Diana Heuvel

Keith Weston “Herbie” Servage of Ingleside, formerly of Chesterville, passed away peacefully in Ottawa, at the Ottawa Civic Hospital ICU, on December 6, 2016 at the age of 74. Son of the late Marie Jeanne […]

A lifetime resident of the Chesterville area, Alma Brownlee passed away at the Dundas Manor in Winchester, on Tuesday, November 18, 2014.  She was 101.

Alma was born in Brockville ,on February 7, 1913, just prior to WW1. She was the third child, but the first daughter to Reverend Foster Chapin Bowen and his wife Margaret. Alma would soon have three younger sisters to help care for.  

The family did not have much money, but they had the foundation on which great lives are built: strong faith, a good work ethic and a dedication to community service. 

The six Bowen children were often sent out to help others in the community. One summer when Alma was 10, she was sent to help a parishioner maintain her garden. Alma enjoyed gardening, and for years she kept a huge vegetable garden at her home on Howard Street.

During the Great Depression, hobos left signs pointing to a welcoming house where they could get a free meal. The Bowen household was one of those homes with an open door to the hungry and the homeless. 

Like her parents, Alma never stopped caring for others even in the last year of her life.

Alma was an excellent nurse. Alma graduated from the Ottawa Civic Hospital in 1936, at the age of 23. One of Alma’s patients was struck by her beauty and invited her to a hockey game. A perfect Canadian first date. That fellow was Mansel Brownlee, whom Alma married in 1938.

When Alma moved to Chesterville with husband Mansel in 1938, she was welcomed to the town at a reception attended by over 100 people. 

Alma enjoyed Chesterville’s friendly small town spirit for many decades. She was an enthusiastic member of Christ Church United (formerly Chesterville United) for over seven decades.

She was also a faithful canvasser for the local Canadian Cancer Society and member of the Women’s Institute.

In 1938, a nurse had to quit her job when she got married. Until she returned to nursing almost 30 years later, Alma dedicated herself to being a resourceful homemaker. She was able to feed and clothe a family of six children on a shoestring budget.

Alma’s secrets to living a long and healthy life were: just keep moving, eat a healthy diet and think about others. 

Alma will be remembered for her loving attitude towards everyone she met, her fabulous energy and uplifting spirit.

Alma is survived by her children Lois Quartus of Chesterville, Donald of Williamsburg, Margaret Carruthers (John) of Morrisburg, Lorraine Cross (Jack) of Peachland, B.C. and Brian (Louise) of Oakville, her son-in-law Gary Merkley of Chesterville and her brother-in-law Rev. Fred Francis of Kingston.  

She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 49 years, Mansel Brownlee, who died in 1987; her daughter Betty Merkley who died in 2012; her sisters Luella Bailey, Ruby Dickson, Grace Francis and her brothers Carmen and Willard Bowen. 

Alma will be fondly remembered by her grandchildren Larry, Janet, Peter, Catherine, Shelley, Matthew, Rodney, Cindy, Allison, and Nick; by nine great-grandchildren Michael, Chris, Owen, Emma, Grant, Anderson, Jacob, Petra, and Everleigh, and one great-great-grandson, Alejandro George Bemi, along with her nieces and nephews who shared their happy memories of Alma in a Tribute Book created for her 100th birthday.  

Friends called at Christ Church United in Chesterville, on Friday, November 21st from 10 a.m. until time of the funeral service at 11 a.m., which was conducted by Rev.Debbie Poirier. 

Interment followed at Maple Ridge Cemetery, Chesterville. Pallbearers were grandsons Larry Quartus, Peter Carruthers, Nick Brownlee, Mike Bemi, and Chris Bemi. 

Donations to Christ Church United or the Canadian Cancer Society would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

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A lifelong resident of Morrisburg, Hugh Myers passed away peacefully at Dundas Manor, Winchester with his loving family by his side on Sunday, October 16, 2011. He was 83.

The only child of the late John Frederick and Amy (nee Banks) Myers, Hugh was born on February 20, 1928, in Morrisburg.

On September 15, 1956, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Williamsburg, he married Doris Ruth McIntosh who survives.

The couple made their home for many years at 27 High Street in Morrisburg, and Hugh worked in the Forestry Division of Hydro One for 35 years until his retirement.

A member of the Indian River Hunt Club, Hugh loved to fish and hunt.

At the age of 18, he enlisted in the Royal Navy and served for five years. He then worked for two years on the boats in the Great Lakes.

In his spare time, Hugh umpired fastball and was a hockey referee, who travelled throughout the area.

Being an only child, Hugh spent a great deal of time in his younger years with the Jones’ family. In his later years, he enjoyed gardening and time spent with his grandchildren. He worked hard and provided for his family. 

A quiet, shy man, he was a homebody at heart, and a down to earth person. His family was most important to him.

He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #48 and St. James Anglican Church. 

Hugh is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Doris, and by his children Carol (Robert) Corry and David (Kathy), both of Morrisburg. He was cherished grandfather of Natalie and Kurtis Corry and Amy and Sarah Myers, all of Morrisburg.

Friends were received at the Parker Funeral Home, Morrisburg, on Tuesday, October 18, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The funeral service was conducted by Rev. Susan McCullough in the Parker Funeral Home chapel on Wednesday, October 19 at 11 a.m.

Interment followed at Fairview Cemetery, Mariatown.

Bearers were Doug Wilson, Bob Barclay, Grant McMillan, Bryan Dawley, Tom Dawley and grandson Kurtis Corry.

Memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society will be gratefully acknowledged. Condolences and donations may be made at www.parkerofmorrisburg.com

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