Obituary of N. Anne Marie Poertner

The death of N. Anne Marie Poertner, wife of the late Charles A. Poertner Jr., occurred on August 14, 2006 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born in Saint John she was the daughter of the late Peter J. and M. Ella (Brideau) DeGrace. She attended Holy Trinity School and Upperton School, where he family resided between 1949-53, returning to the City in her early teens she became employed with the Diocese of Saint John as housekeeper at the Assumption Church Rectory residing there until her marriage in 1964. In 1970 she became housekeeper at Holy Trinity Church Rectory and was very much involved in Parish work especially visiting and administering to the sick and shut-ins. She was a member of Holy Trinity CWL holding the position of recording secretary (1989-90), and served on the Parish Social Concerns Committee, a member of St. Joseph’s Hospital Aux., a Golden Card Member of the Missionary Association of Mary Immaculate, Life Member of the Society of St. Theresa of the Little Flower, Ste. Anne de Beaupre Shrine and the Queen of Peace Prayer Group. Surviving are son John L. Poertner, grandsons Jason D. Poertner and Kevin L. Poertner, all of Saint John, sister Eileen Debrotic, of Quispamsis, brothers Francis P. DeGrace of Saint John, David J. DeGrace of St. Thomas, ON, and several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. She was foster mother of Jesus of the Philippines and Sri of Indonesia. She is also survived by her special friend David Sherwood with whom she shared her home. Resting at Brenans Select Community Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row (634-7424), with visiting on Wednesday from 7-9 pm and Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 18, 2006, at 12 NOON, from Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Dufferin Row. Interment will take place at Ocean view Memorial Gardens. Remembrances made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Hospice of Saint John or the Canadian Red Cross would be appreciated.