Elvina Marie Arseneau

With heavy hearts, the family of Elvina Marie Arseneau announces her passing at the Saint John Regional Hospital on Thursday, December 14, 2017 at the age of 97. Born on November 10, 1920 in Sainte-Anne-de-Kent, NB, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Marie (Maillet) Boucher, and wife of the late Raphael Arseneau.

Elvina lived a rich and full life. From learning to drive a vehicle at age 57, to figuring out how to surf the web in her late 80’s, she saw no challenge as being too great.

Elvina and her family moved from Rogersville to Saint John in 1961. Several years later, she went to work for the Singer Sewing Company, where she served as an instructor and source of inspiration to many young women. From there, she brought her talents to K-Mart to work as a seamstress, and later went to work for the sewing department at Dr. William F. Roberts Hospital School until her retirement. After retirement, she did not sit idle. Elvina continued to sew and knit for friends, family, and members of the community. She also fulfilled a lifelong dream of taking painting lessons, and produced a collection of works that were beautiful, creative, and genuine – much like herself.

Elvina was deeply faithful. Her rosary was always close at hand. 

Elvina was extremely proud of her children and their accomplishments. Like her work with a needle and thread, she kept the fabric of her family beautifully sewn together.

Elvina was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She is survived by her sons Paul (Patricia), Louis (Wendy), Jean-Guy, Leonard, Robert (Francine); daughters Rochelle (Peter) Morris, Gisèle Arseneau, and Jacqueline (Allan) Atcheson; 20 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and siblings, Elvina was predeceased by her husband Raphael, son Norman, daughter Marie, sons-in-law Gary and Stan, grandsons René and Robert, and great-granddaughter Hannah.

Resting at Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road (646-2424) on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 from 2-6 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at Fundy Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at 10 a.m. Interment will take place in Cedar Hill Ext. Cemetery. The family would appreciate donations to the Children’s Wish Foundation, Bobby’s Hospice or the charity of one’s choice.

 Service Information