Obituary of M. A. Velma Bourque

Marie-Anne "Velma" Bourque of Saint John, wife of the late Eloi Joseph Bourque, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at the St. John and St. Stephen Church Home. Born at Rogersville on July 24, 1915, she was a daughter of the late Raymond and Lorette (Arsenault) Bourque, and was raised by Pat and Lucy LeBlanc. Velma was a member of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, St. Peter's Prayer Group, and the French Society of the Assumption Parish. Having raised a large family, Velma enjoyed cooking, sewing, knitting, and especially her many grandchildren; but the thread woven through her entire life was her strong Christian faith. Velma is survived by her children, Yvette Fullerton (Albert) of Saint John, Luci Bourque (Larry) of Fort McMurray, AB, Fernande MacFarlane (Jim) of Fernwood, PEI, Roger Bourque (Jeannette) of Greenwich Hill, Dianne Snider (Clement) of Grand Bay-Westfield, Donald Bourque (Linda) of Grand Bay-Westfield, and Paul Bourque (Joann) of Saint John; a sister, Marie Gosselin of Worchester, MA; 17 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Velma was predeceased by a granddaughter, Leanne; and by brothers Ernest, Frank, and Gerald. Resting at Brenan's Bay View Funeral Home, 1461 Manawagonish Road, Saint John West (634-7425), with visiting on Wednesday from 7-9 PM and Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 360 Dufferin Row, Saint John, on Friday, March 16, 2012 at 12:00 Noon. Interment will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances to the Canadian Cancer Society, Bobby's Hospice, or the St. John and St. Stephen Church Home would be appreciated by the family. Please place online condolences and remembrances at www.brenansfh.com.