Ellen Marie Buckingham
1936-2022
Our mom, Ellen Buckingham, went home to be with the Lord on December
16, 2022, at Carleton Manor. She was born October 16, 1936, at her
family homestead in Upper Skiff Lake, to parents David and Glenna
(Lutwick) Johnson.
Being raised on a farm with many siblings, she learned from an early
age the value of good work ethics. She was privileged to walk to
school, arriving earlier than the other students, so she could get the
fire going in the wood stove. She married our dad, Arden Buckingham,
in 1955, and they moved to Fredericton in 1957, where they raised
their four busy, hockey loving boys.
Mom was a treasured sister, mother, grammie, cousin, aunt and friend.
She was a hard worker, an amateur photographer, a family reunion
planner, a faithful protestor (along with Myrna) over the closing of
her beloved Sears and a lover of old fashion preaching and the old
hymns.
Mom had her list of favourites. Number one would be her four boys.
They could do little wrong, if any, and her daughter-in-laws learned
not to challenge this motherly assessment. In so doing, we all got
along quite well. Her adored grandchildren all managed to inherit this
unique, near-perfect gene.
A close second favourite was her beloved cottage on Carr’s Cove, East
Grand Lake. She could sit on the deck for hours with her knitting work
and a book. Her grandchildren and other Carr’s Cove tag-alongs
learned that she and Prudy could be counted on for cookies and hugs.
Mom’s massive cookie jar took up half the small counter
space.
Mom did her best with life’s challenges, and we loved her for
it. She ensured that her sons, then their wives, then her
grandchildren, then her great-grandchildren, were supplied with
quilts, sweaters, socks, mitts, and scarfs. She was thrilled when the
granddaughters started appearing so she could do some serious business
with pink yarn. Her hands were seldom idle.
Mom worked many years at York Manor, providing care to those in their
final years. Mom’s final two years were spent at Carleton Manor
when Alzheimer’s disease took its mean grip. The Bible tells us
that our lives are a vapor, that appeareth for a little time and then
vanisheth away; and we are to number our days, that we may apply our
hearts unto wisdom.
Mom is survived by her sons, Philip (Kaye), Allison (Chery), Kevin,
and Lorne (Cyndy); grandchildren Jodi, John (Sonya), Ronnie (Melissa),
Lori (Donnie), Erin, Rachel (Andrew), Joel (Holly), Vince, Jesse
(Charito), Jessica (Corey) and Chelsea (Malcolm); several
great-grandchildren; her siblings, Curtis Johnson (Sharon), Sheldon
Johnson (Sheila), and sister-in-law, Elizabeth Johnson; numerous
nieces, nephews and cousins. She is also survived by dear friends,
Myrna and Wilma.
In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her husband Arden C.
Buckingham; siblings Elsie, Owen, Iona (late Aleph), Elaine (late
Bill), an infant brother, and infant granddaughter, Loren.
Special thanks to her long time family doctor, Dr. Scott Robertson and
his staff; and Extra Mural staff in Fredericton and Woodstock. We are
grateful to all staff at Carleton Manor; Dr. Ghanem and Dr. Boyle, and
Sarah and the team on Everwood. You cared for Mom and loved her when
at times we could only wave at her through a window. Thank you!
In Mom’s memory, attend church, sing an old hymn, make a puzzle,
call or visit a grandparent, plan a family reunion – and take a
picture or two, and have a Timmies.
Mom is whole! Not because this seems the nice thing to say, but
because she put her faith and trust in The One Who said, “I am
the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but
by me.” John 14:6 Those who trust in the finished work of Jesus
Christ look forward to being with Him and her someday soon. There is
no Alzheimer’s disease in heaven! Mom would say, “Now,
that’s good preaching.”
“Let’s not say good-bye; say so-long.”
Visiting hours will be held at Flewelling Funeral Home, 585 Otis
Drive, Nackawic, NB, on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, from 12 noon until
2 pm, followed by the funeral service in the funeral home chapel with
Ellen’s grandson, Pastor Joel Buckingham officiating. A
reception will follow in the funeral home dining room. Interment will
be at a later date at Fosterville Lower Cemetery.
For those who wish to make a donation in memory of Ellen, the family
has suggested the Alzheimer Society, Fosterville Lower Cemetery or
Carleton Manor.
www.flewellingswan.com
19362022
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Ellen Marie Buckingham 19362022 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
Death notice for the town of: Nackawic, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick