Obituary of Ilene McRae

It is with heavy hearts and gratitude for a lifetime of memories that the family of Ilene McRae announces her passing, which occurred on Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at the Church of St. John and St. Stephen Home. Born in Saint John on March 27, 1930, she was a daughter of the late Archibald and Bertha (Cook) Saltzman. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Ilene worked for Gulf Oil and NB Tel  and  was a charter member of Forest Hills Baptist Church, a Grand Matron of Eastern Star an accomplished  artist in oil paints, ceramics etc. Loved to knit,  dancing, following St. Mary's band and enjoyed trailering with family and friends. She relished her time at  their camp on the Washademoak with family and friends.

Ilene will be missed by her devoted husband Gerald McRae; her children Wayne McColgan (Gisele), Wendy Stephen and Cindy Macaulay (Mark); beloved grandchildren David (Shannon), Stacy (Ryan) and Jason (Alyssa); granddaughter-in-law Jaclyn; eight great  grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Ilene was predeceased by her first husband Burton McColgan; her grandson Bradley; and siblings Stanley and Douglas Saltzman and Marjorie Painter.

Arrangements are under the care of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (634-7424). Due to the current public health restrictions, Ilene’s funeral will be held at Forest Hills Baptist Church at a date and time to be determined. Interment will take place at Cedar Hill Extension Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the NB Heart Centre, or Forest Hills Baptist Church. Online condolences may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com