Obituary of Ronalda Whalen

After a courageous battle with dementia, Ronalda "Ronnie" Whalen (née MacDonald) of Avondale passed away peacefully at Gillis Lodge at the age of 88. 

Ronnie is survived by her seven children: John (Nancy) of Ottawa, Ontario; Robert (Elizabeth) of Indianapolis, USA; Michael (Julie) of Orton, Ontario; James Jr. (Janice) of Avondale, PEI; Leonard (Pamela) of Avondale, PEI; Ronald (Tracey) of Hermitage, PEI; and Steven of Peakes, PEI; as well as her 21 grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband James and her only daughter, Gloria (Donnie Campbell). Ronnie was the last surviving member of Leo and Helen MacDonald’s family and was also predeceased by her brothers Charles, Wilbur, Marcellus, and Ignatius and her sisters, Augusta and Gloria, both of whom passed on August 9, 2026 as well as Gloria Claire who died in childhood. She is survived by her sisters-in-law: Edna (James MacLean), Sheila MacDonald, Ita MacDonald, and Richardena Whalen.

Ronnie was born in Charlottetown, PEI on March 23, 1938. Her early education was at the Orwell School. She later attended Notre Dame Academy. After receiving her teaching certificate, she began teaching at various one-room schools, including Freetown, Vernon River, and Cherry Valley. 

In August 1962, she married Jim, the love of her life. Together they shared 63 years of marriage: raising a family, farming, and supporting their eight children in countless winter and summer sporting activities.

Ronnie was a lifelong member and supporter of St. Joachim’s Parish and the Catholic Women’s League and until recently, a frequent attendee at the Tuesday cards. Additionally, she was an avid family historian and could be counted on to know how nearly every MacDonald in Eastern PEI was related and from whom they were descended. She was also an enthusiastic supporter of the Scottish Society and Glenaladale Estate.

Her grandchildren will especially miss her ever-present chocolate-chip cookies, mints, and jelly beans.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the excellent care and support provided during Ronnie’s final months by Kim MacKenzie, her home caregiver, and the staff of Gillis Lodge.

Ronnie will rest at Hillsboro Funeral Home where visiting hours will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug 23, 2026.  The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joachim’s Church in Vernon River at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Aug 24, 2026.  Interment will follow in the parish cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Joachim’s Catholic Women’s League.