Obituary of Bernadette Ann Melanson

It is with profound sadness and appreciation for a life well lived that we announce the death of Bernadette (Dolly) Melanson on April 16, 2025.  Born on June 25, 1934 in Saint John, NB, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Jeanie (McCaig) Melanson.

Upon graduation from St Vincent’s High School, Bernadette entered the St. Joseph School of Nursing. She began her nursing career in Labour and Delivery then the Nursery. She enlisted as a nurse in the Air Force and spent 3 years in Saskatoon creating high-flying adventures before returning to St Joe’s and spending the next 36 years in the Outpatient Dept.

Bernadette was a gifted Opera singer and musician. She began her life-long love of music at Holy Trinity Church and in numerous CYO revues and musicals and was an original member of the Tom Hahn Singers. She studied voice at the Halifax Conservatory of Music and upon returning home was the principal lead in the New Brunswick Opera Company’s productions of Aida, The Merry Widow and the Tales of Hoffman to name a few. She was a founding member of the Friends of Music and it was a treasure for all to see and hear her perform.

She was a member of St. Pius X Parish, the Catholic Woman’s League and the St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary.

Bernadette is survived by her devoted nieces and nephews: Diane O’Keefe (Doug Creamer) and their children Mary and Jack, John O’Keefe (Robyn), Claude Savoie and his children Brian and Cara; Gerry, Terry, Connie, Raymond, Chris, Mark, Donna, and Andrew Melanson; Jackie, Danny, Cathy, Jane and Robert Melanson and Carol McKendrick and Roddy Cobham and their families.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sisters Therese O’Keefe, Josephine Melanson and Alice Cobham; and brothers Gerald and John Melanson; nieces Cathy Savoie and Ann Marie Melanson, and nephews Daniel Cobham and Philip Melanson.

The family would like to thank the dedicated staff of Turnbull Nursing Home for their care and compassion during Bernadette’s journey with them.

Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424) with visitation on Tuesday, April 22 from 2:00 – 7:00 pm.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from St. Pius X Parish, 316 Somerset Street, Saint John on Wednesday, April 23 at 11:00 am.   Interment will take place at Saint Joseph’s Cemetery.

For those who wish, remembrances may be made to Turnbull Nursing Home, St Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary or a charity of the donor’s choice.  Online condolences can be placed at www.BrenansFH.com.