Bathurst - Mrs. Opal Melanson, 98, wife of the late Doran Melanson, formerly of Big River, passed away on Sunday (July 29, 2012) at the Foyer Notre Dame de Lourdes, Bathurst.

Born in South Tetagouche, she was the daughter of the late Amos O. and Elizabeth (Young) Henry.

She is survived by  three daughters: Eleanor Williams (Bob) of Sudbury, Ont., Sr. Eva Melanson, MCR, of Anaham, BC and Lorraine Roy of Sunny Corner, NB.

One son, Cameron Melanson of Big River.

Daughter-in-law, Isabel Melanson of Big River.

Two sisters: Irene Boucher of Verdun, Que., Dorothy Chiasson of St. Catherines, Ont.

Two brothers: Amos Henry of Charlo, NB, Cletus Henry (Kay) of Dalhousie.

16 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.

She was pre-deceased by a son, Henry (1998), a daughter Anne Marie (2011); sisters: Alice Wall, Yvonne Flood, Lydia MacDonald, Claire Harquail; brothers: Herman and Carl.

Mrs. Melanson was well known for her community and church involvement over the years.  She was a former employee of Zellers until her retirement.  She attended the former St. Theresa Church and than in recent years the Sacred Heart Cathedral.  She was a woman of Faith.  Member of the Sacred Heart Cathedral Catholic Women's League, Bathurst.  She has received many awards and certificates for her volunteer work and leadership roles.  She is a recent recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.  She will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew her.

The body will rest after 2 p.m. Thursday at Elhatton's Funeral Home (www.elhatton.com), Bathurst.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday morning (August 3, 2012) at 11 a.m. from the Sacred Heart Cathedral, St. Andrew St., Bathurst.  Visiting hours are Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 and Friday from 9 a.m. until time of Funeral.