Katherine Elizabeth Dewar

With heavy hearts the family of Katherine Elizabeth Dewar, nurse, Island historian and award-winning author announces her passing on March 6, 2026, at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital at the age of 82 years. Katherine’s love for her family and the Island she called home will forever be an inspiration to those who knew her.

Born on November 13, 1943, to the late Robert and Mae Dewar, Katherine will be dearly missed by her children, Chris (Tara) Snively and Paul (Shannon) Snively.

She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Robert (Mikala) Snively and Jordan (Emma) Snively, great grandchildren Henry and Eleanor Snively, and nephews David (Donna) Crandall and Bruce (Paula) Crandall.

In addition to her parents, Katherine was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Diane and Bill Crandall.

Katherine excelled at academics. She graduated top of her class from the Summerside School of Nursing in 1971 and continued her education with a BA in Sociology from UPEI (1979) and Masters of Adult Education from St. Francis Xavier University (1989).

Katherine taught nursing for 22 years at the PEI School of Nursing and served on several national committees of the Canadian Nurses Association. She was also actively involved in the PEI Nurses Association, serving on its executive and chairing committees.

Katherine was chosen as one of five Island nurses honoured during the 150th anniversary of Confederation (2017), an initiative of the Canadian Nurses Association to recognize the contributions of 150 nurse innovators and champions in health care.

After retiring from nursing, Katherine embarked on her second career as an Island historian and author. Carrying forward her passion for nursing, her books often focused on the role that Island women played in the World Wars. These works have been recognized with several heritage awards and numerous recognitions. She has been honoured by the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation, the PEI Community Museums Association, the City of Summerside, the City of Charlottetown, and the Canadian Nurses Association for her contributions in recording the history of PEI and its nurses.

Katherine was a person of intellectual rigour and exceptional determination, who remained steadfast in her support for the people and causes for which she cared. Her life and contributions will long be remembered.

A funeral service will be held at the Trinity United Church, 220 Richmond St., Charlottetown at 2:00 pm Friday, March 13, 2026, followed by a reception at the Church.  Interment at Brudenell Cemetery, Three Rivers at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Katherine Dewar may be made to The PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation, Brudenell Cemetery, or charity of your choice.