1922 – 2016

Bathurst - Mrs. Isalee "Lee" Dempsey, 94, wife of the late Thomas Dempsey, of Bathurst and formerly of Stonehaven, passed away peacefully, in the presence of family, on Sunday November 6, 2016 at the Chaleur Regional Hospital, Bathurst.

Born in Canobie, she was a daughter of the late Rufus and Bella (Jagoe) Knowles.

She is survived by her eight children: Elaine Scott (late Frank) of Cole Harbour, NS, Shirley Sealy (Manford) of Bathurst, Carlson "Mike" Dempsey (Joanne) of Paradise, Pat Scott (late Byron) of Sussex, Wilma Dempsey (Fred Hudon) of Bathurst, Howard Dempsey (Elaine Lanteigne) and Peter Dempsey (Elan) both of Stonehaven and Rhonda Smith (Hadley) of North Tetagouche.

Thirteen grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren all whom she greatly adored.

One brother, Milton "Mick" Knowles (Helen) of Bathurst.  Two sisters: Evelyn Morrison (Leigh) and Alda Ellis (late Ivan) both of Bathurst.  Step sister, Etta Sabo of Toronto, ON.  Several nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband Thomas, she was pre-deceased by two sons-in-law, two grandsons, Kevin and Paul Scott; several siblings (Helen, Glendon, Morris, Vesta, Bella, Evangeline and Ira) and several step-siblings.

She was a member of Central United Church and a life time member of the UCW.

She was an ardent knitter and was known for her talents of creating beautiful baby sweater sets and blankets over the years, and her impeccable wool socks warmed the feet of may a local fisherman, farmers and all family members for as long as she was able, stopping only shortly before her passing.  She was a talented baker and made many fruit cakes for weddings and her bread was second to none.  She was an avid gardener and canned many vegetables to provide for her family.  She was a loving mother, extraordinary grandmother and great-grandmother.  She loved people, being out and about and sharing stories.

The body will rest on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 at Elhatton Funeral Home (www.elhatton.com), Bathurst.  Funeral service will be held from Central United Church, Clifton, Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at 2 p.m. Donations in memory of Isalee may be made to Central United Church, the Stonehaven Cemetery or a charity of the donors choice.