Obituary of Nettie Frances Keirstead

NETTIE KEIRSTEAD

APRIL 16TH 1928 - FEBRUARY 20, 2021

It is with heavy hearts the family announce the passing of Nettie Francis Keirstead 92, of Lower Millstream, which occurred on Saturday, February 20th, 2021. Nettie passed away peacefully at the Sussex Health Center after a short stay. She was born on April 16, 1928 in Fredericton Junction, NB; a daughter of the late John and Viola (Thomas) Brown.

Nettie represented the true meaning of family. Her motherly instinct ran deep, even at a young age of 13. She became like a second mom to her younger sisters and brothers after her mother passed away and later cared for her aging mother-in law and sister.

Nettie worked at farming, briefly running the Collina Post Office and then later as a Home Care Worker.  She was a Member of Collina United Baptist Church and then later the Lower Millstream United Baptist Church. She took an active interest in the Women's Institute, the Missionary Group and later the Belleisle and Berwick Senior Groups. 

She loved playing cards, crokinole, gardening, senior games and just being with people.

Nettie took on many roles in her life.  She became a mother in her own right in 1954, a grandmother, a sister, a best friend, but most of all she was the calm in everyone's storm. Even when she was battling cancer, she always reassured everyone she was going to be ok and not to worry. Her strength was incredible, and her love will never be forgotten.

Nettie is survived by her daughters: Sharon Middaugh, Carolyn (Murray) McAllister and Irene (Charles) Thorne; her daughter-in-law, Gail Keirstead; her brother, Welzie/Burnard (Louise) Brown and sister-in-law Marjorie Mowry; her grandchildren: Valerie, Matthew, Steven, James and Crystal and her great grandchildren:  Owen, Alec and AJ; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides her parents, Nettie was predeceased by her loving husband, James Keirstead in 1983; Ralph Folkins in 2002 and special friend, George Kellow in 2011; her son, Norman Keirstead in 1998 and her sons-in-law:  Kevin Perry, Gilbert Belyea and J. Middaugh; her sisters: Eva (Harry) Nason, Ruby (Fred) Gray, Dorothy (Fred) Holmes, Mary (Oakley) Totten and twin sisters: Rose (Fred) Tucker and Gertrude Thomas; her brothers:  Harry Mowry, Alphie (Willette) Mowry, Luther (Mary) Brown and King (Edna) Brown.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, NB (433-1176). A graveside service at Riverbank Cemetery celebrating Nettie’s Life will be held in the spring.

Donations may be made to Lower Millstream United Baptist Church, Riverbank Cemetery or to the charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences and donations may be made at www.WallaceFuneralHome.com