Obituary of J. Ernest Frenette

J. Ernest Frenette, formerly of Saint John, husband for 60 years of the late Mary (McEvoy) Frenette, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 21, 2009 at the Passamaquoddy Lodge, St. Andrews, NB, following a period of failing health. Born at Campbellton, NB on September 13, 1924, he was a son of the late Frank and Brigitte (Boudreau) Frenette. Ernest worked at various jobs when he was young, until he began a career with Canada Post in Campbellton, and then became Postmaster in Grand Falls, NB. He subsequently moved to Saint John where he was the Director of Official Languages, a position from which he retired. Ernest is survived by his children, Anne Bulgaris (Emile Albert) of Saint John, Rita Saunders of Saint John, Alma Melanson (Randy) of Digby, Nova Scotia, Rhona Sawlor (Bradley) of Fredericton, and Helene Kennedy (Phil) of Quispamsis; 12 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Agatha Frenette of Montreal; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife Mary, who predeceased him on December 26, 2008, Ernest was predeceased by sons Peter and John. Being the last surviving member of his immediate family, Ernest was predeceased by brothers Adrian, Emery, Edward, Alcide Frenette, and by a sister, Geraldine LeBlanc. In keeping with Ernest’s wishes, all funeral services will be private. For those who wish, remembrances to the Canadian Diabetes Association, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or the Parkinson Foundation would be appreciated by the family. The funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan's Select Community Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424).