Mass of Christian Burial
Obituary of Edmund James McDermott
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Edmund James McDermott, aged 87, on April 14th, 2025. Edmund James McDermott was born on the 27th of October in 1937 in the south end of Saint John, NB and lived a life full of love, laughter, and cherished memories.
Edmund James McDermott, is survived by his wife Diane, his daughters Jennifer (Stephen) Lloyd and Jacqueline (Michael Simpson) McDermott, his grandchildren Abby and Tristan Lloyd, Stefanie Flanders (James) and Nicholas McDermott-Simpson and his great-grandchildren Jeyce and Olyver Flanders. Edmund was born by his father Edmund Sr. and his mother Marjorie. He was the eldest of 3 siblings, Robert (Dorie) McDermott and Diane (Rick) Haughian.
Throughout his life, Edmund James McDermott was known for always having a warm thought and infectious smile for those around him. He worked his way up through the NB Liquor Corporation retiring as a store manager in 1993. He used his well-earned vacation spending time with his wife and daughters camping across eastern North America. Edmund, having spent more of his life in retirement than working, used this freedom to indulge in a few of his hobbies.
Edmund sang in the NB Opera Company and in almost every Irish show Saint John has ever seen. He sang with the Tom Hahn Singers and had the privilege to sing at Expo ’67 in Quebec and Expo ’87 in Vancouver (all while still working). He directed the NBTel Choir for 2 years and was Cantor at St Joseph’s Church for 39 years. Without missing a beat, he then spent another 19 years at Our Lady of Perpetual Help singing at Mass and other events. Clearly this wasn’t sufficient for Edmund as he also lent his voice and time to the Friends of Music and the Men of Music. Two groups of which meant a great deal to Edmund.
In Edmund’s spare time, he worked with the Air Force Association, his old Cadet Squadron 161, and the Knights of Columbus where he served diligently as a Charter Member of Council 11201. He was an avid golfer, loved photography, and made sure to document his family’s genealogy. In Edmund’s downtime, he could always be found holding his book asleep in his chair. For all these wonderous times, Edmund most enjoyed spending his later years and summers at Kindred Spirits in PEI with his family watching his grandchildren grow up. It is without doubt that Edmund James McDermott has forever left a lasting impact on all those who knew him.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on the 22nd of April at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church with a reception to follow downstairs in the church hall. Friends and family are invited to attend and celebrate the life of Edmund James McDermott. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan's Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (506-634-7424).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of NB, Canadian Cancer Society or the IWK.
Edmund James McDermott will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his loved ones.
Slainté
