Obituary of Joan O'Leary

It is with an appreciation for a life well-lived that the family of Dorothy “Joan” O’Leary of Saint John, loving wife of the late John Francis “Bud” O’Leary, announce her passing which occurred on Friday, December 29, 2023 at the Saint John Regional Hospital with her daughter at her side.  Born on February 23, 1936 in Saint John, she was the daughter of the late Ernest and Josephine (McKinney) Vaughan.

During the ’70s, Joan was very active with the Moncton Figure Skating Club and Dieppe Gold Blades Club.  She enjoyed her time judging the sport of figure skating and made many lifelong friendships within the skating community and continued to volunteer with international skating events that were held locally.  Joan also enjoyed volunteering with the Saint John Vocational School Alumni Association, where she served as a committee member for many years.  She looked forward to spending time with the Lancaster Branch 69 seniors group and cherished her get-togethers with lifelong girlfriends, Shirley, Carol and the Lady Bugs.  She was a faithful member of St. Peter’s Church CWL.

Joan is survived by her children, Jacqueline Ainsworth and Brent Ainsworth (Debbie); step-children, Randall O’Leary (Lyanne), Patti Boudreau (Mario) and Jodi O’Leary; grandchildren, Heidi, Christian (Doreen), William (Melissa), Mary Ann, Kyle, Alicia and Kern; many great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Beth Vaughan (Daniel); nieces, Katherine (Peter) and Emily; as well as one great-niece.  In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her granddaughter, Josephine “Josie” Ainsworth; brother, John Vaughan and infant nephew, Matthew Vaughan.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to those who cared for Mom over the past few months and days:  the staff at Chateau de Champlain, Kindred Home Care, SJRH 5CS AND 4BN, Oliver the cable guy, and to the friends and family who took the time and went the extra mile to visit, play cards and make Mom laugh, especially in her last few weeks and days.  Also, thank you to Brenan's Funeral Home for their guidance and professionalism.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (506-634-7424) where visitation will take place on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM.  A Funeral Liturgy will be held from Brenan’s Chapel on Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 11:00 AM.  Interment will take place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

For those who wish, remembrances may be made to the Alzheimer Society of NB or Diabetes Canada.