Mary Eileen Lamkey

Mary Eileen Lamkey

     1933 – 2023

In loving memory of a devoted matriarch, Mrs. Mary Eileen Lamkey (Keoughan), wife of the late Frank Lamkey (2002), who leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and unwavering dedication to her family. Mom passed away on April 15th, 2023, at her Hill Street home, surrounded by the love of her family. She was just 25 days shy of her 90th birthday.

Born on May 10th, 1933, in Chatham, New Brunswick, she was the daughter of the late James and Margaret (Clancy) Keoughan.  Mom was a woman of great faith, who prayed on her rosary numerous times every day, carrying a pouch full of them as a symbol of her devotion, in which they often lovingly became worn down and frequently required repair. Her warmth and generosity were evident in her daily ritual of serving tea at 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., providing sustenance not only to her loved ones, neighbours, and friends, but also to the animals in her care, including cats, birds, and squirrels who were also well-fed. A talented baker, she was renowned for her delicious date squares, “wake cakes” and had a fondness for King Cole tea.  As a Registered Nursing Assistant at Mount St. Joseph, Mom touched countless lives with her caring nature. She was also a dedicated member of St. Michael's Basilica.

She is survived by her six children: Jimmy (Joanne) Lamkey of Miramichi, Liz (Greg) Lamkey of Miramichi, Margaret Lynn (Terry) Jardine of Miramichi, Donnie (Rhonda) Lamkey of Napan, Nancy (Yvon) Racette of Napan, and Patricia (Manzer) Lamkey of Miramichi; three sisters: Ann Wiwchar, Dorothy (Gord) Atkinson, Susan (John) Keoughan-McLean; and one brother, Paul. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren: Jennifer, Jeffrey, John, and Julie Lamkey, Jeffrey McDonald, Rory Lamkey, Daniel Jardine, Hannah Lamkey, Matthew, Tara, and Jana Racette, and Zackery and Cassie Lamkey; and 20 great-grandchildren: Abbie and Thomas Martin, Reese and Cohen Lamkey, Elin, Elyse and Isaac Lamkey, Landyn and Everly O'Donnell, Sophia, Kyra, Kyland, Kamryn and Korra Lamkey, Evelyn Jardine, Lana Racette, Daxton and Bryer Roy, Jaida, and Shea Racette. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends, as well as sisters-in-law: Agnes Lamkey, and Muriel Lamkey, and brothers and sisters-in-law from the Lamkey and Keoughan families.

Besides her parents, and husband Frank, she is predeceased by her daughter, Dorothy McDonald (2004); son-in-law, Kevin MacDonald (1995); and sons: Thomas (1992) and Guy (2021). She is also predeceased by sisters: Margie Guimond (Pete), Eleanor Richard, and Kay Phee (Ed); brothers: Jimmy, Pat, and Michael Keoughan.

Visitation was held at Adams Funeral Home, 140 King Street, Miramichi, New Brunswick, on Wednesday, April 19th, 2023, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Michael's Basilica, 10 Howard St., Miramichi, on Thursday, April 20th, 2023, at 11 a.m., with The Reverend Father Antonio Reyes as Celebrant.  Music for the service was provided by Michael Davis.  The songs were:  "You Raise Me Up" (entrance song), "When I Get Where I'm Going", "Here I am Lord", "Arms of the Angel/Hallelujah", and "On Eagles Wings".  The recessional song was recorded "Supermarket Flowers" by Ed Sheeran.  The eulogy was presented by Tara Roy.  The First Reading was a reading from the book of Wisdom by Abbie Martin.  The Second Reading was a reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Romans by Daniel Jardine.  The Prayers of the Faithful were proclaimed by Matthew Racette.  The Active Pallbearers were:  Jeffrey Lamkey, Daniel Jardine, Matthew Racette, John Lamkey, Jeffrey MacDonald, and Rory Lamkey.  The Honorary Pallbearers were:  Terry Jardine, Yvon Racette, Manzer Hunter, Greg Vautour, Pat Phee, Edward Phee, Courtney Phee, and Gord Atkinson.  A reception was held in the Parish Center, St. Michael's basement following the funeral mass.  Interment will occur at St. Michael’s Cemetery at a later date.

As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made in her memory to St. Michael's Basilica Capital Fund, NB Extra-Mural, or a charity of the donor's choice.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Gerard Losier, Extra Mural staff, Miramichi Regional Hospital, and care worker Pam for their compassionate care and support.  Also a special thanks to granddaughter, Jennifer Martin for the excellent care she gave her grandmother. 

Mom’s loving spirit will be forever cherished by her family, who adored her as the strong, traditional, and loving matriarch that she was. May she rest in eternal peace.

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

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Est. 1956

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