Bathurst – It is with great sadness that we the family announce the death of Mrs. Jessica Ryan-ONB, wife of the late Patrick Ryan, formerly of Lilac Lane, Bathurst, which occurred on Saturday March 30, 2019 at the Chaleur Regional Hospital, Bathurst, at the age of 84.
Born in Bathurst, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Jeanetta (Chamberlain) Russell.
Jessica held many titles in her life, but the title of Registered Nurse was one she treasured most. Some of the positions she held were Head Nurse of Pediatrics, the first Nursing Manager of the Extra Mural Program, she was a teacher at the Bathurst School of Nursing and was a City Councilor. Active member of the Holy Family Catholic Women’s League, Holy Family Church Choir and the Senior Choir. These are a few of her accomplishments. She also received the Order of New Brunswick, Freeman of the City of Bathurst, life time member of the NBNA and recipient of the Paul Harris Award.
Later in life, the preservation of the heritage of Bathurst became her passion. She was one of the founding members of the Bathurst Heritage museum and later became the President and was active in this role until 2018.
She is survived by one brother, John Russell (Janet) of Bathurst.
Four very special nieces: Shawna Lanteigne (Adrien), Lisa Lavigne (Jody), Jennie Russell (Jeremy Cormier) all of Bathurst and Jessica Russell (Doug Corkum) of Dartmouth, NS.
Her greatest joy were her two great nephews; Chase Lavigne and Izayah Lanteigne and their Sunday morning visits.
Besides her husband, she was pre-deceased by a brother, Charles Russell and a sister, Mary Elizabeth Russell.
The family will receive relatives and friends after 2 p.m. Wednesday at Elhatton’s Funeral Home (www.elhatton.com), Bathurst. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday afternoon, April 4, 2019 at 2 p.m. from Holy Family Church, Bathurst. Visiting hours are Wednesday from 2 to 4. Visiting hours have been canceled Wednesday evening due to the weather.
The family would like to extend a thank you to the Foyer Notre Dames de Lourdes wing E, 2nd West and palliative care at the Chaleur Regional Hospital for the kindness, care and compassion they showed to Jessica.
Donations in memory of Jessica may be made to the Bathurst Heritage Museum, Foyer Notre Dames de Lourdes of a charity of the donors choice.
