PICTOU?– Gemma Marie Knowles, 84, of Strathcona Place, Pictou, left us peacefully in the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow, with loving family at her side, on Dec. 6, 2008. Born in the Magdalen Islands, she was a daughter of the late Mary Anne and Arsene Poirier. She was a member of the Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church, Pictou. She is survived by sons, Stephen, Pictou; Robert and Raymond, New Glasgow; John, Halifax; and Joseph, Calgary; also grandchildren she raised: Raymond, Anthony, and Matthew; grandchildren Marie Ormrod, Roberta Brophy, Gladys Knowles, Michael, Julien, Aaron, Jason, Dylan, and Lincoln Knowles; many great-grandchildren; good friend, Florence Knowles. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Stephen “Stan” Knowles, and son, David Franklyn; also sisters, Leona White, May O’Brien; brother, Joseph K. Poirier; and several half-brothers and half-sisters from Halifax, Montreal, and the Magdalen Islands. Her remains are resting in the McLaren Funeral Home, Pictou, with visiting hours from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., today. Funeral mass will take place at 2 p.m., Tuesday from Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church, Pictou, with Father Ray Huntley officiating. Interment will be the parish cemetery. Family flowers only please. Donations in her memory can be made to the Stella Maris Building Fund, or a charity of your choice.