TIGNISH, P.E.I. — Political leaders, community members, and loved ones came together Wednesday in Tignish to bid farewell to former Egmont MP Gail Shea, whose influence stretched from her home province of Prince Edward Island to the halls of Parliament in Ottawa. Shea, remembered as both a dedicated public servant and a devoted mother, passed away on August 21 at the age of 66.
The funeral Mass was held at St. Simon and St. Jude Catholic Church, where Rev. Tim Broderick presided and Rev. Frank Quinn delivered the homily. The service, broadcast online for those unable to attend, featured music played by former P.E.I. lieutenant-governor Antoinette Perry.
A broad cross-section of political figures joined the community in mourning Shea. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, listed among 29 honorary pallbearers, was joined by former prime minister Stephen Harper and several of Shea’s cabinet colleagues, including Lisa Raitt, Leona Aglukkaq, and Peter MacKay. On the provincial side, Premier Rob Lantz, former premier Pat Binns, and Transportation Minister Ernie Hudson — a longtime collaborator of Shea’s — were also in attendance.
Shea’s life was deeply rooted in family. Predeceased by her husband Russell in 2021, she is survived by their five children: Sally, Kelly, Sandy, Holly, and Shawn.
Although Catholic funerals do not traditionally include eulogies, Quinn’s homily painted a portrait of Shea as a woman of virtue and resilience. Drawing on the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas, he described her as someone who valued truth, beauty, service, and above all, her family.
“She would have loved more time with you,” Quinn told Shea’s children, “but she understood that her time was limited.”
The service featured hymns such as Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art, as well as a final rendition of O Canada, reflecting Shea’s lifelong commitment to both her faith and her country.
Shea’s passing leaves a significant void in both her community and Canadian politics, where she was regarded as a trailblazer and steadfast advocate for Prince Edward Island.
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