Obituary
It is with appreciation for a life well lived that the family of Douglas Edward Breen announce his passing which occurred in the early morning of March 4th at Bobby’s Hospice after a courageous battle with cancer. Doug was born in Saint John to parents Walter Vincent Breen and Mary Agnus (King) Breen on the 5th of April, 1939. A graduate of St Malachy’s High School, he continued his education with a Bachelor of Arts degree from St Thomas University, before attending the Maritime School of Social Work of Dalhousie University in Halifax.
Doug’s career in social work spanned over 35 years with positions held at the Dr Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton, Director of Hospice Saint John, the Department of Social Development, and the New Brunswick Extra-mural Program (Saint John).
A devoted husband and father, Doug married Anne Marie Mulder, the love of his life, and best friend, in August of 1969. Together they raised 2 children, Aaron and Lia, with unwavering love and support. Sharing a life also meant sharing a love for all things theatre, travel and time on the Washademoak Lake. Doug used his humour, wit, and life experience to work with the Dalhousie Medical School as a volunteer patient. He also volunteered with Romero House and with the Men of Fundy chorus. On Tuesday mornings, Doug could be found at the Villa Madonna with a meditation group that gave both focus and friendship. Doug adored his 5 grandchildren, and being ever the entertainer he took great pleasure in amusing them with song and slap stick humour. He will be dearly missed.
His passing is preceded by his parents, as well as brothers Mike, Danny and Bobby Breen, and sister Carol Roblee.
He is survived by his wife Anne Marie, son Aaron (Julie) Breen and daughter Lia (Kevin) Smith, his grandchildren (Logan, Anna and Colin Breen; Meaghan and Owen Smith), his brothers David and Father Donald Breen, his sister Joan (Raymond) Myers as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
A special thank-you to all involved in Doug’s care with special mention to Frank and Sandra Hamm.
A celebration of life will be held at Fundy Funeral Home Tuesday 10th March 2020 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm with sharing of memories from friends and family at 6:30pm.
The family would appreciate that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Romero House and Bobby’s Hospice.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Douglas Edward Breen April 5 1939 March 4 2020 (age 80)..
Death notice for the town of: Saint-John, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick