Eleanor Ruby Howatt

The family of Eleanor Ruby (Weeks) Howatt, announces her peaceful passing at the Atlantic Baptist Home, Charlottetown, after a long and very full life, on Thursday, April 17, 2025.

Born in Fredericton, PEI on December 2, 1934, she was the daughter of Roy and Ruby (Sharpe) Weeks.   In addition to her parents, she was pre-deceased by her husband, John “Jack” Howatt, as well as siblings and spouses, Fred Weeks; Earl and Dot (Nichol) Weeks; Marjorie “Marj” (Weeks) and Aubrey Buchanan.  

She is survived by her children,  Doreen MacPherson (Blaine); Brenda Tremere (Gary); Carol-Ann McLaine (William); Kathy Corbett; Douglas Howatt; and Heather Delage (Jean-Pierre); 14 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.  She is also survived by her brother, Robert Weeks (Carol), and sister-in-law, Leah Weeks.

Eleanor enjoyed her childhood and developed a love of nature growing up and exploring the beautiful land on the family farm in Fredericton.  After graduating from Prince of Wales College, she pursued her nursing career, studying & working in both Halifax and Shelburne, Nova Scotia.   She returned to the Island to marry Jack in 1955, and then settled down in Darlington, where they operated the farm and raised their large family for over 60 years.

Always welcoming and hospitable to community members, neighbours, friends, seasonal workers, extended family, and many others who were part of their life together, Eleanor balanced raising a large family with working tirelessly to support their family farm operation.    She had a passion for music and song, and also enjoyed activities such as curling, camping, cottaging at the PEI shore, and travels to special destinations with groups of friends.     She maintained a strong bond with the outdoors for as long as she was able, walking her dog daily in the woods, and enjoying bird-watching and feeding.

In recent years, Eleanor lived at Andrews of Charlottetown, then the Atlantic Baptist Nursing Home (ABH).    She was particularly fortunate to have the love and companionship of a very special friend, Helen Roach, as well as a broad circle of friends and family visiting and bringing her cheerful support.   In recent weeks, she received exceptional care and compassion from a special nursing team, as well as each and every exceptional care team member at the ABH.

She will be remembered for her unwavering gentle kindness, strength, patience, humour, and graceful approach to life by all those who knew her.  

Resting at the Belvedere Funeral Home, visitation will occur from 9:30 - 10:30 AM on Tuesday, April 22, followed immediately by the funeral service.   A reception and time of fellowship will also be held over the noon hour.    Interment, at the Floral Hills Memorial Gardens, to be held at a later time.

The funeral service will be live streamed and may be viewed by following this link: Live Stream - Eleanor Howatt

Donations, if desired and in lieu of flowers, can be sent to the QEH Pediatric / Nursery Departments, or a children’s charity of your choice – ‘For the Children’.

It was Eleanor’s express wish that memorial donations be made “For the Children”.