GILMORE, IRENE N. - “Faithful servant, it’s time to go. Your time on earth is through.” Irene Nellie Gilmore answered “Heaven’s Roll Call” on Saturday, June 30, 2012 at the Oromocto Public Hospital. Born September 17, 1926 at Scotch Lake, NB, she was the daughter of the late Claude Harold Kingston and Nellie “Rachel” (Stairs) Kingston. Irene was a faithful member of Smythe Street Cathedral. Irene always made every moment count, was always busy “doing for others” and many family and friends can attest to her quilting, knitting and crocheting abilities. She was also a gifted musician. A loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Irene was devoted to her family and became “Mum” and “Nanny” to many whom she lovingly took into her heart and life. She was an inspiration and freely expressed her love for God, family and friends. Her unwavering faith sustained her all through her life and she touched the hearts of all who knew her and loved her. Affectionately know as a “Mother of Many Nations”, Irene’s chosen family grew to include Sam Macharia, Wairimu Kimani, Imani Macharia and Hazina Macharia. Her parents; husband Ralph Gilmore; grandson Andrew Nason; sister Leola Brown (late Ralph) and sister Marguerite Smith all predeceased her. Irene is survived by three daughters, Barbara Nason (Brian) of Tracy, Rachel McLaughlin (Frank) of Rusagonis and Sandra Martin of Fredericton. She was a loving and treasured “Nannie” to her eight grandchildren, David and John Nason, Jeannie Chater (Jeff), Carter McLaughlin (Mandy), Sol (Erin), Melissa and Christopher Martin and Sarah Crowell. She was “Great Nannie” to six loved and adored great-grandchildren, Tim and Tom Nason, Zachery and Alysha Chater and Emelia and Lily McLaughlin. Also survived by a sister Helen Steadman (Fred) of Mactaquac and a brother Allison Kingston (Helen) of Fredericton; sister-in-laws Dorothy Price of Lincoln, NB, Beatrice Gilmore of Fredericton and Ella Barton of Seymour, CT; nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family will receive condolences at Bishop’s Funeral Home, 540 Woodstock Road, Fredericton on Wednesday, July 4, 2012 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. A celebration of Irene’s life will be held at Smythe Street Cathedral, Fredericton on Thursday, July 5, 2012 at 2 pm. Rev. Wayne Flowers will officiate and will be assisted by Irene’s son-in-law Frank McLaughlin. Interment in the Rusagonis Station Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Carter McLaughlin, David, Tim and Tom Nason, and Sol and Christopher Martin. Honourary pallbearers will be John Nason, Zachary Chater, Scott and Jane Hall, Nancy and Ivan Rideout, Art and Alberta Murphy, Erroll and Maureen Patriquin and Rose Northrup. The family has suggested that memorial contributions be sent to The Fredericton Emergency Shelter or the Village of Hope, Tracy, NB. Online condolences and the sharing of memories may be expressed through www.bishopsfuneralhome.com