Obituary of Reta Kathleen McFarlane

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Mrs. Reta Kathleen McFarlane announce her peaceful passing at the Sussex Health Centre on August 6, 2025, at the age of 90.

Born on May 26,1935 in Chambers Settlement, NB, she was the daughter of the late Norman Lee and Florence Evelyn (McGarrigle) Fanjoy.

Besides keeping busy at home, Reta was also very active in her church and community. She was a long-time member of the St. John’s Anglican Church ACW. In her community, Reta also served as treasurer of the Waterford 50+ Group for 20 years and served as a part of the Waterford Community Group. For fun, Reta loved playing bingo or joining in on card games at the Waterford Community Hall. when at home Reta would often be found cleaning or in the kitchen preparing meals and baking. She would always have something ready when company stopped by. No one could leave without having a cup of tea with a meal or some kind of dessert.

Reta will live on in the hearts of her daughters: Cindy McFarlane and her husband Stephen of Waterford and Sherry McFarlane of Lower Millstream; her son, Tony and his wife Cindy of Waterford; her daughter-in-law, Cathy McFarlane of Waterford; her grandchildren: Melanie McFarlane (Blake), Rodney McFarlane, Jody McFarlane, Cody McFarlane (Haley), Adam McFarlane (Raela), Nicholas Lisson (Bridgette), Nathan Lisson (Erica), Jeff O'Donnell, Colin McFarlane (Riley) and Samantha McFarlane (Mike); her great grandchildren: Abigail, Piper, Cash, Serenity, Harmony, Brayden, Edward, Isaac, Victoria, Alexandra, Georgia, Owen, Alexus, Noah, Marley, and Matthew; her great great grandson, Charlie; her brothers: Sydney Fanjoy and Delbert Fanjoy; her sister-in-law, Nina Fanjoy; and her brother-in-law, Raymond McFarlane (Jane). Reta is also survived by several nieces, nephews and extended family members. She will also be remembered by her special friends, Carolyn and Dot.

Along with her parents, Reta is predeceased by her loving husband, Leon; her son, Stanley; her brothers: Murray, Gordon and Raymond; her sisters, Marjorie and Freda; and her sister-in-law, Diane Fanjoy.

The family wishes to express special thanks to the Sussex Extra Murial nurses, Dr. Pillay and the staff of the east wing at the Sussex Health Center, Dow’s Homecare workers, friends, neighbours, and Rev. Paul Ranson, for the ways in which they cared for and reached out to mom and our entire family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, (506-433-1176). At Reta’s request, no visitation will be held. A service celebrating Reta’s life will be held from Wallace Community Chapel on Tuesday, August 12 at 2:00pm. The interment will take place in St. John’s the Evangelist Cemetery, Waterford, NB.

If you are considering making a memorial donation the family has recommended the St. John the Evangelist Cemetery or a charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and donations may be made through wallacefuneralhome.com.