Isaac, Crispin, Samuel, Frances and John. 

A member of the first graduating class (1970) of UPEI, Catherine became a CBC journalist and producer for the radio program Ideas. When she and Michael moved to the Island in 1973, she continued as a freelance journalist while taking great pride and delight in all aspects of her life as a mother and homemaker.

From a Catholic upbringing she found her spiritual home at St. Peter’s Cathedral where she remained an active member until her death.

Her gift for writing led to the publication of two books, The Brow of Dawn, a memoir of her struggle with Multiple Sclerosis and The Whither Poems.

Her environmentalism and concern for her Island community led to her work with the Institute of Island Studies, support of the Green Party and volunteer work with Farmers Helping Farmers. Catherine’s gracious life and witness will continue to inspire and comfort her family as they mourn her passing. May she rest in peace.

Visitation from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Friday, June 20th, at the St. Peter’s Cathedral Hall, All Soul’s Lane, Charlottetown. Funeral at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 21st, at St. Peter’s Cathedral. Interment to follow at St. John’s Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Belfast. In lieu of flowers, donations will be gratefully accepted by St. Peter’s Cathedral and by Farmers Helping Farmers. 

Funeral arrangements by St. Peter’s Cathedral and Hillsboro Funeral Home.  Special thanks to the wonderful care team at the Provincial Palliative Care Centre, and all of Catherine’s doctors and nurses.