REIDPATH, IRENE LOIS (CAMPBELL)
(1937-2015)
MAIN RIVER, NB - Irene Reidpath 77, of Main River passed away peacefully at her home (Harmony Hill Farms home of Shorthorn cattle & horses) surrounded by her loving family on Monday, April 27, 2015. Born in Main River, she was the daughter of the late William Roy Campbell and late Helena (Mundle) Campbell.
Irene never stopped farming. Her love for farming was evident by the roles she proudly held throughout the years. Irene was a leader of the St. Nicholas 4-H Club, Director and President at various times of the NB Shorthorn Association, Moncton Easter Beef Show and Sale, Kent F.A.R.M. Group, NB Cattlemen's Association, Director of NB Products Commission, NB Livestock Breeders Council, NB Federation of Agriculture, Maritime Farmer's Council and NB F.A.R.M and many other associations. Irene also worked at many different jobs off the farm over the years.
Irene's life as a female farmer was an inspiration and example to many. There was never a job or duty that she wouldn't tackle.
Irene will be sadly missed by her husband of 58 years, Merrin Reidpath of Main River; one daughter, Holly (Reidpath) Acebo (Rusty) of Arkansas; two sons, Scott Reidpath (Christine ) of St. Norbert; Dale Reidpath (Cheryl) of St. Norbert, grandchildren, Justin (April), Patrick, Jessica, Peter, Michael, Nicholas, Alex, Celina, Brock, Annika, Rykar and great grandchildren, Olivia Grace and McKenna Irene. Irene will be sadly missed by many special friends and neighbors who she thought of as family.
She was predeceased by her parents and one son, Danny Reidpath.
Resting at Thompson's Funeral Home, Richibucto with visitation on Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at 11:00 am, St. Andrew's United Church, Rexton.
Irene requests no flowers or donations, she would rather people do a kind act or service for someone else; do it in her memory. Irene was always the first to help a neighbor in their time of need, she did it privately, without hesitation and selflessly.
For Irene, the "magic feeling" of seeing a newborn calf is as profound today as it was when her dad first carried her to the barn years ago. She was proud to know that the family tradition of raising cattle will be carried on by her son, Scott, and by her grandchildren. Merrin and Irene both came from farming backgrounds and together purchased their own farm in West Branch in 1961 to raise their family on. Years later after Irene's father retired they moved back to Main River to Harmony Hills Farms together running both farms. Irene and Merrin never retired from farming and have left a legacy - the family farm is thriving and will continue to be because of their leadership.
The family would like to thank the Oncology Center at the Dr. Georges-L. Dumont University Hospital, the doctors and nurses who took exceptional care of their mother.
Arrangements are in care of Thompson's Funeral Home, Richibucto (523-4252).