Obituary of Laura Minnie McCoy - Saunders

In her 99th year, after a long and fulfilling life, Laura passed away peacefully at the Saint John Regional Hospital on February 20, 2011. She was born in Saint John on June 20th, 1912 where she resided for most on her life. She lived in the Grand Bay-Westfield area for the last 25 years and was a resident of the Kiwanis Lodge for the last 20 years. Laura was the youngest daughter of the late Charles W. and Minnie Laura (Ackerley) Gibbons. In her younger years, Laura worked at Penders on Canterbury Street. In later years she did housekeeping for a number of families and up to her retirement she was a cook at the Salvation Army. Laura's hobbies were crocheting and knitting but most of all she loved to quilt. Many family members have beautiful warm quilts, lovingly made by her. Laura also loved to dance; she was an honorary member of The River Valley Seniors and member of The Church of the Resurrection, Grand Bay-Westfield. Laura is survived by three sons; Robert (Bob) (Nancy) Saint John, Lawrence (Larry) (Emily) Grand Bay-Westfield, Carl (McCoy) Sweetser (Marcia) New Hampshire. Three daughters, Joan Hughes of Hampton, Sandra Gray of Waterloo, Ontario, Donna (Neal) Leard of Rothesay. Laura is also survived by 15 Grandchildren, 29 Great Grandchildren and 5 Great Great Grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. Predeceased by husband Edgar McCoy, husband Clarence Saunders, by her son Gerald and her daughter-in law Ida McCoy, son-in-law Roy Hughes and seven sisters Hattie, Jean, Mable, Freda, Edna, twins Helen Kent and Geraldine Bernice, one half sister Rena and one brother George. Cremation has taken place. A visitation will be held at Brenan's Bay View Funeral Home, 1461 Manawagonish Road, Saint John (506)634-7425 on Wednesday, March 2, 2 – 7pm. A funeral service will take place at Church of the Resurrection, Grand Bay-Westfield, March 3, 2011 at 1pm with The Venerable Vicars Hodge officiating, with a reception to follow at the church. Interment will take place at Ocean View Memorial Gardens at a later date. Donations may be made to the Church of the Resurrection Building Fund or the charity of the donor's choice.