Cloyne Pioneer Cemetery

This project is headed up by Mary Kelly and it is one that is close to her heart (and her house). Each spring and fall, we have volunteers come to clean out the area to make it ready for the many visitors who drop by each year. Mary takes care of the property throughout the year, making sure the beds are watered and the grass cut. *Mary’s husband Jack always provides a delicious lunch on clean up days!

The reclamation of the Pioneer Cemetery was the most ambitious project undertaken by our Garden Club. This area had long been an eyesore and a disgrace to the pioneers who founded the village. When the club was in its infancy a Special Projects Committee was struck and Mary became a member. When our founding President, Lynn McEvoy, asked for suggestions for projects we could undertake, Mary being a keener at that time put her hand up. She asked if there was any way we could take a look at cleaning up the Cloyne Pioneer Cemetery. Lynn came and looked at the area and was not daunted in the least. In short order, a plan was drawn up and presented to the Township of North Frontenac. Brenda DeFosse was the Clerk at that time, and she took our suggestions to Council – they were very enthusiastic and promised to look into it. They applied for grant money which they received, and this allowed us to undertake a massive overhaul of the area.

We had many volunteers, community groups and neighbours help with this project which took weeks to complete. We laid down pathways, a rock garden on the bank to the road, various beds, and a lawn area. There were remains of Celtic crosses that had marked some of the graves on the site and we had replicas made of these, painted them white and placed them throughout the cemetery. We donated the originals to the Museum.

We added two benches to allow those who visit to sit and reflect in an area that is both spiritual and beautiful.

The following link shows the dedication of the Cemetery to coincide with the Cloyne 150 celebration in 2009. Many thanks to Lynn McEvoy who spearheaded this and all of our community projects and is still very much involved in maintaining them.

Pioneer Cemetery Cleanup – Fall 2017

On Friday, September 29th a group of dedicated volunteers/members got together to do a Fall cleanup at the Cloyne Pioneer Cemetery.

They raked, edged, weeded, cut back, pruned and finally spread mulch and the result is wonderful and a tribute to our pioneers who rest there.

This project was our largest undertaken as a Garden Club. Thanks to Lynn McEvoy for being undaunted when Mary put her hand up and suggested this as a project. Thanks also to the Township of North Frontenac for supporting us and most of all thanks to the many volunteers who come out each year to keep the area a credit to us all.

When we finished this project there were 4 neighbours who promised to maintain the cemetery, Nell McFadden, Ursula Ossenberg, Marlene Wilson & Mary Kelly. Sadly Nell & Ursula have passed away and Marlene has moved to Napanee.

Mary thanks you all from the bottom of her heart for helping her each Spring & Fall, not only paying tribute to our Pioneers but also to those volunteers who have worked there and have passed away, Nell, Ursula, Nellie & Marion.

For those of you who have not volunteered for any our projects yet, don’t be shy and come out to help us with this one. Always nice to sit together after the work is done and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by Jack.

Pioneer Cemetery Cleanup – Fall 2018