Obituary of Constance Marie Lajoie

It is with broken hearts that we, the family of Constance "Connie" Marie Lajoie (nee Tatton) share the news of her passing, which occurred on Monday, September 28, 2026, at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in Fredericton, NB. Although our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing that she is reunited with our father, her beloved René Lajoie.

Mum was born in St. George, NB, on January 14, 1933, to Oren and Ethel (Mooney) Tatton. She was a little sister to Greta, who was 11 years her senior. She was also like a daughter to her aunt and uncle, Laura (Mooney) and Jack O’Brien, with whom she shared a very special bond.

Mum grew up during the Second World War. She often shared interesting memories of her parents running an inn in St. George at that time, when British airmen (and sometimes their wives) would come to stay while they trained at the airfield in Pennfield. She told us of the celebrations the day that the war ended and marching in a parade through the streets of St. George with her schoolmates. She even kept a postcard that had been created to commemorate that special occasion.

It was while working at Stedmans store in St. George that she met the handsome new store manager from Edmundston, NB, who would become the love of her life for the next 72 years. They shared 48 years as a married couple and she continued to carry a torch for him every day for 24 years after he passed, until she left us to join him.

Mum and Dad created loving homes in St. George, St. Stephen, and Minto, but St. George was always “home” for Mum. We had the pleasure of taking Mum to St. George on a “girls trip” just this past August. It was always fun to drive around St. George with her and listen to her reminisce about places and events as she took her stroll down memory lane.

Family was the core of Mum’s existence. Our joys were her joys and our sorrows were her sorrows. She enjoyed time with her grandchildren immensely, watching them grow into young adults, and took great pride in their accomplishments.

Mum filled our lives with love beyond measure. We are eternally grateful for the treasure trove of memories she left with us. They will be a great source of comfort in the days, weeks, months, and years to come.

Mum’s warmth and kindness extended well-beyond her family. She never met a stranger. This quiet, unassuming individual had an aura about her that seemed to draw people to her. Left alone in a public place, we could return in ten minutes to find that she had already made a new acquaintance who was chatting with her like a life-long friend. She didn’t have to initiate an interaction, people were just drawn to her naturally. She was not one to talk much about herself, but she took great interest in asking others about themselves. Her interest was genuine, not mere politeness (although that was high on her list of endearing qualities also). She was still asking others how they were and what kind of day they were having on the very day that she herself passed. It comes as no surprise when someone tells us how sweet our mother is, a sentiment that has been expressed to us more times that we can count over the years.

Mum loved to travel and was always eager for a road trip. It didn’t matter where the vehicle was going, as long as she was in it. She visited various parts of Canada and the U.S. but the highlight was realizing her childhood dream of visiting New York City to see the Statue of Liberty.

Mum resided at Brunswick Hall (Parkland) in Fredericton for the past three years, where she was affectionately known as “Miss Connie” amongst the staff. To this wonderful group of individuals, we would like to extend our sincere thanks. Your care and concern for Mum was always evident.

We also extend our appreciation to Dr. Blyth, the staff of 4NW, and the physiotherapy team at the DECRH for the attentive treatment and support you provided during a difficult time.

Mum is survived by her adoring daughters Anne Marie (Edward Hawkes) and Mary Lou (Raymond Savoie), grandchildren Kristen Hawkes (Srijain) and Dorian Hawkes (Valen), nieces Anne Crilley and Betty VanTassel (Denis), nephew Jack Craig (Audrey), and several great nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was predeceased by her sister, Greta, her brother-in-law, Paul, and her special aunt and uncle, Laura (Mooney) and Jack O’Brien.

Mum was a faithful member of Holy Rosary Parish in Minto for many years and attended St. Dunstan’s Parish when in Fredericton.

Mum loved animals, particularly the many cats she had from the time she was a child. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mum may be made to the Oromocto and Area SPCA, the Heart & Stroke Foundation of New Brunswick, or the charity of your choice.

Mum is in the care of McAdam’s Funeral Home, 160 York Street, Fredericton (506-458-9170).

Visitation will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm. The service will take place in the funeral home chapel at 1:00 pm, followed by a short reception where you can continue to mingle and meet with us to share your memories of Mum.