Obituary of Maria Arsenault

It is with great sadness that the family of Maria G. (Woodruff) Arsenault announces her passing which occurred on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at the SJRH. Born in Saint John, NB on April 16, 1952, she was a daughter of the late William “Bill” and Colletta (Collings) Woodruff.

Growing up in Golden Grove, in the summer the girls would pick berries on the back hill, always leaving the blackberries for the birds. Maria’s stubbornness and perseverance, which helped her fight the good fight, stemmed from her adolescence when her parents didn’t want her to do certain things, like riding a bicycle. She decided she was going to ride a bike anyway and borrowed her friends. In the winter months, the girls would all go skating on the Shaw & Grassy Lakes. Her love of nature was quite evident by the number of plants she meticulously cared for, and her many bird feeders. She cherished her drives through the countryside with her dear cousins Trudy & Bob Melvin. She enjoyed doing crafts and crocheting, and of course – sweets & chocolates. In her younger years, Maria would hightail it to the Hammond River Raceway to watch the stock car races, which led to her fondness of NASCAR races. Maria truly enjoyed her 35 years with Loblaws, where she met countless lifelong friends. She worked in many different capacities, her favourite being the clothing department.  

Maria leaves behind her children, Jessica Smith (Cameron) and Jonathan Arsenault; sisters, Terry Tuck (Steven) of Kelowna, BC, Joan Lowney (Kevin) of Rothesay; grandchildren, Gabriella Gallant, Connor and Henry Smith; Uncle, Leo Collings; Aunt, Gertrude McNulty; nephews, Jeremiah (Mieke), Joshua (Jill); nieces, Brianna (Darryl), Kaylee (Ryan); her several cousins; and her dear friend and neighbor Mary Martin. In addition to her parents, Maria was predeceased by her two infant children; aunts, Margaret “Peggy” Duffley (Bernard), Joan Grant (Harry), Theresa Stevens (Jack), Audrey Collings; uncles, Jackie Woodruff, Peter McNulty.

A special Thank You to Dr. Groom, Dr. Nasir, Dr. Sengupta, the staff of the Oncology Department, Extramural Nurses, and Joan’s Homecare for such great care and attention.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (634-7424). With visitation on Monday, March 6, 2023, from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church (Rothesay, NB) on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, beginning at 11:00 AM. Those unable to attend are welcome to view the service via livestream by clicking the link on Maria’s obituary on the Brenan’s website. Interment will take place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Donations in memory of Maria may be made to Luxor Shriners of New Brunswick or The SJRH Oncology Unit. Full obituary and online condolences are available at www.BrenansFH.com.