Katherine Mazerolle Obituary
M. Katherine "Kathy" Mazerolle (née Murphy) of Fredericton, NB (formerly of Saint John, NB) passed away on October 23, 2022 at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital with her family by her side. Kathy was born on January 8, 1942 in Bathurst, NB to the late John and Lillian (Whelton) Murphy.
Kathy was never afraid of hard work and never afraid to take a risk. As a young woman, she moved to Bathurst to take secretarial training through the convent. Those who knew Kathy will know that the convent was an unconventional placement for someone as full of mischief and fun as Kathy! We'll just say that one didn't click. She worked at Irving in the purchasing department during her early career in Saint John, and ran a convenience store with her husband before they became the Owners/Operators of A&M Appliances for 25 years, where she ran the sales department and handled the books prior to retiring. When she got bored with retirement, she branched out into life insurance sales for "fun" – again, those that knew Kathy know two of her favourite things were meeting and talking to new people, so this was a perfect fit.
In 1959, Kathy met the love of her life, Donat "Don" Mazerolle. They married in 1961 and lived together almost inseparably for over 59 years until his passing in 2020. Together they raised four children, though endured the heartbreak of losing a child during early childhood.
Kathy was a faithful woman who attended church regularly. She loved people and was the kindest and most patient soul you could ever meet, always happiest when she could be in the midst of friends and family – often as the life of the party. She had a welcoming smile for all, and loved the outdoors, particularly boating and snowmobiling. She was always willing to take on new projects or adventures with Don, whether it was opening a business, renovating homes or camps, or moving to a new city later in life to be closer to her kids and grandkids.
Kathy was a strong matriarch of her family, the glue that held us all together, a good friend to all, a woman with an infectious laugh and smile, and the most welcoming person you could imagine. We fondly referred to her as the "Dame" of New Maryland, as she managed to meet and befriend most of the neighbourhood while walking her little dog, Bella, during the three and a half years she lived here. She was the best mother anyone could ask for, always happy to be involved with her children and take the time to teach and guide them, and a loving grandmother/nanny to her six grandchildren. She is loved and will be missed by so many friends and family.
Kathy is survived by her sons, Bradley and Derek (Tanya); daughter, Angela (Jamie) Mazerolle; 6 grandchildren, Grace, Jacob, Payton, Mathias, Sophie and Sienna; her special sister Evelyn (Joe) Kelly; brothers Daniel (Wilma) Murphy, Gordon (Cheryl) Murphy, Roger (Ida) Murphy, Reginald (Diane) Murphy, John (Julie) Murphy, and Donald (Kari) Murphy; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends.
Along with her husband, Don, and her parents, she was predeceased by her son, John Richard "Ricky" Mazerolle; and brothers Ernest and Brian Murphy.
Arrangements are entrusted to Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road (646-2424) where visitation will be held on Thursday, October 27 from 4-7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, October 28 at 10am from the Our Lady of the Assumption Church (360 Dufferin Row) followed by interment in Holy Cross Cemetery. For those who wish, donations to the MS Society of Canada, the Children's Wish Foundation or to the charity of the donor's choice would be appreciated by her family.
Children's Wish Foundation of Canada, New Brunswick Chapter C202-600 Main St., Saint John NB e2k 1j5.
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The family suggests making donations to the following: Children's Wish Foundation of Canada, New Brunswick Chapter.
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