Obituary of Erma Marguerite Richard

It is with heartfelt sorrow, the family of Erma Richard (nee MacEachern) announce her passing on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at the Saint John Regional Hospital. While it was Erma’s failing heart that took her from us, it is for her loving heart for which she will forever be remembered.

Born on March 31st 1937, in Malagash, N.S. she was a daughter to the late Charles and Laura (nee Carty) MacEachern. In addition to her parents, Erma was predeceased by her loving husband of 38 years, Melvin Richard; brothers: Bill MacEachern, Jack MacEachern, Loyal(Red) MacEachern, Paul MacEachern, Ronnie MacEachern and sister, Lorna Naugle.

As a young woman, Erma went to work in Halifax, N.S. helping her grandmother run a boarding house and later worked in retail at Zellers. Erma and Mel were married in 1959 and moved to Goose Bay, Labrador where they started their family. They later moved to Rothesay, N.B. where they ultimately settled and raised their children. Erma returned to full time employment at Nielsen’s Promotional Services in Saint John where she made lifelong friend. She worked there for many years until her retirement at which point she began volunteering at the local food bank and Meals on Wheels. Erma enjoyed dancing, fiddle music, bowling, playing cards, bingo and board games. She liked to watch sports including figure skating and curling and later in life became an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Toronto Blue Jays.

Erma’s friendliness, kindness, and sense of humor endeared her to so many and she will be dearly missed. Erma is survived by her son, Chris (Nancy) Richard; her daughter, Lynnette Richard (Lisa); brother, Pat (Barb) MacEachern; sister, Elaine (Ken) Goodine; sister-in-law, Kathleen MacEachern, sister-in-law, Mary Richard (Preston); brother-in-law, Laurie (Annette) Richard as well as several close nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family would like to express our sincere appreciation to the staff from Home Care By Design (Joy, Tammy, Jamie et al) who helped care for Erma at home and ensure that her last

18 months before passing were as comfortable, enjoyable and included as many games of Aggravation that time would allow. We also extend our thanks to Dr. Bewick and the Heart Clinic at SJRH, KV Extra-Mural Services, and Dr. Salvanayagam.

For those who wish to share in honoring the unique and special person Erma was, visitation will be at the Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home on 152 Pettingill Rd., Quispamsis (506-849-2119) on Monday, June 23, 2025, from 5-7pm. The Funeral Service will take place on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 1pm, at the Kennebecasis Funeral Home Chapel. A private family interment will take place at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cemetery immediately following the service. For those who wish, memorial donations in Erma’s name can be made to the IWK Foundation