Ida (Deane) Geraldine McArthur

Ida Geraldine (Deane) Grant Reid McArthur, 87, of Charlottetown PEI went home to be with the Lord on June 29, 2025, after a period of failing health.

Deane was born in Yarmouth NS on June 20, 1938, to Frances and Gerald Grant. She spent her youth in Yarmouth NS, graduating from Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial High School.  She was a talented athlete and was a member of the Basketball, Volleyball and Swim Teams.

After graduation, she completed her teacher’s training at the NS Agricultural College in Truro NS (Normal School), and married Thomas Reid.  They began their life together at Summerside PEI where Tom was stationed with the Air Force and Deane was a schoolteacher.  

In the years to follow, they moved with their young family to Ontario, Quebec and Alberta and eventually returned to the East Coast settling in Saint John, NB in 1972.

Deane held various jobs during her years in Saint John, including Canada Post, Ian Roberts Advertising and a teaching position at NBCCSJ, a post from which she retired.  She was an avid, competitive curler, a member of Thistle St Andrews Curling Club. She attended Forest Hills Baptist Church and the Wesleyan church during her years in Saint John.

After her retirement, she moved back to her home in Yarmouth, NS with her second husband, Don McArthur. They had many happy years together and Don was a great help to Deane as she fulfilled a lifelong dream of opening her own shop that showcased her love for books, antiques and collectible items. Deane McArthur Collectibles was a favorite stop on Main Street for local residents and tourists for several years.     

Anyone that knew Deane knew that she was a voracious reader, a puzzle enthusiast, a music, theatre and art lover. She was an accomplished artist and sold many of her paintings over the years.  She had a robust zest for life and enjoyed the constant journey of learning.   She was an experienced world traveler and had countless globetrotting adventures.   Deane was also a devoted mother, grandmother and a loyal, trusted companion with a wide circle of friends.

She was predeceased by her parents, Frances and Gerald Grant, her sister Marilyn, her second husband Don McArthur and her first husband, Thomas Reid.

She is survived by her beloved brother Robert (Bob) Grant, sons Charles Reid (Jeanie Campbell), Jeff Reid (Lori), daughter Karen Cronk, as well as her six adored grandchildren Nick Reid, Kristyn Reid, Katie Graham (Jeff), Lauren Dollemont (Brent) Ben Cronk, Sophia Reid and great granddaughter Melody Rose Graham. Several nieces, one nephew and her stepchildren, Donny, Heather, Diane and Barry McArthur.  Special family friend Kim Sears. 

There will be no visitation.  A service will be held at First Baptist Church, Charlottetown on Monday July 14 at 11:00 AM. This service will be livestreamed and may be accessed at the time of the funeral on the church’s YouTube Page (live tab). Reception to follow at the church.  Internment in Saint John NB at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the PEI Humane Society would be welcomed and appreciated.

Be still and know that I am God.   Psalm 46:10