Eleanor May Fillmore

It is with deep sadness that Eleanor’s family announces her passing at the age of 89. She left this world peacefully after a well‑fought battle, closing a life defined by resilience, devotion, and an unmistakable spark. Born to Josephine and Harry Cole on the Range in Cumberland Bay, New Brunswick, on May 4, 1936, Eleanor grew up with a profound appreciation for family, hard work, and community. Her early years were filled with barefoot adventures on the Grand Lake homestead—swimming, exploring, and getting into countless shenanigans with the three brothers closest in age to her. Over the years, she held many jobs but found her greatest professional satisfaction in her work as a stenographer and later as a library assistant.

Eleanor is predeceased by her beloved husband of 54 years, James (2013), with whom she is now reunited in the glory of the Lord. She is also predeceased by her four brothers—Ralph, Robert, Ronald, and Malcolm. She leaves behind her three devoted daughters, each of whom brought immense joy and pride into her life: Heather and her husband Maurice Robert of Gondola Point; Nora-Lynn and her husband Terry Jones of Sussex; and Fay and her husband Bill Best of Erb’s Cove. Eleanor’s cherished grandchildren were the delight of her later years: Nathalie and her husband Michael Merrin of Squamish, BC; Madeleine Robert of Quispamsis, NB; Brendan Jones of Vancouver, BC; Cameron and his wife Hillary Jones of Vancouver, BC; Aiden and his wife Rachel Best of Fredericton, NB; Maria Best of Penola, Australia; and Annika Best of Fredericton, NB. She is also survived by her loving sisters, Harriet Andrews and Barbara Maxwell of Northern Ontario.

Eleanor was a spitfire of a woman—fiercely loving, unapologetically herself, and endlessly devoted to the people she held dear. She delighted in lively conversation, spirited debates about almost anything, the outdoors, dancing, and every moment spent in the company of family and friends. Her grandchildren, in particular, were the light of her life. She reveled in telling them stories, swimming together, taking tube rides, dressing up for lip‑sync competitions, hiking, and travelling whenever she could. These memories will remain treasured gifts to each of them.

Eleanor was blessed with many wonderful friends, especially the women from her Bible study group. Their companionship, laughter, and shared faith were a source of deep joy and comfort, reflecting the love and servanthood of Jesus in their bond.

Though her life was not without hardship, Eleanor lived fully, courageously, and with a heart wide open. Her presence will be profoundly missed, and her memory will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her.

A special thank you is extended to the staff of Shannex Cohen Hall for their patience, kindness, and compassionate care.

Resting at Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Rd., Saint John, NB (506-646-2424) there will be a visitation on Sunday, March 29, 2026, from 5PM – 7PM. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, March 30, 2026, at 5PM from Erbs Cove Baptist Church. Interment will take place in Erbs Cove Baptist Cemetery in the spring. For those who wish, donations in Eleanor’s memory can be made to Sussex Christian Academy or Bobby’s Hospice.