Rackley, M. Ina
In her 94th year, M. Ina Rackley passed away peacefully on February 17, 2016, at the Mill Creek Care Centre in Barrie, Ontario. Born in Emerald, Prince Edward Island, August 16, 1921, she was the daughter of the late Damas and Celina (Gaudet) DeRoche.
Ina lived the greater part of her life in Saint John, NB, and her last years were spent in Innisfil and Barrie, Ontario.
Ina enjoyed bowling in regular and senior leagues in Saint John. She was a long time employee of MRA’s on King Street until it closed. She had an infectious laugh and loved to dance in her younger years. In her later years she excelled at crossword puzzles, card games and played computer card games until a few days before her passing. Ina had a meticulous memory and was often called upon by the family to remember dates and appointments for them. She enjoyed reading and spending time with her family as well as travelling throughout Canada and the USA with her husband and friends.
Ina is survived by one son Laurie (Dorothy) Blanchard, of Hanwell, NB, one daughter Jean Marie (Brownlie) Dardis and husband Frank of Innisfil, ON.; step-daughter, Norma Taylor (Kevin) and step son Kenneth Jack Rackley both of Saint John, NB; her grandchildren Robert (Betty) Blanchard, Cari Blanchard (Kevin Shaw), Mario Dardis and Adam (Arjola) Dardis. Great grandchildren Dara, Sierra, Noah, Cole and Marcus plus six step-grandchildren and seven great step-grandchildren. Ina is also survived by one sister Celina Cook in Saint John, NB., as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Besides her parents she was predeceased by her husbands Russell Blanchard (1950), Philip Brownlie (1970), Kenneth Rackley (1993); four brothers: Henry, Mark, Ernest and Leonard DeRoche; two sisters: Josephine Frost, and Helen March; and step-daughter Doreen Weaver.
The Family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at the Mill Creek Care Centre for their special care and attention to our mother.
Cremation has taken place and a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 91 Waterloo Street, Saint John, NB on Saturday, April 2, 2016 at 9:00 am. Interment will take place in Ocean View Memorial Gardens, Saint John, NB.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of choice would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John. On-line condolences may be placed at www.brenansfh.com