Obituary of Joseph Edward Bérubé

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Joseph Edward Bérubé on August 23, 2023, at the age of 93. He died peacefully at Pine Grove Nursing Home after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Joe was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who had a wonderful sense of humour, a love of music and the outdoors. He loved to spend time gardening, walking, biking and could often be found at his piano playing a mean boogie woogie. Joe also loved to ski, windsurf and ride horses and encouraged his children to take part in these activities with him. We will remember Joe  for his warm and compassionate nature. He possessed a quiet strength and unwavering love for his family, always prioritizing their well being and happiness above all else.

Joe was born and raised in Edmundston NB. He graduated from the University of Ottawa. Upon completion of his BA, he returned to New Brunswick to study law at UNB in Saint John. There, he met the love of his life, Helen, with whom he would spend the next 65 years. Joe practiced law in Sarnia Ontario, Grand Falls and Edmundston NB until he was appointed a New Brunswick provincial judge in 1965 at the age of 36. Joe held this position until 1976 when he was appointed Ombudsman for the Province of New Brunswick. He would hold this position until his retirement in 1993, becoming the province’s longest serving Ombudsman. Joe received an honorary Doctor of Laws from St. Thomas University in 1991 and was a past president of the NB Provincial Court Judges Association and the Canadian Association of Provincial Court Judges.

Joe built a life full of love, laughter, and cherished memories. He will be forever missed by his wife Helen, his children Joanne (Maurice Poirier), Marie, Paul, Louise, and John (Wendy Lynch); grandchildren, John (Annie), Brandon, Erin (Ally), Sarah (Peter), Georgia, Stephanie (Nic) and Michelle; great grandchildren, Maëlle, Kieran, Castiel and Spencer; his brother Patrick Bérubé; and sister-in-law Doreen. He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Ida Bérubé, his brother, Martin and sister, Thérèse Michaud.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the caring staff at Pine Grove Nursing home and his caregivers Sherri and Kim.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Dunstan’s church in Fredericton on Wednesday August 30th at 12:05 pm.

For those who wish, donations may be made to Pine Grove nursing home or a charity of their choice.