MacDONALD, IRENE A. - 1919 - 2014 - The death of Irene Adeline MacDonald of Centreville occurred on Sunday, January 12, 2014 at the Upper River Valley Hospital, Waterville. Born September 24, 1919 in Talgarth, South Wales she was the daughter of the late Herbert and Adeline (Prothero) Kennett. Irene immigrated to Canada with her family in 1929 to Tracey Mills, NB. She graduated from High School at Centreville Consolidated School. After High School, she attended a Home Economics course in St. Andrews, NB which was the beginning of her life long passion for sewing, knitting, crocheting, crafts and cake decorating. Many will remember her for the exquisite cakes she made for weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays. On June 22, 1940, Irene married Arnold Edison Smith and moved to Knoxford where they operated the family farm for many years. She also was employed by McCain Foods for 17 years. After the death of her first husband, Irene spent time with her daughters and their families, as well as travelling with her family and friends. On April 15, 1995, Irene married Evans MacDonald. They have enjoyed 18 years of marriage - travelling, gardening, cooking and looking after each other. She was a member of the Florenceville Garden Club, where she received numerous awards for her floral arranging talents. Irene was the recipient of a Paul Harris Fellowship from Rotary International in recognition of her numerous community endeavours. She was a member of the Knoxford Praying Band Church where she taught the preschool Sunday School Class for over 40 years. Her annual Christmas rhythm bands were a highlight of every Christmas concert. Irene was also a member of the Women's Missionary Society, the Knoxford Women's Institute (since 1940), and the Centreville Home and School Association. Irene will be remembered for her devotion to family and her love of young children. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her first husband Arnold Smith in 1985, an infant son Robert, a brother Trevor and two sisters Carrie and Kate. Irene is survived by her loving husband of 18 years, Evans MacDonald; five daughters, Norma Hitchlock (Ronald), Linda DeMerchant (Paul), Gail McDougall (Burney), Barbara Kierstead (Raymond) and Patricia Bennett (David); five step children, Terry MacDonald (Ruth), Larry MacDonald (Pat), Charles MacDonald (Peggy), Cindy DeMerchant (Tom) and Shawn York (Mitchell); 29 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren; brother Bill Kennett (Dorothy); a sister Olive Thomas (Miles) and several nieces, nephews and extended family.
Visitation will be held at the Knoxford Praying Band Church on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at 3:00 pm from the church. Rev. Andrew DeRier, Rev. Andy DeRier and Rev. Bob McNutt will officiate. Interment will be in the Lower Knoxford Cemetery at a later date. For those who wish, donations made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, the Knoxford Praying Band Church or to a charity of the donor's choice would be appreciated. L.R. Giberson Funeral Directors are entrusted with the arrangements. www.gibersonfuneraldirectors.ca (506) 392-1115