The Islands: Obits: Howe Island

Howe Island

Transcriptions of articles, obits etc for Howe Island.

NEW! Now online! (offsite)
Gananoque Reporter transcriptions
Includes deaths/burials of Islanders.

DATE : July 1917
Late John Driscoll, Howe Island

John Driscoll an aged and highly
esteemed resident of Howe Island,
passed away at his home on Wednes-
day after an illness of some duration.
Deceased was well known throughout
the section. The funeral was held
Friday morning from the family resi-
dence to St. Philomen's Church
where requiem mass was sung for
the repose of his soul, and the re-
mains laid to rest In Howe Island
cemetery.

FROM: Whig Standard
DATE : June 7 1935
Former Howe Island
Lady Dies at Great Age

GANANOQUE, June 7--Another of
The old residents of Howe Island
passed to rest on Wednesday in the
person of Mrs. Margaret O'Driscoll,
widow of the late John O'Driscoll.
The deceased who was over ninety
years of age, was indeed a very ac-
tive woman, and in fact she did not
have any serious illness to cause her
death other than old age. She had
lived in Gananoque for about four-
teen years. She is survived by her
sisters, Mrs. Robert McArthur, Gan-
anoque, Mrs. Alex See of Toronto, and
her own immediate family, John,
Mrs. Fred Walker of Howe Island,
Mrs. John G. McDonald of Wolfe Is-
land, Thomas of Ottawa, and Law-
rence and Ilena of Gananoque.
The funeral was held on Thurs-
day in Gananoque to St. Philomino
Church, Howe Island where the mass
was sung by Rev. Father Cal-
laghan. Her grandsons acted as
pall-bearers.

DATE : June 5 1935
Under DEATHS AND FUNERALS

Mrs. M. W. O'Driscoll

On June 5, 1935 at the family resi-
dence Park Street, Gananoque, Mrs.
Margaret Wiseman O'Driscoll died
fortified by the rights of the Catholic
Church.
The late Mrs. O'Driscoll was born at
Adolphustown ninety-three years ago.
When nine years old she came to Howe
Island with her parents where she
spent the most of her active life, and
on January 31, 1862, she married the
late John O'Driscoll, who pre-deceased
her eighteen years ago. Later she mov-
ed to Gananoque, and until recently
lived with her youngest son--Law-
rence--at the Gateway Tourist Camp.
She was the mother of thirteen
children of which six survive to mourn
her loss. One son Charles died in
Kingston on January 1, 1935. The
surviving children are John and Mrs.
Fred E. Walker, Howe Island; Thomas,
Ottawa; Mrs. John G. MacDonald,
Wolfe Island; Lawrence and Miss
Ilena, a professional nurse who has
Been in constant attendance for the
past four years. Two sister also sur-
vive, Mrs. Alex See, Toronto, and Mrs.
Robert P. Mac Arthur, Gananaque.
On Friday June 7, the remains were
placed in the family plot in St. Phil-
omena's Cemetery, Howe Island. Rev.
Father Callaghen, parish priest, sang
the requiem mass.

Thank you to Mike Norris for the following:

Daily British Whig, May 27, 1911
LATE MRS. THOMAS NORRIS
Mrs. Thomas Norris died in the House of Providence, on Friday night, at 10:30 o'clock, aged eighty-four years. The deceased was born in Ireland, and her maiden name was Bridget Cox. She was a sister of Ex-Reeve John Cox, of Howe Island. She came to Canada when young, and settled on Howe Island, where she lived until last fall. She was twice married, first to the late Richard Foley. Reeve John Foley, of Howe Island, is her son by that marriage. Her second husband, who predeceased her twenty years ago, was Thomas Norris. By this marriage she had three sons and two daughters: James, Patrick and Thomas, Mrs. Robert Simpson, Howe Island, and Mrs. V.P. Hunt, Rockport. The deceased was a Roman Catholic in religion. The funeral will take place on Monday at 9:30 a.m. and a solemn requiem mass will be sung by Rev. Father Kehoe.

The British Whig, April 15, 1914
THE LATE JOHN COX
A Prominent Howe Islander Died on Tuesday
John Cox, of Howe Island, died at his home, on Tuesday. Deceased was in his seventieth year and death was due to the general effects of age. Mr. Cox was a member of the Roman Catholic church and a conservative in politics. He was county commissioner for some years, and had been reeve of Howe Island. Four sons and five daughters are left: Matthew, at home; Lawrence, in Hammond, Ind.; John, of Columbus, Ohio; Vincent, of Montreal; Mrs. James Callahan; Mrs. W.J. Collins, Mrs. W.J. Bauliew and Miss Marion, of Montreal; and Mrs. R.J. Patterson, of New York. Miss Agnes Kane, of the Bell telephone office, Kingston, is a sister-in-law. The funeral will take place on Thursday morning, at 9:30 o'clock, to the Roman Catholic church at Howe Island, where solemn requiem mass will be sung.

DAILY BRITISH WHIG,
Sept. 24, 1926
EX-ALD. JAMES NORRIS
DIED THURSDAY NIGHT
(Subhead) Conducted Ottawa House for Thirty Years � Later In Automobile Business
A very well-known and much-respected resident of this city passed away at his home, Clergy St., on Thursday night in the person of Ex-alderman James Norris. Deceased had been in failing health for some time, but up until a few days ago had been around as usual. The passing of Mr. Norris has created widespread sympathy.

The late Mr. Norris was born at Howe Island, but came to Kingston when quite young. For some time he conducted a store and later on became proprietor of the old Ottawa House, an establishment well-known at that time. Mr. Norris was in the hotel business for about thirty years.

After leaving the hotel business, Mr. Norris became the Kingston agent for Overland motor cars and he conducted his automobile business at the corner of Queen and Bagot streets where the Cook garage is now located. In 1911, Mr. Norris retired from active business.

Mr. Norris represented Cataraqui ward in the city council for some years and in serving on the various committees he rendered excellent service. He was a devout Catholic in religion and a frequent communicant.

He is survived by his wife, four sons, Frank, district superintendent of the Canada Steamship Lines; Captain James V. of Chicago, Arthur of the Canada Steamship Lines, and John at home; also by three daughters, Mrs. M. Barry of Prescott, Mrs. F.J. Tesky of Winnipeg, Mrs. D.L. Kennedy of Bruno, Sask.; one brother, Thomas, of Howe Island, and a sister, Mrs. V.R. Hunt of Rockport.

The funeral will be held on Monday to St. Mary's Cathedral, and thence to St. Mary's Cemetery.

DAILY BRITISH WHIG
Sept. 27, 1926
THE LATE JAMES NORRIS
The funeral of the late Ex-Alderman James Norris took place on Monday morning from his late residence, Clergy St., to St. Mary's Cathedral where a solemn requiem mass was sung at nine o'clock for the happy repose of his soul by Rev. Father Coyle. The funeral was very largely attended by many old friends of deceased and many prominent citizens. The pall-bearers were four sons, Frank, James, Arthur and John and two sons-in-law, Murray Barry and Edward Smith. Interment took place at St. Mary's cemetery.

KINGSTON WHIG-STANDARD
Feb. 6, 1929
PATRICK NORRIS
The funeral was held on Wednesday morning from the residence of his brother, Thomas Norris, Howe Island, of Patrick Norris, who died in the Hotel Dieu at the age of sixty-nine years. Requiem mass sung in St. Philomena's church Howe Island, by Rev. Father A.J. Hanley of Gananoque. The pallbearers were P. Leavis, J. Leavis, T. Kane, J. Pickett, R. Simpson and R. Foley.

The late Mr. Norris was formerly a resident of Howe Island, and is survived by one brother, Thomas Norris of Howe Island, and one sister, Mrs. V. Hunt of Rockport.

Canadian Freeman
February 2, 1898
Mr. James Amo, an old resident of Howe Island and Gananoque died last week from a stroke of paralysis, aged 78 years.

Canadian Freeman
July 6 1898
Mr. and Mrs. James Norris, of the Ottawa Hotel, have been extended much sympathy owing to the death of their infant son, Richard Michael, aged four and one-half months who passed away on Sunday after a days illness from pneumonia. The remains were interred in the family plot in the Howe Island cemetery on Monday.

Canadian Freeman
August 31 1898
Drowned at Howe Island�Yesterday afternoon Mr. Edward Norris, of this city fell from a load of lumber and was drowned. The body was recovered half an hour after the accident. He was working at the Nichol building. Deceased was about thirty years of age, a widower, and is survived by two children. His father was killed at an M.T. Company elevator some years ago.

Canadian Freeman
December 28, 1898
A Sad Death�On Sunday morning, December 28th, Miss Maria Picket died at her home on Howe Island. Some time ago she had a severe attack of pneumonia, from which she never recovered. Deceased was 27 and all through her long illness she was a patient sufferer. Her charitable and amiable disposition endeared her to all and a large circle of friends mourn her early death. Her funeral took place on Tuesday morning to the Howe Island Catholic Church and was largely attended. May her soul rest in peace.

From Ancestry.com Message Board: L. Lalonde contributor 30Apr 2002.
Paper: Toronto Daily Star,Page: 8.
Date: Monday July 4, 1955
SWIMMING ALONE
Gananoque, July 4, -- (CP) - John C. Beaubien, 38, was drowned early yesterday while swimming alone in the Gananoque river. His body was recovered by provincial police.

Transcribed by Peter Rogers
IMAGE
April 1955
DRISCOLL - Passed away at Howe Island, Tuesday, April 5, 1955, Jane Frances Driscoll, aged seven years, and dear daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Driscoll. Funeral from her late residence on Howe Island on Thursday, April 7, to St. Philomena's Church where the Liberia will be sung at 2 p.m. Interment St. Philomena's Cemetery.

Transcribed by Peter Rogers
IMAGE
July 1977
LEVIN, Helen
Peacefully at the Kingston General Hospital on Monday, July 21, 1997, in her 90th year. Helen Driscoll, beloved wife of the late Adolph Levin; daughter of the late John Driscoll and his wife the former Susan Pickett; dear sister of Mrs. Ruth Wilson of Belleville; and predeceased by Estelle, Leonard, Michael, Ernest, Laura and Gene. Lovingly remembered by her nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the Central Chapel of the Gordon F. Tomkins Funeral Homes, 49 Colborne Street (at Clergy) on Wednesday between the hours of 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Philomena's Church, on Howe Island on Thursday, July 24 at 2.00 p.m. Rite of Committal St. Philomena's Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations, for those who wish, to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario. (Donations by cheque only)
In the care of the Gordon F. Tompkins Funeral Homes, Central Chapel, 546-5454

Transcribed by Peter Rogers
IMAGE
MAHONEY
August 20, 1920
The death occurred at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Matthew Cox, Howe Island, of Capt. Jim Mahoney. He was born in County Cork, Ireland, and came to the United States at an early age. It is believed it was near Albany. His parents came to Canada and settled on Howe Island where many of their relatives were. The late James had a fondness for marine life and got his masters for sailing at an early age. He had been for many years with the James Richardson & Son of Kingston. He owned several sailing vessels, among which was the Pilot with a capacity of perhaps 75 to 100 ton. Since the death of his wife two years ago, he spent the summers with his daughter on Howe Island. His funeral will take place from her home to St. Philomena's Catholic Church where solemn Req. High Mass will be celebrated. Burial will take in the family plot on Howe Island.

From George Halladay
The Watertown Daily Times
October 13, 1938.
JOSEPH BESAW, AGED 78, DIES
MEMBER OF EARLY FAMILY IN TOWN OF CHAMPION
WEST CARTHAGE MAN LONG ILL
Native of West Carthage, Was Son of Canadian Parents Who Moved to West CARTHAGE in 1835 -- He Was Retired Contractor Carthage Bureau
Watertown Daily Times
Carthage, Oct. 13. -- Joseph Besaw, 78, of 248 Champion street, West Carthage, died late Wednesday afternoon at his home following an illness of several months. Mr. Besaw had been ill since March following an operation and in a critical condition for the past two weeks.
He was born in West Carthage, Jan. 11, 1860, one of six children born to Eustace and Jane Besaw, who came here about 1835 from Howe Island, Ont., to make their home. He was educated in the West Carthage school where the present firemen's hall is now located and had been a lifelong resident of this community.
Mr. Besaw was employed for a number of years as a hand wood turned (sic) by the late M. P. Mason and Meyer and Farr. For 20 years he was associated with his brother, Levi, in the contracting business. Following his brother's death in 1934 he had continued in business until ill health forced his retirement about a year ago.
On July 18, 1880, he married Miss Emma Bourgeois of Croghan in a ceremony performed in St. James' church by the late Rev. Father McShane. The couple made their home in the town of Champion until 1900 when they moved to the present home on Champion street. Mrs. Besaw died in November, 1931. Mr. Besaw was a member of St. James' church and had always been a staunch Republican.
Surviving are one son, Frank Besaw, of Watertown; two daughters, Mrs. William J. (Pearle) Fahey, and Mrs. Mayme B. Irven, both of West Carthage; two grandchildren, Bernard Besaw, Watertown, and Wilson Irven of West Carthage. Three great-grandchildren and a number of nephews, nieces and cousins, also survive.

Contributed by Wilf Garrah
Transcribed by Pat McAvoy-Costin
2013
BERTRAND, Veronica (Vera) nee Marshall. Passed away peacefully on April 3rd at KGH with her family by her side. She enjoyed a long full life and was in her 96th year. Vera is predeceased by her husband Alphonse �Al� (1983). Vera was born on Howe Island and came from a large family, all of whom have predeceased her. Simply put, she loved life and had a positive effect on those she came in contact with. Vera leaves behind her children Louise Alderson (Gerry�deceased 1985), Ken (Deb), John (Cindy), Bill (Louise), Rich (deceased 1989), Steve (Jo Ann) and Bob (Sue). She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Special thanks go out to KGH, Davies 5 and to the wonderful and warm staff of Providence Care on Sydenham 4. Friends will be received at the Gordon F. Tompkins Funeral Homes, 49 Colborne Street (at Clergy St) on Friday, April 5th from 7-9p.m. Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday morning at 10am at St. John�s Catholic church on 88 Patrick St. with the burial to take place at St. Philomena�s Parish Cemetery on Howe Island. For those wishing, donations to Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by her family.

Contributed by Wilf Garrah
Transcribed by Pat McAvoy-Costin
PRIOR, William Earl � After a long and full life, Earl passed on Wednesday, April 3, 2013, in his 93rd year. Earl is predeceased by his wife Kathleen (nee Gibson), brothers Eugene and Thomas John. Survived by sisters Anita, Dorene and Barbara. Caring father of Kevin and Pauline (Bill), grandfather of Kara (Greg), Rory (Emily), Bradley (Jada) and Holly (Russ), great grandfather of Katie, Jack and Brynn. The family will receive friends at the Tompkins Funeral Home, 63 Garden Street, Gananoque on Sunday, April 7, 2013 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Philomena�s Howe Island on Monday, April 8, 2013 at 11 am. As expressions of sympathy, the family would appreciate donations to the Howe Island Fired and Rescue. Our gratitude to Dr. Wijeratne for her compassionate care. Burial and celebration of life to be announced at a later date.

Page 2 of Howe Island Obits

Please email me with your transcriptions.
If possible give date and source.

The Islands: Obits: Howe Island