Obituary of Laura Catherine McKee

It is with deep sadness, the family of Laura Catherine McKee, wife of the late James “Jim” McKee, announce her passing on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at the Dr. VA Snow Centre, Hampton.

Born on November 1, 1948, in St. Stephen, NB, she was a daughter of the late Raleigh and Margaret “Peggy” (Miles) Smith. Laura graduated from St. Joseph’s School of Nursing. Upon graduation she started her career at St. Joseph’s Hospital, where she made many personal connections and worked with many of her classmates. She continued her career at VON where she worked for many years until her retirement. Laura was on many committees while at VON where she made a positive impact on her community. One of these was the Alzhiemer’s Society, which she was very proud of. During her working career, Laura took university courses at UNB. At this stage of her life she was a single mother and worked full time. She graduated with honours with her bachelor of nursing from UNB Saint John, part of the first graduating class in nursing from the Saint John campus. She was a faithful member of St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Quispamsis, where she volunteered her time on the vestry and at church suppers. In more recent years she attended St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Rothesay. She was a member of St. Paul’s quilting group where she really enjoyed her time with the ladies. She also worked on the Funeral Reception Committee, making sandwiches. Laura also spent time in her later working years volunteering with Sparks and Brownies. As well she spent with a special group of close friends known as “the knitting group”. When she wasn’t volunteering, Laura and her husband Jim spent many summers at their trailer at Century Farm Campground in St. Martins where they made many friends and hosted family members and members of her quilting group.

Laura is survived by her children: Heather (Finch) Snook (Dan) of Kingston, NB, and David Finch (Shauna) of Hampton, N.B.; sisters Jane Smith, Ann Smith, and Constance Firlotte, all of Quispamsis, Sarah Smith (Gilles Boiteau) of Fredericton, NB, and brother Raleigh Smith of Ottawa, ON. She leaves grandchildren: Victoria (Richard), Courtney, Tasha (Tristyn), Lilly and Jordan; step children Terry McKee (Colleen) of Grafton, NB, and Christopher McKee (Alona) of Fall River, NS, step grandchildren; Katherine (Quintin), Matthew, Vincent, Samuel, great granddaughter Emery, as well as a niece, several nephews, and extended family. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Many thanks to the staff at the Dr. VA Snow Center where Laura received excellent care.

Arrangements are under the care of Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis (506-849-2119). Visitation will take place at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Rothesay, on Monday, May 5, 2025, from 6-8 PM. Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 10:30 AM from St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Rothesay. Interment to take place at Fernhill Cemetery. For those who wish, donations in memory of Laura, can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of New Brunswick.