Obituary of Melina Adele Daley

Daley, Melina Adele … The peaceful passing of “Millie” occurred at her residence, Christina Court, Saint John on Thursday, January 22, 2009. Most of her family and siblings were present at, or just before, her death. It was with a great sense of gratitude for the gift of her life that family members expressed their farewells. She was born in Oyster Bed Bridge, PE on November 25, 1919 to the late Vital and Angeline Gallant. Millie was a member of St. Joachim’s Church and the Catholic Women’s League for over 40 years. She is survived by her eight children: Ann Arseneau-Holmes (Joe), Gail Shipley, Terry (Janet), James “Jim” (Patti) and Dianne O’Dell (Mike) all of Saint John, David (Tricia) of Riverview, NB and Paul (Laurie) and Elizabeth Elder (Bob) both of Portland, OR; one brother, Eugene Gallant (Louise); four sisters: Rita Blanchard, Eleanor Deveau (Jerry), Yvonne Gallant and Zeta Peters; 20 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Millie was predeceased by her loving husband Walter Leo Daley in 1990; infant son Peter; infant daughter Patricia; grandchildren Kirk O’Dell and Meghan (O’Dell) Caissie; sister Loretta Quinn and two brothers, Allan and Louis Gallant. The inspiration that Mom (“Millie” to her friends and “Nanue” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren) was to her family and the many privileged to know her is hard to express. Her thoughts were always about others. The kindness and warm hospitality she showed to all, friend or stranger alike, made her home a place for gathering. Her language was of the heart; others felt it and were attracted to it. Wherever she was, she was the source of laughter, of storytelling, and the most current news of family and friends. She had a strong faith that was expressed in her service to others -- always making time to visit the sick or the grieving, often bringing along food she had specially prepared, and always sharing her good wishes and prayers. Resting at Brenan’s Select Community Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424), with visiting on Saturday and Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joachim’s Roman Catholic Church on Monday, January 26, 2009 at 11 am. Interment will take place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of NB or a charity of the donor’s choice.