Obituaries Countylive.ca 2026

RONALD TURNBULL O’SHEA

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DOUGLAS KEITH ‘Doug’ REYNOLDS – July 25, 1935 – January 7, 2026 – Life Member – Picton United Church; Life Long Farmer in Prince Edward County; Owner/Operator – Mr. & Mrs. Shoppe, Picton; Realtor – Royal Lepage, Picton – Peacefully after a long struggle, at Kentwood Park Nursing Home, with his family, Doug Reynolds passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at the age of 90. Beloved husband of the late Bea (nee Gassira). Loving father of Eric and his wife Denise, Kirk and his wife Debbie and Kerry, all of Picton. Proud grandfather of Kara (Chris), Jeffrey and Courtney and great grandfather to Evelyn, Lauren, Claire and Kenzie. Survived by his brothers Brian (Chris), Mervyn (Barb) and by his sister in law Sheila Reynolds. Doug was predeceased by his parents Keith and Merle Reynolds (nee Calnan) and his siblings Pat Hamilton, Sandra Stacey, Glynn Reynolds. Fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews. Mr. Reynolds is resting at Rushnell Funeral Homes – Picton Chapel, 33 Main Street, (613-476-2450). Funeral Service will be held at Picton United Church on Monday, January 12, 2026 at 11 am. The Reverend Brian Nicholson to officiate. Spring Interment at Glenwood Cemetery. Memorial donations to the Picton United Church Memorial Fund or the Kinette Club of Picton would be appreciated. The family will receive friends on Sunday afternoon 2 to 4 pm and evening 6 to 8 pm. Online condolences at: www.rushnellfuneralhomes.com

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WILMA JEAN SMITH – It is with deep sadness that the family of Wilma Jean Smith announces her passing on Monday, January 5th, 2026 following a short illness. Wilma was the beloved wife of Ronald Morley Smith, and together they made their home in Picton, where they built a life rich in family, friendship, and community. Wilma was a devoted mother to Jeffrey Smith (Sofi), David Smith (Lorien), and Leanne Preston (Kirk). She was also a proud and loving grandmother to Connor, Olivia, Jared, Erin, Lindsay, and Jake, each of whom brought her tremendous joy. A woman of many passions, Wilma was a long-time and dedicated member of the Order of the Eastern Star, where she formed lasting friendships and contributed generously of her time. She had a lifelong love of music, especially the piano, and her home was often filled with melodies that reflected her gentle spirit. Wilma also had a keen eye for treasures. She delighted in auctions, collecting unique items, and sharing stories about her finds. Alongside her husband Ron, she embraced the world of antique cars, attending rallies, cruise nights, and events throughout the region. She was a proud member of the Road Angels Car Club of Belleville, where she enjoyed the camaraderie and shared enthusiasm of fellow car lovers. Those who knew Wilma will remember her warmth, her curiosity, and the joy she found in both people and pastimes. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched. A Graveside Service will be held at Victoria Cemetery, Thurlow followed by a Celebration of Life. Details of these events will be shared in the Spring.  In honour of Wilma’s memory, donations may be made to the PEC Memorial Hospital Foundation Back the Build Fund. (www.pecmhf.ca). Arrangements in the care of the Ainsworth Funeral Home, 288 Noxon Avenue, Wellington. Online condolences may be shared at www.ainsworthfuneralhome.com

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STEPHEN GERALD ‘Steve’ BOLTON – October 14, 1955- January 5, 2026 – A devoted follower of Christ, Stephen passed away peacefully at Prince Edward Hospice, Picton on January 5th, 2026 at the age of 70. Stephen was the beloved husband and best friend of Suzanne for over 50 years. He was the loving father of Jason (Jess), Stephany and son in law Andy Smith. Proud grandpa to Hartley and Ezra who brightened his life every day. Steve will be dearly missed by his sister Joanne (Ed), brothers Grant, Clifford (Veronica), and Bill (Wendy). Fondly remembered by his other relatives and friends. Stephen worked for Corrections Canada for 33 years. He was also an enthusiast of being outdoors, whether it was riding motorcycles, snowmobiles, or embarking on his daily walks in the quiet of the woods. Steve’s faith in Christ was his guiding light and he spread the word of God to whoever would listen. As we say goodbye, we find comfort in knowing he is at peace, watching over us, and rejoicing in the presence of the Lord he loved so dearly. ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’ (Matthew 25:23). In keeping with Steve’s wishes, no visitation or services at this time. A private family burial will be held at a later date. We thank all the people who made Steve’s life brighter especially in the past year. In memory of Stephen, donations to Hospice Prince Edward- who’s staff took such kind and excellent care of him would be greatly appreciated by family. Arrangements entrusted to the Ainsworth Funeral Home, 288 Noxon Avenue, Wellington. Online condolences may be shared at www.ainsworthfuneralhome.com

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VERONICA LYNNE THERESA TRIPP (nee Adams) – 11 July 1945 – 05 January 2026 – Suddenly on 05 January 2026, Veronica passed away at her home in Kingston, Ontario. Pre-deceased by her husband John “Jack” Tripp, her parents Lloyd and Gwendoline Adams, her sister Gloria Mottram, and brother-in-law Ken Lepine. Also, pre-deceased by her in-laws Sam and Flossie Tripp, Betty Murphy, Bruce and Hilda Tripp; Keith Tripp, Robert Gibson, Lionel Murphy, and Ann Ellis. She was born in Hindhead Surrey, England to her British Mother and Canadian Soldier Father. On her first birthday she set sail on the SS Letitia with many other War Brides and children and arrived at Pier 21 in Halifax. From there after a long train ride, she and her mother were reunited with her father, and they settled in Gaspe Quebec. She became big sister to Glenda, Gloria, Patrick and Louise. As a young teen her family was posted to Gagetown New Brunswick to join the larger Artillery Family. In moving to Hermer Germany, she fell in love with the Gunner’s Goalie, and they married on the 10th of August 1963. Moving became part of her life and when the Regiment was sent to Winnipeg, she and John welcome their 2 children, Jeff and Lisa. Now with her own family, they moved to CFB Shilo Manitoba, CFB Lahr West Germany, Toronto, Kingston, CFB Lahr again, St Jean Sur Richelieu for then another tour of CFB Shilo then back to Kingston where John retired from the Military after serving for over 35 years. Veronica worked in many retail settings including Canex in Germany and for the well-known S&R department store in Kingston, Ontario. She worked in many of their departments including hardware, children’s ware and lingerie. She had a passion for life, loved to sew, quilt, travel, cook and bake. She will be fondly remembered for her amazing breakfast spreads especially by the friends of her children who referred to her as, “the Lady” and whom she cared for and about like family. She loved finding new recipes and baking for teas, and potlucks and she was known as a woman who could put on quite a spread as her friends at her building in Kingston can attest to with her annual Holiday Tea. Veronica had a deep commitment to her Catholic Faith, and it sustained her in happy and challenging times. For over 55 years, she was a member of the Catholic Women’s League (Military Vicariate). She was also a member of the Wellington Women’s Institute and a member of the Legion in Wellington that she and her daughter joined after her husband passed away as a way to honour him, her son, her father and many others in her family that Served. She was very proud to have been a Gunner’s wife and loved a good parade! She will be forever missed by her children, Jeff (Sherri) of Lombardy, her grandson’s Johnathon and Joseph of Ottawa, her daughter Lisa of Kingston and her furball granddaughter Pixie. She holds a special place in the hearts of her siblings Glenda of Georgetown, Patrick of Deseronto, Louise (Salvator) of Montreal and many nieces, nephew, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews, cousins and her many friends from across Canada, those living in Kingston, California and in The County. She will also be deeply missed by hers and John’s life-long military friends who were just like family. Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, January 11th, 2026 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Ainsworth Funeral Home, 288 Noxon Avenue, Wellington, ON. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church, 7 Church Street, in Picton, ON at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 12th. Reception to follow the Mass at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church Hall, at 244 Main Street, Wellington, ON. Interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donation may be made in Veronica’s memory to: The Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Fund (https://legion.ca/) or Soldier On (https://www.soldieron.ca). Online condolences may be shared at www.ainsworthfuneralhome.com

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DIANNE F. BAKER – March 29th,1939 – January 3rd, 2026 – It is with loving gratitude for a life well-lived, we share that Dianne F. Baker of Belleville (formerly of Wellington), Ontario died peacefully on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Dianne was 86 years old. She is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, John, her loving children Glenn (Sheryl), Kevin (Dusty), her grandchildren Scott (Lin) and Stacy, her sister Sharon (Owen), her sister-in-law, Marlene (Alex), and was predeceased by her parents William and Hilda Brady of Whitby, Ontario. Born on March 29, 1939, and raised in Whitby, Dianne had many passions from teaching, knitting and crafts to dancing and gardening. Dianne graduated from teacher’s college in her early twenties, during which time she met John, whom she married in Whitby on December 18, 1965. They moved to Unionville, Ontario in 1967. In 1969 Dianne put teaching on hold to focus on being a full-time mother until both Glenn and Kevin were attending school full-time, at which time she began teaching again as a substitute teacher. That eventually led to her ultimately and by overwhelming popular demand, becoming a full-time teacher once again years later. She was enormously proud to have been a grade-school teacher, and one who was greatly admired by her students and her peers. She retired from teaching in 1995 and along with John established themselves during their retirement years in Wellington, Ontario, or in “the county” as she would often say, where they spent nearly 30 of their years together. Dianne was always active and engaged in her community. Whether it was designing and sewing costumes for skating shows, coaching softball, church activities and organizing social events such as line-dancing in her retirement, Dianne was always there to happily be involved however possible. Dianne endured a difficult life due to Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Regardless, she was resilient and persevered with love throughout her life. Her bellowing laugh, admiring smile, dancing shoes, knitting needles and hand-made gift cards will all be greatly missed. A Memorial Service will be held at the Wellington United Church, 243 Main Street, Wellington on Wednesday, January 14th, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Reception to immediately follow the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honour of Dianne Baker can be made to Lupus Canada or the Arthritis Society of Canada. Arrangements entrusted to the Ainsworth Funeral Home, 288 Noxon Avenue, Wellington. Online condolences may be shared at www.ainsworthfuneralhome.com

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JOSEF VORACEK – June 21, 1943 – January 1, 2026 – Peacefully entered into rest at the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital, Picton, on Monday, January 1, 2026, Josef Voracek of Demorestville, died at the age of 82. Son of the late Josef and Jaroslav Voracek (nee Jary) and beloved husband for 58 years to Vera (nee Jara). Chosen father of Jen Cole (Steve) of Demorestville, the late Jeff Rosborough, and chosen grandfather of Ryan Rosborough (Samantha). Remembered by his sister Eva of the Czech Republic. In keeping with Josef’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and there will be no services held. If desired, donations to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation “Back the Build” would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Rushnell Funeral Homes – Picton Chapel, 33 Main Street (613-476-2450) Online condolences at: www.rushnellfuneralhomes.com

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NINA VANDERLINDEN (nee Biniowsky) – Born in Winnipeg, MB, the daughter of Michael and Dorothy Biniowsky (nee Slobidnyk), proud Ukrainian Canadians who supported their children’s interests in music and art. Nina showed an early talent in drawing and sculpture, and art was a constant in her life.  In her teens, she also showed a gift for singing, with a rare and rich contralto voice. She received vocal training in Winnipeg and even auditioned for the Metropolitan Opera Company where she was offered but declined a training opportunity in New York.  She was hired as contralto soloist at Westminster United Church in Winnipeg where her voice impressed everyone, including choir member Graham Vanderlinden, a young medical student. Nina and Graham eventually married and moved to Biggar, SK to start Graham’s practice and begin a family. The young family later moved to Toronto where Graham began a residency in neurosurgery.  The family was complete with the birth of their third child in Toronto. Through the years, Nina served as contralto soloist at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Holy Blossom Synagogue and Forest Hill United Church in Toronto.  She also sang in the Canadian Opera Company (COC) chorus and performed the role of Erde in the COC’s 1972 production of Wagner’s Siegfried. In 2000, when she retired from singing, she went back to her artistic roots, studying with a local Polish-Canadian artist.  She found great pleasure commuting weekly from her new home in Picton for her classes. She revealed a freedom of expression in her many evocative paintings of Canadian landscapes and natural spaces many of which are proudly displayed in our homes. She attributed her love of nature, trees and quiet places to having spent summers visiting her Baba’s farm in rural MB. Nina suffered a major stroke in November 2020 just after her 90th birthday. While she managed with home care, she couldn’t continue painting and eventually required care outside the home.  She passed away peacefully at HJ McFarland home in Picton on December 26th, 2025, after a short illness. She was predeceased by her parents and beloved brother Morris, a violinist with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and sister-in-law Sonya.  Nina will be dearly missed by the love of her life, husband (of 69 years) Graham, daughters Loren (Marwin Viegas, grandsons Cameron and Joshua) and Kimberley (Peter, granddaughter Juliette, grandson Christian), son Stewart (Angela), and her sister-in-law Kathy from Victoria.  She also leaves loving niece Tatiana Morita (Glenn), nephews Gregory and Ilya Biniowsky (Tanya) and their children. We are grateful to the staff at HJ McFarland and Blessed Bridges for the excellent care and kindness shown to Nina in her later years. A Celebration of Nina’s Life will be planned and announced in the spring. Memorial Donations to the PEC Memorial Hospital Foundation or the Canadian Opera Company would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements in the care of the Ainsworth Funeral Home, 288 Noxon Avenue, Wellington. Online condolences may be shared at www.ainsworthfuneralhome.com

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