Helen Elizabeth Christina (MacNaughton) MacLean

Helen Elizabeth Christina (MacNaughton) MacLean
                             1929 – 2023

Helen Elizabeth Christina MacLean passed away peacefully at York Care Center in Fredericton after a period of failing health on February 22, 2023.  She was born on February 1, 1929, to parents John A. and Maria “Mamie” (MacKay) MacNaughton of Black River Bridge, NB. She was married to her husband Ernest H. MacLean for 59 years.

Helen was educated as a schoolteacher and taught school in Shemogue, NB, for a year.  She returned to Black River Bridge to marry our father, Ernie, and begin a life of contribution to her community and service to others. She was a lifelong and active member of St. Stephen’s United Church and held the role of Church Treasurer for over 40 years.  She was a member of the United Church Women and the Women’s Institute and held executive positions in these organizations.  She was a fixture at the annual Harvest Home fund-raising dinner for the church, baking pies and squares, making crafts, cooking a turkey, heading up a table, and then going home to count the proceeds of the day.

She was an exceptional “Kin-keeper” who kept the extended family connected though her newsy letters written in her tiny clear penmanship (tiny like her father’s).  She canvassed for charities such as the Cancer Society and Heart & Stroke Association and used these as opportunities to do community visiting.

Helen was a homemaker following the seasons with tending gardens, harvesting vegetables, picking berries, making pickles, dressing hens, candling eggs, and all the other activities that go along with being a farm wife. She also enjoyed sewing, knitting, embroidery, reading and doing crossword puzzles, but avoided card games whenever possible.  She was observant of details of people she met and places she went, liked bright colours and military music, and gave quiet encouragement and support to others right to the end.

She and Dad were members of the Miramichi Genealogy Society and regularly attended the Highland Society Robbie Burns Dinners. Together, they were well known for tending to people they knew at home, in hospital or in a nursing home who needed a visit and attended countless wakes and funerals. 

She was predeceased by her husband Ernie MacLean (2009), their infant daughter Betsy Christine (1966), her parents John and Mamie MacNaughton, and her half-siblings Major John “Archie” MacNaughton (killed on D-Day 1944 on Juno Beach), Annie Neilson, and Katie MacNaughton.

Helen is survived by her children: Roberta Clark (Tom) of Saint John, Archie MacLean (Judy) of Fredericton, Ralph MacLean (Fred Johnston) of Saint John, Susan Saunders (Brian) of Fredericton and Dawn Webber (Fred) of Fredericton.  She also has 9 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Our family want to thank the staff of the Seniors’ daycare program, Birchgrove Unit and Dixon Unit of York Care Center for the excellent care that they have given to our mother during her time there.

A funeral service was held on Monday February 27, 2023, at 2 PM at St. Stephen’s United Church in Black River Bridge, NB, with The Revered David Allan as Officiant. Music for the service was provided by Organist, David Mann and Singer/Guitarist, Blaire Nicolle. The hymns included "All the Way my Saviour Leads Me", "In the Garden" "Great is Thy Faithfulness" (sung by Blaire Nicolle), as well as "Blessed Assurance". The Eulogy was presented by Susan Saunders.  The Scripture Readers were Judy MacLean and Shannon Raynard. The Active Pallbearers were:  Trent Raynard, Daniel MacLean, Thomas MacLean, Jon Nicolle, Aaron Saunders, and Jonathon Webber.  A reception followed in the church basement for fellowship with family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Stephen's United Church, or a charity of the donor's choice would be appreciated by the family.

Arrangements were entrusted to Adams Funeral Home, Miramichi, NB, 140 King St., Miramichi, NB, telephone 506-773-3492.  Additionally, messages of condolence may be shared online to www.adamsfh.ca

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