KEITH, MILDRED - Mildred Josephine Keith (nee Coates), 74, passed away peacefully with family at her side at Monarch Hall, Riverview on Friday, October 26, 2012. Born in Kinnear Settlement on December 18, 1937, she was a daughter of the late Ward and Florence (nee Henry) Coates. Mildred was married to Ralph Douglas Keith and they raised their family in Lower Ridge, New Brunswick. Together for over 50 years they worked the farm and proudly watched their four boys become men. Mildred's first love was indeed her family. She hosted countless family gatherings at the farm. Later in life she had the joy of being a grammie and great grammie to the next generations. Her strength, kindness and courage will be remembered by all who knew her. Mildred's second love was for the Women's Institute Organization. She attended meetings for over 50 years and during that time she held titles which included: President of her branch (Lower Ridge WI), her district and became President of the New Brunswick Women's Institute. Her knowledge and dedication continued when she became President of the Federated Women's Institute of Canada she represented all of Canada and spoke passionately about women's and children's issues for not only Canada but the world. Her final pinnacle came when she was made Area Director for Canada with the Associated Country Women of the World, whereby she represented her country on the international level. Her time with WI, allowed her to develop her interests in traveling both in Canada and abroad. Survived and sadly missed by her beloved husband Ralph; sons Stephen (Donna) of Havelock, Vance (Dianne) of Apohaqui and Jonathan (Kim) of Lower Ridge, daughter in law Betty Keith of Kinnear Settlement; seven grandchildren, seven great grandchildren; sisters Edith Forrestell (Michael), Ann Coates, Janet Coates-Mason; brothers and sisters in law and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her son Marty Keith; brothers Danny and Jamie Coates and her sister Margaret Hicks.
Resting at the Salisbury Funeral Home, 3350 Salisbury Road (372-4800) with visiting Monday 6 to 9 p.m. and from where the funeral will be in the chapel on Tuesday, October 30 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Delbert Bannister Officiating. Interment will be at the Wesleyan Cemetery, Havelock. For those who desire, memorials to the Lower Ridge Cemetery Fund would be appreciated by the family. www.keirsteads.ca