Iona B. (Doyle) Canning
1921 - 2017
In her 96th year. Our beautiful, amazing mother, grandmother and valued friend
to many awoke to a new dawn on the morning of January 19th, 2017 leaving us with
many wonderful memories but with an ache in our hearts. Mum will be forever
loved and missed by her three children - Joyce (Real Coulombe d.), Sylvia
(Jacques Delisle d.) and Donald (Linda) and by her only granddaughter, Nancy
(John O'Brien) and three precious great grandchildren, Owen, Seth and Kate. Also
mourning her passing are brother-in-law Keith Canning and numerous nieces and
nephews.
Mum was predeceased by Murray, her devoted husband for 62 years, by her
siblings, Audrey, Arlene and Eddie, her father Warren Doyle and by her
grandparents, Emma and Edward Doyle who loved and raised her as their own
daughter.
Mum was born and lived her entire life in Five Islands, a community dear to her
heart and for which her enthusiastic support knew no bounds, Mum was a Lifetime
Member of the Women's Institute and of United Church Women, a founding member of
the Five Islands Cemetery Company, a dedicated member of Peniel United Church
serving as a steward, trustee and elder and supporting virtually every aspect of
the church community. Mum also actively supported fundraising initiatives of the
Canadian Cancer Society and participated in the Terry Fox Run until she was well
into her 80's.
Mum was also a respected teacher and is fondly remembered by the students whose
lives she touched, first in Diligent River and subsequently in Upper Economy,
Economy, Five Islands, Parrsboro and Bass River. She was a member of the 1940
graduating class of the Nova Scotia Normal College and completed additional
studies at Dalhousie University's summer school programs.
But nowhere was mum's heart happier than with her family. She was always our
biggest fan, guiding us gently and wisely with her wit, patience and
unconditional love.
Friends are invited to join us Saturday, January 28th at 2:00pm in Peniel United
Church, Five Islands, to celebrate Mum's love of life. Mum's favourite colour
was red. She would be happy to see you wear it. The family will welcome you to a
reception in the lower level immediately following the service. In lieu of
flowers, remembrance donations to Peniel United Church or to the Five Islands
Cemetery Company will be much appreciated and can be mailed to Joyce Canning,
Treasurer, 1114 Hwy 2, Five Islands, NS, B0M 1K0.
A private family interment will take place in the spring.
