Mrs. Iona Girard was born in Gaspe, PQ on November 8, 1938. She was the daughter of the late Allen and Margaret (McCrea) Girard and the wife of the late Louis Goddard who passed away in 1994. Iona was a strong and independent woman. She was the hardest worker you would ever meet. Even though she never stopped, she always made time to make sure she looked fabulous. Hard work was very important to Iona, but nothing could come close to the importance of her family. She loved her family with every ounce of her being and always looked forward to the big family gatherings that they would have; especially at Christmas. She will live on in the hearts of her daughters: Lorena Duncan and her husband Ivan of Montreal, Rosalie Lackie and her husband Allen of Sussex, Molly Richardson and her husband John of Sussex; her son, Murray Chicoine and his wife Lori of Ontario; her step-daughter, Kathy Dempster and her husband Aubrey of Sussex; her brother, Andrew Girard and his wife Margaret of Gaspe, PQ; her sister, Flora Asselin and her husband Anthony of Gaspe, PQ; 9 Grandchildren: Bonnie, Trina, Brandy, Kandace, Thomas, Brenda, Martina, Stacy, Bradley; 13 Great Grandchildren: Kelsea, Deven, Julien, Kylie, Chase, Alex, Gage, Shelby, Alexis, Alaina, Teneal, Ella and Ben; her step-grandchildren: Chloe and Logan; as well as several nieces and nephews. Mrs. Iona Girard of Sussex, passed away surrounded by her family at the Sussex Health Centre on September 17, 2016 at the age of 77. She was Predeceased by her brothers: Alex and Robert and by her sister, Katherine Girard. Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, (506-433-1176) where visitation will be held on Monday from 6-8pm. A service celebrating Iona's life will be held from St. John's United Church on Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at 11am with Rev. Gene Fisher officiating. The interment will take place in Trinity Cemetery. If you are considering making a memorial donation the family has recommended the Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.