Edward and helen (peters)

Known to us as “Edward” his birthname is James Edward, born August 20, 1926. His wife, Helen Josephine Peters was born on March 5, 1927. When first married, they lived for a short while with Alban and Estelle (Estelle is Edward's sister). In July 1947, Helen went into premature labour while working in the potato field. She gave birth to twin boys at the Charlottetown Hospital, where one died 2 days later. This baby, Donald Joseph, is buried in St. Ann's Cemetery, with his aunt, Imelda, who died in 1945. Edward and Helen moved to St. Ann’s and lived in Edward's aunt Rosalie’s home, which was owned by Edward’s brother, Ivan. From there, they moved to the New London Road, where several more children were born. In 1967, they moved to New Glasgow Mills, where the last child, Leon Mark, was born. They took such pride in the fact that this red house became a landmark for so many (see picture in the gallery). It was where many relatives, friends and even strangers stopped to visit – all were welcome in our home.

In the early years of his married life, Edward bought and sold cattle and operated a butcher/slaughterhouse, and peddled beef and pork out of his truck. Many people would tell us that Edward could look at an animal and tell how much it would dress out at (weight after slaughter) and it would somehow always be within a few pounds. A man who could put his hand to almost anything, he operated heavy equipment and later got into carpentry. He left the legacy of many barns throughout rural Prince Edward Island. He was a good cook (always made breakfast); he could jig like nobody else, He loved to dance and play cards; always had a deep faith; taught his children to work hard and loved a good joke, especially if it wasn’t too clean. As each of us left home, we always heard, “Don’t forget where your home is.” 

Helen was a stay-at-home mother and wife for most of her married life. Her bread making skills were second to none. She was very resourceful – she could make a meal out of practically nothing and fed many; she made clothes for the children out of discarded adult clothing; made mittens and quilts; grew a large garden, and never failed to say the rosary – many times she would recite it so fast, even God himself must have had a hard time understanding.  As the children grew up and were able to look after themselves, Helen started to work in the kitchen at St. Ann’s Lobster Suppers during the summers. 

After almost 58 years of marriage, Edward passed shortly after his 78th birthday.  Helen moved to North Rustico in 2013 and later sold the family home in New Glasgow Mills. Helen passed away on at the age of 93. Over the course of their marriage, they welcomed 14 children, 26 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.