Obituary of Greta Grace Arthurs

Arthurs, Greta Grace – On May 24, 2018, heaven called another angel home following a lengthy period of declining health. Greta Grace Arthurs (nee Fox/ Clowes fmr) passed away peacefully in the arms and surrounded by her beloved children. Born March 2, 1949 she was a daughter of the late Leroy & Bessie (Corey) Fox. Greta was born on Bear Island and raised between there and her Aunt & Uncle’s farmstead in Springfield, Kings County NB. Greta graduated from South Hampton Regional High School in 1966. First married in 1967, to Verdell Clowes of Woodstock N.B. In May of 1970 she welcomed her first Daughter, Alethia. Greta’s early career path was a brief tenure with The Bank of Montreal and then as an operator for NB-Tel (now Aliant). Later in life, Greta transitioned into her second marriage after meeting what would become soul mate and lifelong companion - James Douglas Arthurs from Saint John N.B. They lived in Nackawic, N.B. During this time, they owned and operated a small family convenience store as well as providing temporary accommodations to local career professionals. Soon thereafter, Greta’s second child Jamie William was born. Along with fostering care and guidance to Alethia and Jamie, Greta’s extended family included step children Sheryl, Michael and Suzanne. She also had an endearing relationship with many nieces and nephews. Among them Angie, Davie, & Marry-Ann along with Judy and older brother Geoff – all of whom considered her own. Chasing opportunity Greta and family moved to Saint John, where upon enrolling in NBCC, she obtained a professional certification in business stenography. She became a team member of AC Nelson Company after her graduation. Greta was a lady of eloquent wit and indelible charm and everything she strived for was to perfection. Being a girl of the country life style, she had a magical gift for baking and cooking. She was a family and local legend for her savory aromatic breads and mouthwatering home baked pies. Over time, she lead and lived a full life of camping, hunting & fishing and greatly enjoyed being a part of the living world around her. She was a consummate host, forever enjoying the company of friends and family. She reveled in the hunt for bargain shopping and had an eye for value and a nose for deals. Greta had many lifelong interests and talents among which a keen ear for music, especially the Accordion and piano. Mostly self-taught by ear, she reveled in the sounds of music and the joy it gave to those around (sometimes one handed). In later years after her family had grown and gone, she joined the warming and welcoming family of the Silver Falls United Church congregation. Above all else Great was a lover, a friend, our greatest advocate and cohort in crime. She extolled the meaning of elegant beauty in timeless fashion. She was a guiding light in both sunny days and dark times. The world saw her as a Mother, but to all of us that called her mum - she was our world. Greta Grace Arthurs – You may have left us, but you shall never be gone. She will live on in the hearts of her son: Jamie (Ann Knox) Arthurs; her Daughter Alethia (Bill) McKinney; Step Children: Sheryl (Fredieck) Blanke, Michael (Jana) Arthurs, Suzanne (Anthony) Ripley; dearest, closest friend and sister: Barbara (Gary) Bunnell; grandchildren: Jessica & BJ McKinney, Ariel (Elijah) Adeana & Carter Arthurs, Gerry, Marena, Brianna, Theo, Blanke Micheala & Emma Arthurs, Abigail and Ashley Ripley; precious great grandson: Lincoln Godsoe. Besides her parents, Greta was predeceased be her husband James Douglas Arthurs; and brothers: Phillip & Sherman Fox. The family would like to take this opportunity to express sincere heartfelt thanks to Dr. Chris O’Brien, Krista and Tracy Simmons, and the Staff of Mystery Lake Manor, as well as the entire team of the Dialysis Department for the exceptional quality of care and love you provided to our dear mother. Also, a special mention to the entire Regional Hospital Transition Unit 4A North Team. Our mother was welcomed into your tender care with open arms on October, 2017 and you worked tirelessly to meet her needs and pushed her to meet her utmost potential for the greatest quality of life outcome. Although her condition declined over time, your unwavering help, tireless care, and astounding professionalism wrapped with all the tenderness and love that only family could bestow making each and every day special. Once Greta’s treatment focus reverted to comfort rather than recovery, you accepted our family into yours and extended every courtesy allowing us to all laugh, cry and ultimately be with Greta in her final days. Your kindness, compassion, commitment to the care of mother was exemplary. Words are inadequate to express the feeling of gratitude that we share. These shall forever remain fond memories in dark times. Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424) with visiting on Sunday, May 27, 2018 from 2-4PM and 6-8PM. A funeral service will be held on Monday, May 28, 2018 at 11:00AM from Silver Falls United Church, 840 Loch Lomond Rd, with interment to follow in Cedar Hill Extension Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to Saint John Regional Hospital Dialysis Unit, Canadian Mental Health Association, or a charity of the donor’s choice.