We said goodbye to our darling Mom, Margaret Brideau, May 25, 2019. She had regained steady mobility following a major stroke two weeks prior, but a weary heart and ailing body could not keep up.
Mom was born March 22, 1938, in Fredericton, NB, to Gerald and Viola (Lewis) Cavanaugh. She met and married our Dad, Philip Brideau, in 1956, when he ventured into town ready to help with the clearing of Base Gagetown. Together they raised four children, built a home on their $500 property, laughed, cried, argued, travelled, gave and loved.
We will remember Mom for her determined nature; her ability to speak her mind (and usually get the last word); her cooking skills, Mom did not get frazzled with small or large crowds, she fed them all!; her memory, she kept us straight, right to the end; her giving nature, the $20 in her wallet could surely be given to someone else; her love for furry four footed animals and one spoiled cockatiel, and her love for children and her family.
Mom is survived by her children, Valerie (Stephen) Buckingham, Chery (Allison) Buckingham, Darren (Lana) Brideau, and Shawn (Jill) Brideau; grandchildren, Laura (Brendan), Kyle (Becca), Erin, Rachel (Andrew), Joel (Holly), Evan (Tara), Amber (Cullen); great grandchildren, Foster, Emilyn, Wesley, Alan and Cherith; her brother Doug Cavanaugh; nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Mom is predeceased by her sister-in-law, Maureen.
Special thanks to the kind, efficient paramedics; Dr. MacKay in Emergency; Dr. Kamel – true doctors and gentlemen; the stroke team at Waterville Hospital; and her neighbors in Jacksonville/Woodstock who took the time to show friendship and kindness to a senior newcomer. She loved her new little community. May we all remember that our seniors are to be respected, valued and honored. Mom was an impeccable speller. Her children spell LOVE – MOTHER and BLUEBERRY PIE.
Resting at Bishop’s Funeral Home 540 Woodstock Road Fredericton with visitation on Tuesday May 28, 2019 from 11:00 AM to 12:45 AM. A celebration of her life will follow at 1:00 PM. Her interment will take place after the service at St. John’s Anglican Cemetery in Oromocto, NB.
For whose who wish, donations may be made to the NB Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Pediatric Care at the Chalmers Hospital. Condolences or sharing a memory may be done through www.bishopsfuneralhome.com