Obituary of F. Monica Keirstead

Keirstead, F. Monica – Surrounded by loving family, the death of Florence Monica (Monie) Keirstead occurred at her residence, Rocmaura Nursing Home (formerly of Josselyn Road) on January 4, 2007. Monica was born on March 30, 1918 in River Hebert, NS, to the late Murdock and Pearl (Keith) Brenton. Monica spent many years working with her late husband, Gordon G. Keirstead, as his secretary and assistant in his law office. Monica was a faithful member of Park Avenue United Church, a long time member of the Sir Douglas Hazen Chapter of the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire and a life member of the United Church Women. For many years Monica was secretary to the Saint John Presbytery of the United Church of Canada. She loved watching sports, particularly football, hockey and baseball and she enjoyed knitting, sewing and gardening. Monica was a marvelous cook and was known to many for her “Monie Meals”. She enjoyed spending time at her cottage on the Saint John River. Monica loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren dearly and delighted in their many accomplishments. Monica is survived by her four children: B. Joan (Ross) Guthrie, Wyoming, ON; C. Judith (John) Campbell, Fredericton, NB; Gordon G. (Kathy) Keirstead, Calgary, AB and F. Marilyn Keirstead, Saint John, NB; three sisters: Irene Baird, Windsor, NS; June Jones, Ottawa, ON and Pauline Atkinson (Joseph) Sackville, NB; one brother: Vaughn (Barbara) Brenton, Chilliwack, BC; two sisters in law, Flora Keirstead, Sussex, NB and Venita Brenton, Bridgewater, NS; and a brother in law, Lester Girard, Orillia, ON; seven grandchildren: John (Karen) and Angela (Richard Kraan) Campbell; Scott (Charity) and Rodney Guthrie; and Andrew, Ryan and Laura Keirstead; and two great granddaughters, Megan and Lauren Campbell. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Besides her husband and her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Phyllis Girard and her brother, Gerald Brenton. She is resting at Brenan’s Select Community Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (506 634-7424) with visitation, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Monday, January 15, 2007 and funeral service beginning at 1:00 pm from Brenan’s chapel. Following the service the family invites everyone to join them in the reception area for refreshments. Interment will take place at Riverbank Cemetery, Norton, NB in the spring. Remembrances may be made to the Rocmaura Foundation Inc., Park Avenue United Church or the charity of the donor’s choice in person, by telephone or online at www.brenansfh.com .