Kathleen with three older brothers and her father. From left to right are Johnny, Kathleen, John, Gerald and Elmer

As the youngest child, Kathleen grew up surrounded by her immediate family, numerous cousins, friends and neighbours.

There was a great deal of good—natured camaraderie in the family. When Maurice came home for a holiday, he and his brothers would take in harness racing programs in Summerside and Charlottetown. When he returned from one program where he had placed some winning bets, he bragged about his winnings to Sister Mary Angela. She held out her hand, demanding he hand it over so they could have a picnic for the children. Maurice, still a bachelor, happily complied.

The members of the family, by virtue of necessity, were also innovative. They were often forced to improvise around the farm, repairing much

of their own equipment and, in the face of financial hard times, making do. Gerald, who had been trained as an electrician while in the army,

was known in the community as Mr. Fix—it and was called on frequently to repair electrical, heating or plumbing problems. He was also a skilled carpenter, and made many durable pieces of furniture. Sometimes creative

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