Passed away peacefully on September 6th at the Doctor Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital while her children shared chocolate cake at her bedside. Born in Stanley, NB on Friday, December 13, 1918, she was the daughter of the late Claude and Blanche (Sands) Gilmore and wife of the late Merlin George Price.
She spent a happy childhood growing up on Keswick Ridge surrounded by immediate and extended family. At age 25, she purchased her home in Fredericton where she would spend the next 70 years. Mom was the last surviving member of her immediate family, by five days; her sister Ella Barton (late Weldon) predeceased her on September 1st.
She was predeceased by brothers Franklin (Beatrice), Ralph (late Irene) and Harold (late Phyllis), infant daughter, Claudette Irene, sons-in-law, Kenneth Finnamore and Sterling Briggs (Aug 28), granddaughter Jessi Jo Finnamore, sisters in law, Muriel Currie (late Merle), Phyllis Whur (Louie), Audrey Bennet Billings (late Bill, late Dawson), Madeline Price, brothers-in-law, Philip, Thomas, Aubrey (Shirley), Winston (Evelyn). Jack (Mary-Lou).
Survived by six children, Merlin (Suzanne), Rosemary Finnamore Chown (Beverly), Bernice Briggs, Nancy Madden (David), Paulette Steever (Billy), Claude (Wendy), thirty grandchildren, step grandchildren, several great and great-great grandchildren, sisters-in-law, Doris Burns (late Jim White), Betty Jukes Hill (late Leonard, late John) and brother–in-law Stanley (Donna).
Mom was an entrepreneur; she started her career as a telephone operator on the ridge, then with Prices Grocery Store in 1958, then Prices second Hand Store and Prices Antiques. She and Dad spent many an adventure scouring the countryside for antiques, attending and hosting auctions. They were past members of the NB Antique Auto Club having participated in the coast to coast tour in 1975. They visited every province in Canada, including the NWT. Mom was a longtime vendor at the Boyce Farmer’s Market, keeping her stall long after she could use it in the hopes of continuing selling her knitting. Flea Markets were another passion, where she bought more than she sold. She worked in the cafeteria at the Kmart for 15 years, retiring from there at age 65. Her love of Knitting started at the age of 16 and her first items were sent to boys overseas. Mom loved to sing, dance, write and recite poetry. She was very politically active until her recent years (when she decided they were all as crooked as her fingers). She loved gardening and grew the most beautiful dahlias, often winning prizes at the exhibition. Her own description was "I’m an odd duck" – we consider her "unique". She left us wonderful memories, assuring us she loved us all. No need to worry mom, we won’t forget you.
Resting at Bishop’s Funeral Home 540 Woodstock Road where visitation will take place on Wednesday, September 10th from 2-4 and 7-9PM. The funeral service will take place on Thursday, September 11th at 11AM from Bishop’s Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Laurie Fenerty officiating. Pallbearers will be grandchildren, Gino Price, John Briggs, Kellee Kranendonk, Jeffery Madden, Jill Steever and Danielle Price. Reception will be held at Bishop’s followed by a burial for family only in the Fredericton Rural Cemetery on Woodstock Road. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of choice or visit someone who’s lonely.