Obituary of Ellen McBride

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Ellen Victoria McBride announce her passing at the Sussex Health Centre on November 16, 2023 at the age of 81 with her family by her side. 

Born in Lillooet, BC on August 30, 1942. She was the daughter of the late Ole and Euphemia (Ned) Link.

Ellen lovingly known to her immediate family as Snooks was a small-town girl who aspired to be a wonderful wife and mother, sister and friend. She most definitely succeeded in that. 

She was a model of love, compassion and generosity until her very last moments with us on earth. Her heart was huge, her love vast and her faith deep. She was always a woman who showed great leadership and love and expressed the truest value of family and faith. Ellen was loving and supportive to a fault, fair and forgiving and non-judgemental – she was a Servant of God in its truest definition.

Ellen spent her whole life helping others. She was always there for those who were in need—whether they needed to take shelter in her home during a difficult time, or simply wanted an ear that would listen without judging, condemning, or prejudging. She was so giving of herself without ever wanting or expecting anything in return.

She represented Authenticity, Humility, Generosity, Respect of self and of others and Integrity with ease. She was the epitome of humble and kind and continually expressed love and charity. 

Ellen was active in her community, especially her church. She was the catechism director, a member of the Parish Council for both St. Francis Xavier and St. Michael’s Basilica in Miramichi and the Wards Creek Cemetery Beautification Fund. She was also a member of the Miramichi Association for Community Living and spent over 25 years with Royal Bank in both Newcastle and Sussex. She was an avid golfer and quilter and simply enjoyed every moment she could spend with her family. 

Ellen met, fell in love with and married the love of her life, Kenneth Roy McBride on October 19, 1963. Ellen loved Ken’s ambitions and supported him in all his golfing efforts and adventures. This shared adventurous spirit would lead the young couple to move East. Ken and Ellen loved the idea of simply being brave together and decided they would move to the East coast. During their wonderful 52 years together Ken and Ellen had the utmost privilege of raising four wonderful daughters and expanding their love story with their amazing grandchildren. They shared a great love, support and encouragement of one another and were truly best friends. She missed her other half with her whole heart after his passing in 2016. 

Ellen will live on in the hearts of her four beautiful daughters: Wendy Johnson and her husband Wayne of Fredericton, Michele McBride and her husband Jean Boucher of Beaconsfield, Quebec, Melana Palmer and her husband Chris of Sussex and Lynette Stymiest and her husband Mike of Miramichi; her siblings: Sam O’Donaghey, Vera Swaren, Ernie Link and his wife Tassie, Gordie Link and Tiny Link and his wife Ruth all of BC; her grandchildren: Jordan Matthews and Jasmin Matthews, Genevieve Boucher, Emilie Boucher (Alexandre Hurtubise) and Logan Boucher (Taylor Budnik), Mya Palmer (Connor Fanjoy) and Emma Stymiest and Megan Stymiest; her great grandchildren: Ethan, Emma and Esme; as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family members. 

Along with her parents and her wonderful husband she was predeceased by her brothers: Billy Link and Murphy O’Donaghey and by her grandson, Matthew Palmer. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, (506-433-1176). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church on Friday, November 24, 2023 at 11am. 

If you are considering making a memorial donation the family has recommended the Wards Creek Cemetery. Personal condolences to the family and donations may be made through wallacefuneralhome.com

The family would like to express their deepest thanks to Dr. Anthony Robbins and all of the nursing staff at the Sussex Health Centre for all of their kindness, care and compassion. It will never be

forgotten.