Obituary of Jessie Marie Alexandra Nagle

Jessie Marie Alexandra Nagle (nee Pedersen) passed away at the Church of St John & St Stephen Home, Saint John NB on March 28, 2011. Born at Saint John on November 20, 1912, she was the daughter of the late Kris and Jenny (Shepherd) Pedersen. Jessie is survived by her daughter Ann Vautour (Paul) of Moncton and by her son Peter (Nicole) of Beauceville, Quebec; grandchildren Michael, Christopher, Louis Marc, Nahanni, Jonathan, Tom, Scott and Jenny; eight great-grandchildren, several cousins and by her loyal circle of friends. Everyone who knew Jessie will greatly miss her companionship, sharp wit and wonderful sense of humour. Jessie was predeceased by her husband Harold, sister Ruthie, her infant son David and by her son Tom. From an early age Jessie’s passions were dogs, horses, her father’s sailboat "The Osprey" and her garden. She took a keen interest in all things floral and as a young girl loved helping in the family’s Sandy Point Road greenhouses and Charlotte Street florist shop. Her interest in gardening and floral arrangement continued and as an adult she rose to the position of manager of Pedersen-Nagle Florists on Union Street (later Maritime Gardens Ltd.) where she astutely managed a large staff. Early on Jessie became known for her expertise in floral design and over the years was sought out to create the floral arrangements for many large events throughout the Province. She was well into her 70s before retiring to tend her beautiful garden at the original family home on Sandy Point Road. "Jessie was always sweet and kind but you knew there was a steely interior behind that smile that made things happen," remembers her cousin Mark Pedersen. As a teenager he spent an Easter weekend, one of the busiest and most demanding times of year for a flower shop, working in the backroom at Maritime Gardens. "Jessie was everywhere in the hustle and bustle of the shop, making the decisions, solving problems and ensuring that the customers got what they wanted. But she never hesitated to stop and greet people in the showroom, calling most of them by name and giving them that radiant smile that was a Jessie trademark. We will never forget her." In keeping with Jessie’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (506-634-7424). Although there will be no visitation, family and friends are invited to attend the funeral service, which will be held on Sunday, April 3rd at 3:00pm from Brenan's Chapel, with the Rev. Dr. John Crawford officiating. Interment will take place at a later date. For those who wish, remembrances to the charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be placed at www.brenansfh.com