Obituaries

Elizabeth "Beth" Ferguson

New Glasgow, NS – Elizabeth Ann “Beth”Ferguson, passed away peacefully Sunday, February 26, 2017. She was not just our Mother, she was Mother to many and we shared her happily (well, most of the time). Countless peanut butter sandwiches, raucous games of Spoons, Canasta, the odd party in her absence (!) and years of sound truths later, she became Grammy, and then Grammy to many and we shared her lovingly now with an effortless pan of lemon squares presented at a moment’s notice (disappeared in a moment as well), even more wisdom, somehow broader shoulders despite her own troubles and that smile; Oh! that smile! always dancing on her lips just waiting for that exact moment to lighten your heart and to assure you that this will pass, that you must look past the difficulties and trust that you will find the good. Keep the good to help you through.

Before and during all this, there was Beth, cherished daughter, sister, wife, sister–in–law, aunt, trusted and loyal friend to so many, each of you carrying a piece of her heart with you, knowing by her warmth and caring, her encouragement and belief in you, that you were so special to her. Keep her close, remember her smile, her laugh, her love and she will never be gone.

Then there was Mrs. Ferguson, Secretary/Registrar for the Aberdeen Hospital School of Nursing. She was as faithful and dedicated to each of those nursing students as she was to her family, gently encouraging, giving confidence and smoothing the way for the finest nurses. She developed lifelong friendships with her colleagues and gained the respect and admiration of those she supported with her work.

It has been said you die three times; the last time you take a breath, the last time someone speaks your name, the last time someone thinks of you. We never know which is the last time; the last glance, the last touch, the last hug. Love, each time.

She was born June 22nd, 1933 in Campbellton, New Brunswick to the late Barbara Ellen “Jessie” Pollock and John Earnest (Jack) Lutes.

She joins her husband and best friend, Ivan Scott Ferguson, son, John David “Ferg” Ferguson, brothers, Rupert and Wilfred Lutes, brother–in–law, Jack Allison, mother–in–law, Marjorie Jean (Farrar) Ferguson, father–in–law, David James Ferguson, brothers–in–law, Donald and Verne Ferguson, sisters–in–law, Louise Girvan (Grassy), Davida Credico, Francis McCollum (Bob), brother–in–law, Max Irving.

Left to miss her easy laughter are, sister, Joyce Allison, son, Raeburn, daughter, Janet “Jan”, grandchildren, Gerald (Rhonda) Duffy, Sarah Ferguson, Raylene MacPherson (Brian Garby), daughter–in–law, Colleen (Duffy) Ferguson, great–grandsons, Brendon and Dillon Duffy, sisters–in–law, Joyce Lutes, Pat Lutes, Betty Irving, her adored nieces and nephews who each held their own special place in her heart. Forever in the heart of her chosen daughter, Kathy Graham (Sam), who doted on Mother with the tender care she so deserved.

Mum leaves behind a multitude of friends whom she loved dearly. She lived for each bridge game, gladly anticipated a long game of Phase 10 with her pals and was obsessed with Tuesday morning Mah–jong. She always enjoyed an opportunity to visit with everyone who crossed over her threshold, genuinely interested in what was going on in their lives.

With all that in her life, there was nothing that gave Mum more joy than spending time with her beloved family. She was not afraid to die; she just didn’t want to miss out on a moment of their lives.

Lillian Benwell

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Lillian Benwell, wife of Stephen Benwell of London, Ontario on March 30, 2017 at the age of 69. Born in Newcastle, N.B. on December 2, 1947, she was the daughter of Norman and Margaret (Donovan) Bryenton. Besides her husband she is survived by a son Trevor, of London, Ontario, her sisters Sheila Roberts (Laird) of Tide Head, N.B. and Norma Bryenton–Day (Glen) of McLeod’s, N.B., brothers William (Kathy) of Kamloops, B.C. Sterling (Lynne) of Miramichi, and Todd (Shelley) of Bryenton, N.B. She was predeceased by a sister Elaine MacKinley and brother Theodore "Ted" Bryenton. Also missed by many nieces and nephews.

John (Jackie) Beverly Gregoire

Passed away at the Campbellton Regional Hospital on February 27, 2017 at the age of 83, Mr. John (Jackie) Beverly Gregoire of Atholville, NB (formerly of Broadlands, Quebec). Born in Campbellton on August 20, 1933, son of the late William Gregoire and the late Letitia McLelland Gregoire.

He was predeceased by his wife Sharon Ferguson; and his daughter Cindy. Besides his parents he was predeceased by his ten brothers, Malcolm, Raymond, Rollie, Murray, Keith, Lorne, Burns, Glenford, Bliss, and Harvey and one sister Greta McMahon. He is survived by two sisters Jean Smith of Fredericton and Betty Gregoire of Atholville, a special friend Dolores Geraghty of Campbellton and several nieces and nephews.

Over his lifetime Jackie had several jobs the main ones being with Canada Post and T.R. Mackenzie. When his health began to fail he moved to the Manoir de la Vallee where he quickly became special to the staff and residents alike. It became a very special time for his sister Betty. She was able to see him daily (chatting and playing cards).

Jackie loved people and often visited those who were lonely. He had a passion for reading and was a regular visitor at the Campbellton Library. He loved gardening and enjoyed telling everyone that he had the first red tomatoes of the season which he enjoyed sharing. He had a special bond with dogs and spoiled a few along the way.

Jackie loved to play jokes and laugh. He was a fun spirited man. He will be missed by many family and friends.

Elva LaPointe

The death of Elva LaPointe of Seaside occurred at the Moncton City Hospital Tuesday, Feb.28, 2017 at the age of 64. Born in Seaside, she was the daughter of the late John and Elvina (Mazerolle) Welsh.

Elva is survived by her husband Vone; children Johnny of Jacquet River, Kelly Ann LaPointe (Melvin) of Nash Creek, Elvis (Joy) of New Mills; 5 Grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren as well as her sisters Sarah Legacy and May Moody.She was predeceased by her siblings Daniel, Norman, Frances and Jean.

Joan Hennessey Mabie

Passed away at the Campbellton Regional Hospital on February 21st at the age of 85, Joan Hennessey Mabie. Born in Campbellton on July 20th, 1931.

She is survived by her brother Earl Hennessey of Atholville; four sons, Wayne Roherty of High Level Alberta, Danny Roherty of Toronto Ontario, Carl Roherty of Pointe a La Croix, Kelly Roherty of Oakville Ontario; four daughters, Colleen Howe of Brampton Ontario, Sandra Roherty of Campbellton, Ann Thompson of Rainbow Lake Alberta, Tammy Paul of Woodstock, fourteen grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Wally Mabie of Campbellton, her sons Irvin Roherty of Atholville, James (Jimmy) Roherty of Atholville, her sister Patsy St. Laurent of Atholville, and her brother Darrell Hennessey of Calgary Alberta.

Sylvia M. P. Dickson

Sylvia M. P. Dickson, 89, of the Drew Nursing Home, Sackville, passed away peacefully at her residence on Friday, March 3, 2017. Born in Surrey, England, she was the daughter of the late Leonard and Noel Brooks.

Married to Wilfred Cadius "Bud" Allen in Morden, Surrey in 1947. Bud was a Canadian soldier whom Sylvia met in 1945. He came back to England after he was discharged from the Canadian Army following the end of the war. They returned to Canada and settled in Sackville. Bud and Sylvia raised six children.

Sylvia was predeceased by her first husband, Wilfred "Bud" Allen, second husband, Robert "Bob" Dickson, common-law partner, Norman Cormier; daughter, Sally Richard; infant grandson and two sisters.

Sylvia will be sadly missed by her two sons, Michael Allen and his partner, Anne Babineau and Gary (Lucille) Allen; three daughters, Susanne Hicks (Trevor), Christine Gallant (Leonard) and Judy Hicks and her partner, Dan MacKenzie; 13 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

John Godin

The death of John Godin of Lorne occurred at the Campbellton Regional Hospital Monday, March 06, 2017 at the age of 83. Born in Lorne, he was the son of the late Arthur and Laura (Gagnon) Godin.

John was employed at the Gaspe Copper Mines in Murdochville from 1957 to 1966 and then at the Belledune Smelter until his retirement in 1993 at the age of 59. John's hobbies of hunting and fishing and his four wheeler were enjoyed at his camp.

He is survived by his wife Deloris (Chamberlain); children Joann (Dale) of Beresford, Perry (Connie) of Lorne, Mary Ann (Claude) of Lorne, Blain (Angela) of Fredericton; 8 grandchildren; 7great grandchildren as well as his brothers Leonard, Allison and Jules and sisters Adelia and Alfreda. He was predeceased by his brother Aurele and sisters Albina and Belta.

Lionel "Nick" LeBlanc

Passed away at his residence on March 6th, 2017 at the age of 96, Mr. Lionel "Nick" LeBlanc of McLeods, husband of Mrs. Connie LeBlanc. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Connie (Doucette) LeBlanc and will be sadly missed by his children: Claudette (Gerald) Blaquiere, Carmen LeBlanc (Howard Brassard), Rose (Charles) Simpson, Maurice LeBlanc, Nicky (Gary) Doyle and Roger LeBlanc. He was a loving grandfather to Kay, Shawn, Chad, Lise, Nicole, Paul, Sarah and Kathleen and adoring great-grandfather to Sophie, Martin, Nicholas, Soleil, Leo, Eloise and Elizabeth.

Nick remained active until his recent illness, and many people will remember seeing him walking through McLeods over many years. He loved to joke, laugh and make others laugh. He retired from Imbrex-Cassidy at the age of 67, after more than 30 years as a sales representative with them, and he was a long-time member of UCT, serving a term as Senior Counsellor.

The family would like to extend thanks for the caring service provided by Extra-Mural nursing personnel and respiratory and occupational therapists, which helped our Dad live out his life in the house he was born in.

Ralph McNeil

Passed away at the Campbellton Regional Hospital on March 5th, 2017 at the age of 72, Mr. Ralph McNeil of Campbellton, husband of Armance (Girard) McNeil. Born in Atholville on April 20, 1944, he was the son of the late Alonzo McNeil and of the late Juliette Arbour

He is survived by his wife Armance, his sons Derick (Ryan) and Rick (Dina), his grandchildren Noah and Leah, and his sisters Jeannette Szmutni, Lucille McEwen and Rina Duguay. He was predeceased by his brothers Gerald and Rene.

Marie–Louise Boudreau

Marie–Louise Boudreau, passed away on March 8th, 2017 at the Village Nursing Home in Campbellton. Wife of the late Leonard Gallant, born on June 19, 1921, she was the daughter of the late Marie Reine Gionet and Fidèle Boudreau.

Being the last survivor of a family of 11 children, she leaves to mourn her five children, Paul (Murielle), Lorraine, Denise (Edouard), Richard (Joyce) and Murielle (Sylvain); seven grandchildren, Jean–François, Hélène, Mathieu, Louise, Charles, Geneviève and Maxime, as well as three great–grandchildren, Emmalee, Leia and Lou. She also leaves to mourn a few brothers–in–law, sisters–in–law, nieces and nephews.

Marilyn Hamilton

It is with much sadness that we announce the death of Marilyn Hamilton of Dalhousie who passed away at the Campbellton Regional Hospital Wednesday, March 08, 2017 at the age of 69. Born in Dalhousie, she was the daughter of the late Ernest and Esther (Coulombe) Boudreau.

Marilyn was a very creative person, enjoying her time knitting, tole painting, ceramics, gardening and decorating her home. In later years she became an avid line dancer and taught classes.

She is survived by her husband of forty eight years James; son Dwayne (Jennifer Tait) of Dalhousie; grandsons Aidan and Jacob as well as several nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. She was predeceased by her sisters Elenora Craft and Bernice McDonnell as well as her brothers Paul and Terry Boudreau.