The passing of Olga Yvonne Mersereau occurred Sunday, February 17, 2019 at the York Care Center in Fredericton New Brunswick.
Yvonne was born in Pleasington, N.B. on March 4, 1935 and was the daughter of the late James W. and Sara L. (Kelly) Mersereau.
She was a graduate of the St. John General Hospital and the University of New Brunswick faculty of nursing. During her nursing career she was Head Nurse of the Trauma Center at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Stockton, California. Upon her return to New Brunswick Yvonne continued her nursing career at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital for several years until her retirement. Yvonne, in her nursing career, was a hard-working, efficient, diligent and compassionate individual. She applied the same work ethics and compassion in all of her endeavours including her involvement in Pilgrim House.
Yvonne, together with her life-long friend Gloria Paul, was the co-founder of Pilgrim House, a spiritual retreat in Hoyt, N.B. with which she was actively involved from its opening in 1989 and remained involved for several years. During her lifetime Yvonne had a great respect for the world we live in and was involved in various peace and environmental issues. In 2007, together with her life-long friend, Gloria Paul, Yvonne was the co-recipient of the YMCA Peace Medal. This medal is awarded to recognize people who are committed to peace work. Yvonne left a warm touch of kindness in the life of everyone she came in contact with and was a great lover of animals.
Yvonne was an active member of the Christ Church Cathedral and is survived by her nieces Louann (Avery) Brawn, Ruth (John) Richardson and Debbie (Tim) Bigger; her nephews John (Cheryl) Hasson and Jim (Megan) Hasson as well as several great-nieces and great-nephews and numerous close friends.
Yvonne was predeceased by her parents, her life-long friend, Gloria Paul, her sister Barbara Hasson as well as her sister, Maxine Jones who died just hours after Yvonne’s passing.
Keeping with Yvonne’s request there will be no visitation. There will be a celebration of Yvonne’s life at Christ Church Cathedral, Fredericton on Monday, February 25, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. A gathering of friends and family will be held at Memorial Hall following the service.
Yvonne’s family and friends would like to acknowledge and thank the nursing staff of the York Manor for their kindness, friendship and compassion to Yvonne during her time at the York Manor.
Donations in memory of Yvonne can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society; Heart and Stroke Foundation; SPCA; Christ Church Cathedral Restoration Fund; The Conservation Council or a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences and the sharing of memories may be expressed through www.bishopsfuneralhome.com