Obituary of Constance Elizabeth Petrie

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother, Constance Elizabeth Petrie (Connie) on September 30, 2020. Born in 1943, she was the eldest daughter of the late Mary (Gallagher) and John Kilburn. Connie was predeceased by her husband of fifty years, J. Gordon Petrie QC in 2012. She will be especially missed by her three devoted sons and their families: Mr. Justice Richard Petrie, wife Margot and grandson Andrew; Jamie Petrie, wife Gisèle and granddaughters Anna and Naomi; Richard Mannering, wife Sylvie and granddaughters Emilie (Fouad), Sarah (Jonathan) and Julie (Denis). One of six children, Connie also leaves behind her sister Barbara McCormack (Danny) and brothers Paddy (Marilyn) and Michael Kilburn. She is also survived by twelve special nieces and nephews whom she held dear. In addition to her parents and husband, Connie was predeceased by her brother Peter, sister Mary Lou (Stairs), and nephew David Kilburn. Connie received her high school diploma from Marymount College in Quebec City in 1961 and graduated from the NB Teacher’s College in 1962, then St, Thomas University in 1975 (BA) and eventually the University of New Brunswick Law School in 1985. After completing her NB Bar Admissions, she served as legal research assistant to her husband Gordon, with her retirement in the year 2000. Mom loved the outdoors and the changing of the seasons, especially her summers at Robertson Point (Grand Lake). In her day, she was an enthusiastic skier, skater, and golfer. She also enjoyed her walks about the city along the scenic St. John River. One of her favourite projects in life was her work with the Kindness Club, where for fifteen years she promoted the philosophy of the club that children who learn "kindness to animals and the environment" grow up being kind and respectful to others. The plight of the homeless was also a cause dear to her heart. Connie was a caring and thoughtful person who loved her family dearly, cherished her many friends and always looked on the bright side of life wherever possible. She was a lover of flowers and music and a believer in "small miracles" of which she felt she had her share. Our deepest gratitude to all those special people who, at her home, the dialysis unit, and at Hospice House, cared for her in recent years. Their kind assistance and friendship will be deeply appreciated forever. For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Fredericton Rotary Camp, The Kidney Foundation or the Emergency Shelter. Your kindness is much appreciated. At Connie’s request, there will be no visitation. A Celebration of Life Service will take place at St. Dunstan’s Catholic Church on Monday, October 5, 2020 at 2:00 pm with Father Peter Osborne and Father John Jennings as celebrants. Please follow this link to watch a recording of the service: https://vimeo.com/464354987