Wyonia "Gail" Mattson

It is with deep sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved Gail, who left us peacefully on June 5, 2026.

Born in Saint John, New Brunswick, on January 26, 1954, Gail was the daughter of the late Ronald and the late Audrey (nee Holmes) Long.

Gail is survived by her loving companion, Stephen Robichaud; her daughter, Ronda Mattson (Peter Perry); her grandchildren, Kassandra Warnock and Ferris Mattson-Perry; and her great-grandchildren, Jackson Melvin and Cooper Campbell; her brother, James Long (Debbie) and several nephews and nieces.

A proud Saint Johner, Gail grew up on the West Side, moved to the East Side to raise her family, and later made her home in Grand Bay-Westfield.

Throughout her life, Gail embraced a wide variety of careers and business ventures. She worked for many years at Long's Tobacco, her father's business uptown on King Street, at Wiezel Brothers selling shoes, and an uptown retail store specializing in high-quality women's fashions. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her into gourmet food catering and, for a time, she was co-owner/operator of the Sidetrack Restaurant. In her later working years, Gail entered the call centre industry and eventually retired from Wyndham Worldwide.

Gail had a lifelong love of harness racing and in years past could often be found at Exhibition Park Raceway. At one point, she even proudly owned racehorses of her own. She loved playing cards—especially gin rummy, cribbage, and Texas Hold'em—and was always ready for a game.

Summer was Gail's favourite season. She loved spending sunny days at the beach, working on her tan with a Coca-Cola classic never far from reach.

She was an enthusiastic bargain hunter whose talent for finding a deal was unmatched. Gail had a special gift for discovering hidden treasures. She loved searching flea markets, and yard sales, finding unique items and later connecting them through resale with people who would appreciate them. What some called second-hand goods, Gail saw as treasures with stories still left to tell.

Music brought Gail great joy throughout her life, she was especially fond of songs by Rod Stewart and Janis Joplin. She also had a deep love for animals. In her final years, visits from animals at Kennebec Manor always brightened her day and brought her comfort.

Gail was known for her wit, determination, and colourful storytelling. She possessed a remarkable ability to improve reality whenever she felt it needed improvement. Her quick humour, resourcefulness, and gift for finding opportunities where others saw obstacles will be remembered by all who knew and loved her.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Kennebec Manor for the kindness, patience, care, and dignity they showed Gail throughout her final years.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road (506-646-2424). In keeping with Gail's wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. An intimate family gathering will take place to honour her as she wished. For those who wish, donations in Gail's memory may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.