In Memoriam

Doreen (nee Ferguson) Manley: Peacefully at Peterborough Regional Health Centre on Sunday, August 30, 2026 in her 96th year. Doreen, beloved wife of the late Elwood Manley (d. 2016). Loving and devoted mother of Rodney, Randee Guscott (Al), Robin Arnott (Doug), Reed Manley (Nancy), and the late Rhonda Holland (Bob). Cherished Grandmother of 14 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Predeceased by her sister Carolee Huffman (Fred), and by her brothers Stewart (Cathy, predeceased), and Jack Ferguson (Sally, predeceased). Doreen was an active and long time member of Mark Street United Church and Choir. She was a Life Member and Past President of the UCW. Doreen was a Charter Member of the Jubilaires, a member of Learning and Leisure as well as the Maple Ridge Seniors Bridge Groups. She was a long time member of the Peterborough Theatre Guild, St. James Players and could often be called upon to act as MC at the Kathryn Shop fashion shows. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Doreen’s Funeral Service in Mark Street United Church on Thursday, September 10th at 1:00pm followed by a light luncheon in the church hall. Private interment Little Lake Cemetery. In her memory, and in lieu of flowers, donations to Mark Street United Church Memorial Fund would be appreciated by her family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.highlandparkfuneralcentre.com

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Hal at Hospice Quinte on Saturday, August 8th, 2026, at the age of 83. He was the son of the late Alexander and Dorothy Wilson. He was the beloved husband of 62 years to Olive Wilson (nee McKinnon); cherished father to Stephanie Clarey of Whitehorse, Yukon, and Hal Wilson Jr. (Josée) Northbrook, Illinois; and proud grandfather to Willem, Joseph, Jacob, Noah, and Sienna. He is survived by his brothers Gary Wilson (Sandra) and Doug Wilson (Rita) and was predeceased by his brother Don Wilson (the late Lorene).

A proud descendant of United Empire Loyalists, Hal was raised and educated in Toronto, where he entered the ministry through the Reformed Episcopal Church. He soon transferred to the United Church of Canada, serving parishes in Sudbury, Kingston and Nova Scotia.  Hal was called to Mark Street United Church in Peterborough in 1970 where he served until coming to the Quinte area in 1980.

He earned his initial theological degree from Queen's University, a Master's in Religious Education from the University of Toronto, and his Doctor of Ministry degree from Drew University. In May 1999, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Queen's Theological College in recognition of his many contributions to his community, the national United Church, Queen's University, and the Theological College in particular. At the Theological College, he served as an adjunct professor and student counsellor, chaired the Board and several committees, and was named a Queen's University Trustee.

As minister of Bridge Street United Church for twenty-five years, he opened the church to the community through innovative musical and community outreach programs. He also served as Chair of the Quinte Living Centre Board and Vice-Chair of the Bridge Street United Church Foundation. Following his retirement from Bridge Street in 2005, he served as minister at Picton and Front Road United Churches. In his final retirement, he acted as a Voluntary Associate Minister at Albury Community Church.

Hal served the regional and national United Church in numerous board positions and spent several summers leading pastoral care workshops on behalf of the United Church of Canada Health Services in remote Northern BC communities. Provincially, he was a member of the Ontario Community & Social Services Regional Inter-faith Committee and served two terms as the Chair of the Ontario Funeral Services Board, where he chaired the Complaints Committee and was active in both licensing and discipline.

Above all, Hal was known for his compassion, generosity, and deep commitment to people.  He was a thoughtful mentor, a lifelong learner, and person who believed strongly in the importance of community and service.

Family was at the center of Hal’s life, and he took particular joy in the time spent with Olive, his children and his grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at the Rushnell Funeral Home, 80 Highland Ave., Belleville (613-968-5588) on Friday, October 9th, 2026  from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 10th, 2026  from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. A Memorial Service will be held in the chapel immediately following on Saturday, October 10th at 12:00 noon, with Rev. Brad Ford officiating. A private interment will take place at Belleville Cemetery. If desired, donations to Hospice Quinte would be greatly appreciated by the family. For online condolences, please visit www.rushnellfuneralhomes.com.

*The following information was adapted from an article in the Belleville Intelligencer by Rev. Wendy.

The sympathy of Mark Street United Church is extended to the family and friends of the Rev. Dr. Hal Wilson, a former minister of Mark Street United Church. Rev. Dr. Wilson, 83, died Saturday morning, August 8, 2026, just one day after entering hospice care, said Mary-Lynne Morgan, a close friend who for more than 23 years served as his administrative assistant at Bridge Street United Church in downtown Belleville. Rev. Dr. Wilson was born in Toronto and descended from what he called “a number of generations of Methodist preachers.” He was ordained in 1964. He was perhaps best known for his work at Bridge Street United Church in Belleville, Ontario, a church with a long history of social programs and outreach. Morgan said he was a collegial manager, someone who trusted staff to do their jobs and didn’t interfere. “He demanded the best you could offer.” He held degrees from multiple universities in Ontario and New Jersey. He entered ministry in the Reformed Episcopalian Church and worked in at least three provinces. “One goes into the ministry only if they can’t stay out of it,” he once said. “Because you can’t do everything doesn’t mean you don’t do something,” Rev. Dr. Wilson told The Belleville Intelligencer in a 2006 interview as the church reported an increase in demand for its volunteer-operated winter meal program. “We’re certainly pleased to be able to respond to that. That’s part of the ministry of a downtown church. “All of the good will in the world, all the good intention, isn’t worth a hoot if you don’t have a cadre of volunteers willing to put the boots to the pavement and do the work,” he added. Long list of volunteer positions - Rev. Dr. Wilson held several volunteer positions within the United Church, including the chair of the Queen’s University Theological College. His involvement at Queen’s included periods as a university trustee and adjunct professor of practical theology. His work, however, extended well beyond the church. He chaired the Christmas Sharing Program for 26 years and was involved in many more causes. After 26 years of ministry in the city, he retired in 2005 from Bridge Street, though he remained in the role of minister emeritus. “Anyone can be a minister,” Rev. Dr. Wilson said as he prepared to leave at age 62. “Only the members of a congregation permit you to be their pastor. “Being able to be with folks at all times of their life – the happy times, the sad times and everything in between – you only do that by invitation,” told The Intelligencer’s Barry Ellsworth. “While I am retiring, I’m not quitting work.” His home life included being active with Olive, his wife of more than 60 years, and their grandchildren in such activities as hiking, skiing, and karate. Rev. Dr. Wilson was later a supply minister at Picton United and Point Anne’s Front Road United Church, and a voluntary associate at Prince Edward County’s Rednersville Albury Community Church. At times, he was seemingly everywhere in the community: chairing the Belleville General Hospital board, becoming a spiritual advisor and board member of Hospice Quinte, overseeing the Belleville Club’s board, and, on a volunteer basis, teaching palliative care and grief management to Loyalist College nursing students. Rev. Dr. Wilson maintained a private practice in bereavement counselling, led related workshops, and was a two-term chairperson of the Ontario Board of Funeral Services (now the Bereavement Authority of Ontario). “I used to tease him about failing retirement … and he failed it a couple of times,” Morgan said with a chuckle. Each time he tried, she said, “he couldn’t stand it.” Having joined the Rotary Club in 1982, Rev. Dr. Wilson later became a Paul Harris Fellow. The 418 Wing Air Force Association’s humanitarian award also bears his name, as does a Christmas Sharing student bursary. Rev. Dr. Wilson was also a past Guardian Angel honoree of the Children’s Foundation and an honorary patron of the Quinte Symphony. “It’s just phenomenal that one man could have accomplished all that,” Morgan said of her late friend. She said Rev. Dr. Wilson had lived for years with serious medical conditions and had been in declining health.

Jane (Stinson) White, May 30, 1932 - July 29, 2026, died peacefully on Wednesday, July 29 Jane was 94 years of age. At the time of her death, she was at the Peterborough Regional Health Care Centre, on the patio, under a sunny, blue sky among the trees, birds, and colourful flowers. There is no news of any arrangements presently. th. You will likely remember Jane coming to Mark Street with her daughter, Ann Grey, on most Sunday mornings. She will be sorely missed.

Loreen Evit Simpson (née Hunter) passed away peacefully on March 24, 2026, at Peterborough Regional Health Centre in her 97th year. Loreen is survived by her husband of 79 years, David Simpson.

Loreen was born and raised in East City, Peterborough. She devoted her life to her family and friends and was a continual helping hand for anyone in need. She was the former president of the Mark St. United Church’s Women’s League and a long-time foster parent for many of her early years. With David, they built their home on Chemong Lake where she delighted in tending to her flower gardens, baking, reading, and researching and curating her maternal family ancestry (Agnew) with many of her cousins.

Loreen was a loving, caring mother to Sandra, Steven, and Robert and a second mother to many of her nieces and nephews, in particular, Kim Hunter. She was a doting gramma to Tim, Stephen, Matt, Jenny, and Andrew and their partners and offspring. She had 7 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

An interment will be held at Little Lake Cemetery on Saturday, March 28 at 12 PM, followed by a service at Mark St. United Church at 2 PM. The service will be live streamed for anyone not able to attend in person. www.youtube.com/@MarkStreetUnitedChurchPTBO. A reception will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. Thanks to the staff at PRHC and Peterborough Retirement Residence for their compassion and care.

Peacefully, on Friday March 7, 2025 at the age of 80. Loving husband of Pauline (nee Windsor) for 55 years. Beloved father of Steven (Marie-Claude Savard-Gagnon) and Julie (Todd) Durnan. Cherished grandpa of James, Rose, Quinn and Caryss. Dear brother of Gail (Stuart) Keyes and adored cousin of Dawn (late Dr. Norman) Gledhill. Predeceased by his parents Mary and Carlyle Ferguson.

Paul was a long-time employee of Sargent of Canada (later Assa Abloy). He played hockey, lacrosse and baseball as a youth and later football at PCVS and Adam Scott.

Paul loved nothing more than to spend time at the cottage on Chemung Lake with his family and friends.

A Celebration of Life is to be held at a later date. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Diabetes Canada or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Online condolences may be made at AshburnhamFuneral.ca



Peacefully at the PRHC on Monday, December 31, 2024 at the age of 88. Helen, dearly beloved wife of Morris and loving mother of Jeff (Susie), David (Nathalie Poirier-Cox), and Susan (Jay Sharp). Dear Grandma of Dylan (Alison), Mackenzie, Madeleine, Francis (Carly), Emma (Benn), and Angela. Great-grandma of Phoebe, and Theo. Dear sister of Donald Curtis (the late Martha), the late Bruce (the late Peg) Curtis, and their families. Helen was a member at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club where she enjoyed golfing and socializing with her friends. Her love of music and natural ability to learn to play was evident. She learned how to play the violin as an adult and became a member of the Fiddle stix band. Although Helen learned to play the piano at a young age, she relearned to play as an adult and became a very proficient player. Her memory served her well not only in music but also when playing card games such as 'Hearts', 'Euchre' and most importantly 'Duplicate Bridge'. Visitation will be held at Ashburnham Funeral Home, 840 Armour Road, Peterborough, on January 24, from 7-9 p.m. and on January 25, from 1-2 p.m. Memorial Service in the chapel at 2 p.m. If desired, donations in Helen name to the PRHC Foundation would be appreciated by the family.



It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Alexander "Murray" Batten on Monday, September 16, 2024, shortly after blowing out his 91st birthday candle. Murray was the beloved husband of 67 years to Flo, who he missed immensely following her recent passing. He was the loving father of Jane Fitzpatrick (the late Glen), Paul, Bill and the late Robert. He will be missed by his cherished granddaughters, Frances and Aland (Jayson Down). Survived by his sisters-in-law, Beverly and Dorothy Batten. Murray was predeceased by his brothers, Bill (Shirley), Harvey and Eric.
Murray's pride of his family's pioneering roots in Dummer Township oozed through his blood. His interest in history continued throughout his life and was extended to his involvement with the Douro-Dummer Historical Society.
Murray left the family farm after completing high school at the age of 16, and pursued a remarkable forty-year career with the Ministry of Transportation. Following retirement, he settled in Peterborough and worked for several consulting firms and supervised the renovation of the Peterborough Lift Lock, the Inverlea Bridge and the Hunter Street Bridge, as well as several other local projects. He was even offering his expertise and input on road projects at the age of 88! Murray's mark on these projects in the area he loved so much will leave a lasting imprint for many years to come.
A funeral service will be held to honour Murray's life at Mark Street United Church, 90 Hunter Street East, Peterborough on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall of the church. Memorial donations may be made to Mark Street United Church or the Heart and Stroke Foundation as expressions of sympathy and may be made by contacting THE HENDREN FUNERAL HOMES, LAKEFIELD CHAPEL, 66 Queen Street, Lakefield at www.hendrenfuneralhome.com or by calling 705-652-3355.



Passed away peacefully in her 91st year at Princess Gardens. Beloved wife of Fred for 67 years; loving mother of David (Lisa) and Leslee Cantello (Bob) and cherished Nana of Carter and Malaina Huffman as well as Avery, Cydney and Kurt Cantello. Carolee was the dear sister of Doreen Manley of Peterborough and predeceased by brothers, Stewart and Jack.
Carolee was a Registered Nurse at the Peterborough Civic Hospital and for Dr. Hartere at the Medical Centre. She loved her music and was a long-time member of Mark St. United Church Choir, the Jubilaires Ladies Choir and of a small group, The 9 Bells. Carolee was also a long-time member of the St. James Players, singing in the chorus of their many musicals.
Carolee’s family would like to thank the staff at Princess Gardens and the Peterborough Regional Health Centre for the care they provided.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, September 19th at 11:30a.m. at Rosemount Memorial Gardens followed by a reception at Ashburnham Funeral Home and Reception Centre, 840 Armour Rd., Peterborough.
In memory of Carolee, donations may be made to the Mark St. United Church memorial fund or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.



Pauline’s family announces with sorrow that she passed away peacefully on Friday, September 13, 2024 at Canterbury Gardens in her 87th year. Beloved wife of the late Samuel Bell (1977) and the late Harold McGrath (2015). Loving mother of Susan Pettersone (late Barry), Sharon Driscoll (Scott) and Jeffrey Bell (Patti). Proud grandmother of Michael Cavanagh (Kim), Megan Cavanagh (Mike Lowry), Dan Cavanagh (Erica), Samantha Driscoll-Way (Daniel), Hayley Driscoll (Holly Thomas) and Samuel Bell and great-grandmother of Aiden, Conor, Grace, Adeline, Jack, and Joseph. Pauline cherished Harold’s family and had a special relationship with his daughter Kimberley and Harold’s six grandchildren Bradley, Kyle, Ben, Reggie, Arlene and Frankie. Predeceased by her parents Clayton and Daisy Fitzgerald; and her brother Barry (late Jane). Lovingly remembered by her nephew Gordon Fitzgerald (Nadine Rochette) and his children Jeremy and Shane, and her niece Tammy Duport (Dion) and her daughter Raven. Dearly missed by many extended family, and friends.

Pauline was a proud descendant of the Peter Robinson settlers and grew up on a dairy farm on 12th Line Smith outside of Lakefield. She loved the outdoors so much that she lied about her age to become a counselor at Camp Kawartha on Clear Lake when she was only sixteen. At 5 foot 9 and ¾’s, she was the captain of her Lakefield High School basketball team and graduated from Peterborough Teachers College in 1957, In 1959, Pauline married the love of her life Sam Bell and moved to Bridgenorth. Pauline was a primary grade school teacher at King Edward P.S. in Peterborough until her first daughter Susan was born in 1960. She continued to substitute teach and assist at Bell’s Garage while they grew their family until the tragic death of Sam in 1977. Pauline, now widowed with 3 children, 16, 15 and 11, transitioned into the role of business owner as Co-Owner of Bell’s Garage until she sold her majority interest to her brother-in-law in the early eighties. Pauline found a second chance at love when she married Harold McGrath in 1982. Although their lives were busy with work and eight kids between them, they found time to travel and eventually became snowbirds at Ironwood Circle in Bradenton Florida where Pauline made many new friends and learned to golf. Golf and curling became favorite past-times and Pauline joined Tamarac Golf & Country Club in Ennismore and is a Past President of Peterborough Curling Club Ladies Section. Pauline held strong ties with both Mark Street United Church and Bridgenorth United Church where she spent many years as President of the Bridgenorth UCW. She volunteered for TeleCare Distress Centre of Peterborough and Selwyn Public Library in Ennismore. In her later years, Pauline became an avid bridge player and had a weekly game with several good friends and had just started a bridge group at Canterbury Gardens where she became a resident this past May.

But for Pauline, friends and family were the most important aspects of her life. Her favourite roles were mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and she was one of the best. She was always supportive of her children’s life decisions even when career opportunities required moving to different cities, provinces or countries. Having the family together was a top priority and she rarely missed a holiday celebration or summer BBQ at her Ennismore house on Chemong Lake or Sharon’s cottage on Clear Lake. She was frequently hosting large family gatherings and would always welcome neighbours and family friends as extended family with one simple phrase - Just call me Pauline. She was a fantastic cook and always had home baked chocolate chip cookies in a tupperware container and each family visit started with a trip to the kitchen for a cookie appetizer. Her cookies were not always perfect, but they were made with love.

Pauline made friends wherever she went and she had a smile and a personality that would light up a room. She was incredibly kind, caring and inspirational to all that were fortunate enough to meet her.

A Celebration of Pauline’s Life will be held at Bridgenorth United Church, 832 Charles Street on Wednesday October 9, 2024. Visitation will be from 11 am to 12:30 pm, Service at 1 pm and Inurnment at BUC cemetery immediately following the service. Family will receive friends for a reception at the Bridgenorth Library next to the church.

In memory of Pauline, donations to Bridgenorth United Church or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated by her family.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.comstockkaye.com