Obituary of Dereta Melissa (Brown) Morehouse

It is with great sadness that the family of Dereta Melissa (Brown) Morehouse of Fredericton Junction, NB - formally of Haneytown, NB - announces her passing at White Rapids Manor, on July 16th, 2023, with Darrell, Michelle and Chipper (her stuffed squirrel) by her side. She was born on March 28, 1930, and was the oldest child of the late William and Clara (Harper) Brown.

Dereta is survived by her youngest son, Darrell R.W. Morehouse and his wife Michelle (Hiscock) of Haneytown NB; her daughter, Donna M and her husband Murray Locke of Williamswoods, NS; her daughter-in-law, Marilyn (Shanks) Morehouse of Waterville-Sunbury, NB; her beloved grandchildren, Jamie Morehouse, Stephen Hiscock (Alana), Steven Morehouse (Laura Anne), Cheryl Morehouse, Darrell Fitzpatrick (Cindy), Michael Fitzpatrick (Holly), Patti-Jo Williams, Patrick Locke, Onysha Locke, Teneeka Locke; great-grandchildren, Jaina, Jason, Jasmine, Jessica, Jayden, Jorden, Payton, Emerson, Alysha, Tristen, Auston, Dion, Trey, Shanelle, Rylan, Micah, Jonah, Mahiken, Rosalee, Sharon, Corey, Jennifer, Christopher; great-great-grandchildren, Nova, Claire, Jesse, Jayden, Eleanore, Azdynn, Ashlynn, Bryan, Chloe, Cailsey, Abbygale, Dylan, Richard, Jasper, Annaleece; her brother, Philip Brown (Marjorie Hawks); sister, Sharon Tanner; sister-in-law, Charlene (Estey) Brown; Matthew Fitpatrick's partner, Lori Sales, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Dereta was predeceased by her loving husband of 61 years, Douglas Stanley Morehouse (2010); her son, Donald Douglas Morehouse (2023); her grandsons, Peter Morehouse (1983) and Matthew Fitzpatrick (2019); her great-grandson, Dexter Fitzpatrick (2017); her mother, Clara (2003) and father, William (1981); her brothers, Garnet Brown (1932) and Gerald Brown (1993); her sisters, Kathaleen 'Kay' Crain (2020), Eleanor Brown (1991), and Yvonne Mugridge (1974); her brothers-in-law, Parker Tanner (2022), Philbrick 'Phil' Crain (2020) and Thomas Mugridge (2008)

In Dereta's younger days she stayed home raising her children, and she and her family enjoyed camping and traveling. She also loved singing with Doug and they could frequently be heard on the Capital Co-op Jamboree. When her children were old enough to look after themselves, Dereta went to work at Hartt Shoe Factory as a hand stitcher and remained there until she retired. Dereta loved the Lord and was a member of the Geary Bapist Church, where she taught Sunday school, VBS and sang in the church choir for many years. She was a member of the Women's Missionary Society, and enjoyed quilting with the ladies. She enjoyed tole painting, ceramics, and taking sewing classes with her sister Kay and sister-in-law Midge. Also, she enjoyed walking every day. Dereta had many hobbies including painting, sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting, tatting, embroidery, gardening, baking and cooking for her family and friends. 

Words cannot express our thanks, love and gratitude to the staff of White Rapids Manor for the wonderful care and love they showed Dereta, and her family over the last 4+ years.

Respecting Dereta's wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. A private graveside service will be held at the family plot in the Burton Cemetery. Remembrances may be made to the Geary Baptist Church or charity of the donor's choice.

"To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord."