Obituary of Gertrude Ann Marie Nowlan

Gertrude Ann Marie (Gallant) Nowlan of Oromocto, New Brunswick, passed away on July 3, 2023 at the Dr Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Born in Chatham, NB, on July 22, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Leo and Celeste (Mazerolle) Gallant, and wife of the late Michael O’Keeffe Nowlan.

Gertrude grew up in Chatham, NB, graduating from St. Michael’s Academy in 1955 and went on to study nursing. She graduated from the Hotel Dieu Hospital School of Nursing in 1958 and obtained a certificate in Obstetrical Nursing from St. Joseph’s Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, in 1959. She was a dedicated nurse, only leaving her career to start her beloved family. She was a past chair of the board of Management of the Oromocto Branch of the Victorian Order of nurses and received a Town of Oromocto Volunteer Service Award in 1982.

Religion was very dear to Gertrude, and she devoted many hours to helping the Catholic Church through her efforts with the Catholic Women’s League (CWL). Her accomplishments include being a past President of the St. Vincent de Paul Parish Council, the Saint John Diocesan Council, and the New Brunswick Provincial Council of The CWL of Canada. She became a Life Member in the CWL of Canada in May 1991. She was appointed to the CWL National Archives Sub-Committee in March 2006 and served until August 2008. She compiled A Sixty Year Journey of Service 1948-2008, a history of the New Brunswick Provincial Council of the CWL of Canada, which was printed in May 2008. She compiled a supplement to the Saint John Diocesan CWL Council history in 2012.  She received a CWL Maple Leaf Service pin from her CWL Parish Council in June 2008.

In addition to her work with the CWL, she was active in other areas within the church. She was a past Chairperson of the St. Vincent de Paul Pastoral Council and was co-ordinator of Religious Education in the Parish for approximately 10 years.

Volunteering was second nature to her. For many years she helped get volunteers for the annual campaign, in Oromocto and surrounding areas, for the New Brunswick Heart and Stroke Foundation. She was a Charter Member of the Oromocto Public Hospital Auxiliary and a Past President of this group. She was awarded a Life Membership in the New Brunswick Association of Healthcare Auxiliaries in May, 1983.

Gertrude’s hands were never idle; regardless of whatever else was going on, her knitting needles were at the ready, and often in use while she was busy doing other things. Giving the knitted items away gave her as much joy as making them in the first place.

In addition to her parents and husband, Gertrude was predeceased by her brother, Gerald Gallant.

Gertude will be missed by her children, Gregory Nowlan (Katherine Turner), Scarborough, ON, Mary Nowlan, Scarborough, ON, Theresa Suart (John), Kingston, ON, James Nowlan, Fredericton, NB, and Peter Nowlan, Oromocto, NB; grandchildren, Celeste Suart, Hamilton and Michael Suart, Kingston, ON, and Matthew and Brandon Nowlan, Fredericton, NB; step-grandchildren, Emma Turner (Brian Jobling), Burlington, ON and Ted Turner (Carla Brewer), Scarborough, ON; sister, Clara Gallant (Blaine Farrah), as well as  her sisters-in law and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews and numerous cousins.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the Palliative Care Unit and the entire staff on E3 at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital for their kindness and care.

Visitation will be held at the Oromocto Funeral Home on Thursday, July 6, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm and on Friday, July 7, from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 pm. A CWL Prayer Service will be held on Friday, July 7 at 5:45 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial took place at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Loisville Street, Oromocto, NB on Saturday July 8, 2023 at 11am, with burial in St. Michael’s Basilica Cemetery, Miramichi, NB, at a later date. A recording of the service is available at the following link: https://vimeo.com/event/3547876. Gertrude had asked that donations in her name go to a charity of the donor’s choice.