BRIMSACLE, CATHERINE - The death of Catherine Brimsacle, widow of the late J. Melvin Brimsacle, formerly of Charlo, occurred peacefully at the Dalhousie Nursing Home on Friday, October 30. 2009. She was in her 91st year. Catherine Annie Elizabeth Smearer was born on April 3, 1919, in Archibald Settlement, near Jacquet River, Restigouche County, in what is now the Archibald Road in the Village of Belledune. She was the first child of Herbert Smearer and Elizabeth (Winton) Smearer. Following her marriage she and her husband purchased a hundred acre farm on the Archibald Road. The family lived there until August, 1950, when their newly renovated home was destroyed in a tragic lightning fire. In October of the same year they purchased a new property in Charlo. After her husband's death on November 1, 1998, she continued to live in the family home until March 12, 2008, when she became a resident at the Dalhousie Nursing Home. She spent her entire life in Northern New Brunswick with the exception of a winter in Moncton in the early 1940's. DEVOTED WIFE AND MOTHER: Throughout her long life she was a dedicated wife and mother where she found her greatest fulfillment. When in the early 1950's her husband became representative in New Brunswick for the Dominion Lightning Rod Company, she traveled with him throughout the province as his cook and secretary. They spent many summers in the Grand Falls and Saint John River Valley where they made many friends. Gifted Quilter: She loved to knit and make fine vegetable and flower gardens. However, she was at her best in making countless quilts that made their way across Canada and the U.S.A. One even made its way to Bermuda as a wedding gift for Mr. and Mrs. K. C. Irving. She was immensely proud of her native New Brunswick. With her husband she enjoyed attending provincial conventions of the Liberal party that elected new leaders. ACTIVE IN CWL AND CHARITY: She was a founding charter member of St. Francis Xavier Parish Council Catholic Women's League in Charlo. She served as a vice-president of the council and on various committees. In the early 1980's the CWL presented her with a Certificate of Merit. When she became a member of the newly established English-speaking Parish of St. John Bosco in Dalhousie, she also became a member of its parish CWL. In her brief stay in Moncton she was a member of St. Bernard's Parish. There she was active with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, especially during the Christmas Season, in helping the poor and less fortunate- a trait that stayed with her throughout her long life. MOTHER OF THE YEAR: In May of this year, she was chosen 2009 Mother of the Year at the Dalhousie Nursing Home. She loved children and was a great listener which attracted many people young and old. Never a demanding person but a constant giver she will be fondly remembered by many for her ever present smile. Surviving are two sons, Orin Robert Melvin, of Dalhousie, and Donald Herbert (Marlene Anderson) of Quispamsis; one daughter, Shirley Margaret Elizabeth, Mrs. G. G. Baird (Gerald) of Ottawa; two grandchildren, Cathy A. Allen of Quispamsis and Mark D. Brimsacle of Moncton; two step-grandchildren, the Honourable John R. Baird, Federal Minister of Transportation, Ottawa, and Virginia, Mrs. Bryon Bertrim of Ottawa; two great-grandchildren, Liam Patrick Allen of Quispamsis and Ashton Brimsacle of Moncton; one sister, Mrs. Dora Glendenning of Bathurst and a number of nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband and one brother, J. H. Alexander (Allie) Smearer of Moncton. The remains will rest at Maher's Funeral Home, 421 Victoria Street, Dalhousie, Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. Funeral Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Dalhousie, Tuesday at 11 am. The pastor, Father William P. Arseneau, will be the main celebrant assisted by priests of the Diocese of Bathurst. Interment will take place in the family plot at St. Gabriel's Cemetery in Jacquet River. Please join us in remembering Mrs. Catherine Brimsacle by visiting our Memorial at www.mem.com. Through this site, we invite you to share your thoughts and fond memories with our family.