Obituary of Krista Girard

Krista Ann Girard (nee Stoddard), 63, of Carsonville, New Brunswick, passed away at the Georges-L. Dumont University Hospital Centre in Moncton, New Brunswick, on February 18th, 2026 surrounded by family.

Kris spent her early years in Saint John and Riverview, New Brunswick, and her adult life in Dieppe and Carsonville (Sussex). She devoted her working life to supporting children and families, beginning her work in adolescent group homes, then in early childhood intervention, and finally serving as an educational assistant at Petitcodiac Regional School. Her deep love for children and her passion to make their lives as full as possible were evident in everything she did. Kris was a proud veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve, a member of the 8th Canadian Hussars. She enlisted at the age of 17, attaining the rank of Sergeant.

More than her work, Kris will be remembered for her love of family, helping others, deep empathy, thoughtfulness, stubbornness and an colourful, unconventional way of showing her love. She found her greatest joy in family, engaging in community and the meaningful connections she made with others. She also cherished her beloved pets, including grandpups, Tucker and Felix, and her sweet cat, Georgie.

Kris was predeceased by her parents, Avis Marie Hartsgrove and Harold Eugene Stoddard; her sister, Sheila; and her brothers, Gary and Michael.

She will be deeply missed by her sons, Alex Girard (Melissa) and Jordan Girard (Catherine); her daughter, Jennifer Pong (Darren); her grandchildren, Tyler, Sophie, and Emily; sister Cheryl Rooney (Sheldon); treasured nieces Shelly Cormier (Nicolas) and Charleen Rooney-Mann (Scott); her best buddy Robyn Baxter (Steve); along with many extended family members and friends.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Megid, Dr. Savoy and to the exceptional oncology and palliative care teams at Georges-L. Dumont Hospital for their kind and tender-hearted care of Kris and for the compassion and support shown to her and to our family. Additionally, we’d like to recognize the amazing nursing team on 3D at the Georges-L. Dumont Hospital who cared for mom in her final days.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, NB (506-433-1176) from where visitation will take place on Friday, February 27th from 4-7 pm. A Celebration of Kris’ life will be held from Wallace Community Chapel on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 11:00am, with time to speak to the family from 10am to just prior to funeral time. A reception will be held immediately following the service in the Wallace Reception Area.

Donations in memory of Kris may be made to the Sussex Sharing Club https://www.thesussexsharingclub.com/ and The Canadian Mental Health Association, New Brunswick Chapter https://cmhanb.ca/, or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and donations may be made through wallacefuneralhome.com.