Meet the WI Provincial Board

Marguerite Atchison and her husband moved to PEI from British Columbia in 2009. They purchased a small acreage in Canoe Cove where they were welcomed to the community. Marguerite has been an active member of the Canoe Cove WI since that time and takes part in many community activities. She loves the outdoors spending time in her garden, biking, hiking and skiing. In her work life she is a paralegal and is employed at the Supreme Court in Charlottetown.

Alice (née Bagnall) Chandler was invited to her first Women’s Institute meeting by her neighbor, Mary Horne, in 1972. She enjoyed the meeting, and decided she would join. Alice got to know the ladies of the Brackley branch, and made many good friends. While she would have liked to join the Board of Directors many years ago, she didn’t feel she had the time. In 2019, Alice says “I finally decided that I’m never going to be any younger, better do it now!” Alice was born in New Glasgow.

Pat (née Aylward) MacKinnon grew up and attended school in Morell. She is the second oldest of seven children. She graduated from Union Commercial College in Charlottetown and worked as a secretary for 42 years. Pat is a member of Highfield WI. Pat has held many Convenerships over the years, at both branch and provincial levels. She is a former member of the Premier’s Action Committee. Pat is the current Exhibition Chair-in-Training on the provincial PEIWI Board of Directors.

Sheila MacLean retired one year ago after a 33 year career with the Department of Health and Wellness. The last position she held for 13 years was the position of Physician Recruitment Coordinator. After retirement, she wanted to stay involved and engaged, continuing to use her skills but giving back to the community. Sheila has two children and just recently became a grandmother. Sheila lives in Uigg.

Farida Chishti is a member of the Brackley Women’s Institute and resides in Charlottetown with her husband, Dr. Najam Chishti, where they raised their three children. Farida is very involved in her community as a volunteer for many organizations including the Multicultural Council of PEI, Girl Guides of Canada, Canadian Parents for French, Canadian Council of Muslim Women, PEI Table Tennis Association, Asian Heritage Society of PEI, Alzheimer Society of PEI, Seniors’ Secretariat, & PAC.

Carol Jenkins joined the Brackley Women’s Institute in 1982, and she has held many positions at the branch, district, and provincial levels, where, as a lover of Old Home Week, she especially enjoyed her role as Exhibition Chair. Carol received her Life Membership in 2002 from her sister members of the Brackley WI, which includes her daughter as a member. Carol is an avid crafter and loves to quilt, knit, crochet, and spend time with her family. She is a prized wood carver on PEI.

Ann MacDonald has been a member of the Orwell Women’s Institute since 1981, where her mother, the late Bessie Morrison, was a Life Member. Ann herself became a Life Member in 2009. Ann’s early years were spent in Belfast. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoys baking, dances, and working on the family farm.

Helen Nicholson was born and raised in the community of Brackley. She joined PEIWI in 1969. She is a founding member and was the first President of the New Dominion Women’s Institute, and received her Life Membership from the Brackley WI in 1989. Helen was the provincial President from 1993 to 1995. Helen is a devoted member of the Order of the Eastern Star. After serving in four required offices, she became a Worthy Matron. Helen is a member of the Brackley Women’s Institute.

Bridgett is an active community minded member. Her involvement extends well past her branch of Meadowbank WI, and sees her involved with other groups such as Hospice PEI.