Obituary of Theresa "Tracy" Bernice Eaton

It is with profound sadness that the family of Theresa “Tracy” Bernice Eaton announces her passing at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital on Friday, April 24, 2026. Born in St. Stephen, NB, she was the beloved wife of Robert “Bob” Eaton of Fredericton for more than 50 years.  

In addition to her husband, Bob, Tracy leaves behind her children, Brent DeMerchant (Anne Romancyshyn), Russell DeMerchant (Sharon), Rhonda Guidry (Kevin), and Michelle Boyd (James); grandchildren, Amanda (Adrian), Rebecca (Jeffrey), Sara (Chris), Megan (Emery), Barry, Julia (Faris), Emily (Daniel), Jordan (Jessica), and Brett (Celeste); great grandchildren, Margaret (Marc), Isabelle (Hunter), Samuel, Allison, Vanessa, and Mason; brother, Joseph Sullivan (Anne Marie); as well as many cousins. Tracy was predeceased by her children, Barry (1969) and Margaret DeMerchant (2021); parents, Joseph and Alice Bernice (Bartlett); grandparents, George and Adeline Bartlett and Daniel and Alice Sullivan and in-laws Ted and Jackie Eaton.

An incredibly smart redhead and blonde, Tracy spent her formative years in Fredericton where she developed her keen sense of humor (not always appreciated by Bob) and ability to form deep and lifelong friendships. She had an uncanny ability to connect with anyone and often was told all their problems and life story without any prompting.

From the Air Cadets where she became a marksman, she joined the Royal Canadian Air Force at her earliest opportunity. Tracy made more lifelong friends in the service and met her first husband. She was heartbroken when Brent’s birth led to the end of her military career. She quickly became the strongest “Momma Bear” that anyone can imagine.

Over the next few years, Tracy was “blessed” with 5 more children, postings to Metz, France (where she met her other parents – the Cerfs), Quebec, and Summerside, PEI. Along the way, Tracy continued to make more lasting friends.

Following the devasting loss of Barry in 1969, Tracy moved to Fredericton with her five remaining children to live with her parents while she put her shattered life back together. The strength and resilience that Tracy demonstrated during this time has continued to be an inspiration to Bob and their children.

Tracy worked at a variety of jobs as a teenager in Fredericton, the Journal Pioneer newspaper and as an Avon representative in Summerside, PEI and finally, on her return to Fredericton at the Daily Gleaner and Levine’s until it closed in 1989. She continued to acquire enduring friendships throughout her life, even during her recent hospitalizations.

Tracy met Bob in 1974 while they were both working at the The Daily Gleaner. A medium once told Bob that it was their fourth lifetime together, prompting one friend to quip – you’d have thought that he’d have learned his lesson after 3!

They led a charmed life for over 50 years with reasonably robust health for Tracy. Her final illness was really her first health challenge of her life. Only the death of Margaret in 2021 interrupted their idyllic life.

Tracy and Bob travelled extensively as a couple and really enjoyed travelling with family when the opportunities arose, especially on cruises. A lot of lifetime happy memories were created with family while on trips and, so often, shopping!

Our home was the center of many celebrations over the years around the pool and inside where Tracy was the consummate hostess.  We got together as a family for meals and barbecues “Just Because!” We didn’t need a particular reason to enjoy good food and each other’s company. As our family dispersed to their own lives, we began to miss everyone. 

Tracy had an unmatched sense of style. She loved jewelry, purses and shoes, especially Ron White Shoes! Her modeling photos appeared in The Daily Gleaner in her younger days. She was a DIVA of the first order and The First Lady and Big Momma of our family.

We wish to thank Dr. Jung Lee and Dr. Kate Hadley for their incredible caring treatment and the staff of 4 West and 3 Southwest, particularly Cheryl, Jackie, Debra, Cassie and Megan. We’re forgetting some of the names of the other caregivers during her hospitalizations and we apologize. We are a little shell shocked.

Tracy will be escorted by pallbearers – Brent DeMerchant, Russell DeMerchant, Kevin Guidry, Jim Boyd, Adrian Schriver and Christopher Morehouse. There are too many honorary pallbearers to name for fear that someone will be left off the list.

Visitation will be held at McAdam’s Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 28, from 7-9 pm and again on Wednesday, April 29, from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. The funeral service will be held at Smythe Street Church on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 11:00 am. For those unable to attend in person a live stream of the service will be available to view at ssc.church/eaton. Interment will take place in St. Anthony’s Cemetery at a later time. While flowers are gratefully accepted, donations made to Ovarian Cancer Canada, Diabetes Canada, Hospice Fredericton, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or a charity of the donor’s choice, will also  be appreciated by the family.