MARY RIOUX: APRIL 21,
1932 – JANUARY 2, 2022 It is with a heavy heart that we
announce the passing of Mary Elizabeth Rioux (Pearce) of Fredericton
NB. She passed away peacefully on January 2nd, 2022 at Hospice
Fredericton. Born in Ft. Fairfield, Maine on April 21st 1932, Mary was
the eldest child of the late George and Kathleen Pearce.
Mary’s
childhood and adolescent years were spent in Bathurst, where she
graduated from Bathurst High School. Following graduation, Mary worked
as an administrative assistant at the Bathurst Power and Paper Co.
before settling down in Fredericton to raise a family. Mary was a
woman of deep faith with strong moral values, who would always give
generously of herself to others. She was a caring, loving mother,
grandmother and great grandmother. For Mary, her family was first and
foremost.
For many years Mary was
the smiling, welcoming face that greeted students at the University of
New Brunswick’s Residence Services office, where she was
employed from 1973 until her retirement in 1993. Mary’s
outgoing bubbly personality endeared her to so many, which ensured her
of numerous good friends throughout the years.
Music played a
tremendously important role in Mary’s life. Having taught
piano for many years, she was a decades-long member of the Fredericton
Music Teachers’ Association. And if she wasn’t
singing in a church choir or tinkling the keys of her piano or church
organ, she would be found dancing – her greatest joy of all
– to her favourite songs. There is no doubt she will still be dancing
in the afterlife! Mary was also an avid walker. Many a day she could
be seen briskly striding along Fredericton’s sidewalks and
trail system. A wonderful cook, who loved dinner parties and having a
fun time, Mary was up for almost any adventure it seemed. In that
regard she loved travel, especially cruising, which she embarked upon
dozens of times.
While in her retirement
years she cherished her stays in sunny Florida with brother Bob and
sister-in-law Murielle. Or spending time with them at the cottage on
Salmon Beach in Bathurst during the summer. They enjoyed a truly
exceptional bond.
Predeceased by her dear
sister Rose Heinstein (Pearce), nephew Brian Pearce and sonin-law
Larry Cummins, Mary is survived by daughter Jacqueline (Larry) of
Fredericton, sons George of St. John’s NL and Stephen
(Sherry) of Collingwood ON. She is also survived by niece Joanne
Hipwell (Pearce), nephews Daryl Pearce, John Heinstein, Paul Heinstein
and Charles Heinstein, along with five grandchildren, Melissa, Adam,
Jaxon, Simon, and Julian, plus three great grandchildren, Ella, Hully
and Willow. She is further survived by brother Bob Pearce,
sister-in-law Murielle Pearce, bother-in-law Karl (Rose) Heinstein as
well as special Maine cousins.
Mary’s life
has been memorialized at the University of New Brunswick through the
Mary Rioux Bursary, as well as the Fredericton Music Festival via the
Mary Rioux Scholarship for Junior Piano.
The family would like to
thank the palliative care doctors, extra-mural nurses and the staff at
Hospice Fredericton for the exemplary care they gave Mary in her final
days.
In lieu of flowers
please donate to Hospice Fredericton, the Canadian Cancer Society or a
charity dear to your heart. Funeral services are to be held at a later
date. A notice will be published in advance. Albert Einstein is
credited with saying, “Only a life lived for others is a life
worthwhile.” Therefore, Mary’s life ought to be
considered exceptionally so. May she rest in
peace
www.bishopsfuneralhome.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Mary Elizabeth Rioux Pearce 1932 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Fredericton, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick