Obituary of Berla Noel

It is with a life well lived that the family of Berla (Burden) Noel announces her peaceful passing at the Saint John Regional Hospital on 12 April 2025 at age 101. She has now lovingly joined her late husband of 68 years, Raymond Noel (d 2011).

Berla is survived by her daughter, “Lee” Marlene Noel; granddaughter, Erin Glennon (Patrick Adams); and great-granddaughter Brianna Doyle (who affectionately called her “MeMa”).

Just after WWI, Berla’s late parents, Evelyn (Harris) Burden (d 1929) and Richard Burden (d 1965) and her late aunt Sarah Jane “Jennie” Burden (Meinert) (d 1988), left St John’s NL to work for Ganong Bros in St Stephen NB. Richard worked in the candy factory while Evelyn and Jennie worked as domestics in the home of Berla & Arthur Ganong, President of Ganong Bros. And when the Burden family’s time was up and they were moving to Saint John NB to start their family, Berla Ganong asked Evelyn to name their first daughter after her. So, when Berla came into this world on 29 December 1923, she was given a very unique name among names.

Berla was a joy to the world and was loved by all who knew her.

Arrangements are under the care of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (506-634-7424). In keeping with Berla’s wishes, after cremation, there will be no visitation or funeral service. A private interment will take place at Fernhill Cemetery at a later date.

For those who wish, remembrances may be made to Romero House or to a charity of the donor’s choice.