Obituary of Deborah Elaine McEachern

It is with broken hearts and great sadness that the family of Deborah Elaine (nee Briggs) McEachern announces her sudden unexpected passing on October 19, 2022. She was born on November 3, 1950, in Fredericton, and grew up in Sheffield, NB. She was the daughter of the late Waldon and Shirley (nee Banks) Briggs.

Mom worked as a Financial Advisor with TD Canada Trust where she retired after 28 years in 2010. Since retiring, Mom was a very active member or her community. She became a member of UCT (United Commercial Travelers) in 2008 where she served 6 years as an officer of the UCT Jack Kidd Council beginning in 2013. In 2017, she became the Local President and in 2019, she earned the title of Past Local President. She also served as the Publicity Chairperson for several years. She was a member of PROBUS. Mom was also an integral part of St. Luke’s Church where she had previously served as treasurer as well as a warden and was a member of the ACW. She enjoyed the friendships she made, the volunteering and service that she did.

Mom made many wonderful friends that she loved and cherished dearly. Many of whom have been lifelong friends; her cousin Brenda Kennedy, Kathie Skead, and Alberta Murphy. She loved her monthly dinners and card games at Linda’s with “The Girls” and her over 30 years friendships and gatherings with her “Ya-Ya Sisters”. She loved to travel and took many trips to various places around the world with these great friends and family. Thank you for making many wonderful memories with mom.

Mom loved to entertain with her ornament parties, craft sales and birthday gatherings. She loved and took great pride in her gardens which always looked beautiful. She loved to knit, sew, and quilt. Most recently sewing a beautiful quilt for her oldest granddaughters wedding gift. She could not wait to give it to her. Mom loved to be surrounded by her family, especially her grandchildren who will miss their “Gram” dearly. She was an amazing Mother and Grandmother who we love very much. Our world will never be the same.

Deborah is survived by her daughters, Shyanne (Stephen) Gray of Maine and Michelle (Barry) Tidd of Oromocto, her grandchildren, Megan (Cameron) Bickford of Maine, Jaden (Randal) Gray of New Hampshire, and Taylor, Matthew, and Ethan Tidd of Oromocto. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Kay (David) Richardson of PEI and Erna Pullam of Saskatchewan as well as her third bonus daughter Sheri (Will) Garfield and their daughter Jaylee.

She was predeceased by her parents Waldon and Shirley (Banks) Briggs, her husband Jack, her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Shirley and Doug Wear, Arlene Saunders, and Shirley and Jack Phillips.

Visitation will take place at Brenan’s Funeral Home (634-7424), 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, on Friday, October 28, 2022, from 5 to 8pm. The Funeral Service will be held at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 369 Main Street, Saint John, on Saturday morning at 11am. The Rev. Cannon David Barrett officiating. Private interment in Sheffield United Church Cemetery will take place at a later date, alongside her parents.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shirley Briggs Memorial Scholarship Fund (cheques may be made payable to the “Shirley Briggs Memorial Fund” c/o Brenda Kennedy 207-301 Finnamore Street, Oromocto, NB E2V 0K3), St. Luke’s Anglican Church or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.BrenansFH.com.