Obituary of Joanne Elizabeth MacPherson

With sadness, we announce the passing of Joanne (Pomeroy) MacPherson at Windsor Court in Fredericton, NB. After living with Parkinson’s Disease and the challenges that brings, Joanne ran out of fight. She passed away peacefully on May 13th, 2025.

Waiting to greet her in heaven is her beloved husband, Arnold. Having been high school sweethearts, and friends before that, it will be a sweet reunion and the family takes comfort in that.  Along with Arnold, Joanne will be met by her parents Audrey and Walter Pomeroy, sister and brother-in-law Pat and Bill Garcelon, brother-in-law Don Burnley, brother-in-law Roy MacPherson, nephew Randy MacPherson, and parents-in-law Darrell and Evelyn MacPherson and Ruth and Scott Tatton.

Joanne will be dearly missed by her daughters and their husbands: Stacie and Todd Cougle and Julie MacPherson and Kevin Godin. Also remembering their Nanny are Danica and Sophie Godin and Bryn Cougle.  Joanne is also survived by her sisters, Sandra Hawrylak (John) and Bernette Burnley.  Brothers-in-law Rob (Donna) and Ted (Jean), and many beloved nieces and nephews. Joanne was always surrounded by her dear friends and was blessed with people in her life who became family, including her “third daughter”, Heather Eagle Martin. 

Joanne was born in St. Stephen on May 10th, 1943 in to a house with two older sisters and later welcomed a baby sister.  With four energetic girls around, the house was always in a stir.  Some of the mischief became family lore.  After a high school life filled with student activity and sports, Joanne moved to Fredericton to attend nursing school. There she met classmates who would be lifelong friends. With more hijinx and bonds formed, she settled down to married life with Arnold and started a family. Joanne’s career saw her retire with the Extramural Program where she often made deep connections with her patients, mentored many young nurses and, as seems to be the trend, formed deep friendships. It’s fitting that she became a patient of Extramural who tended to her with such attention and care. 

Joanne’s true joy was her family and that extends well beyond her immediately family. There were countless trips taken with her sisters, in-laws, friends and children. Her three granddaughters were always a source of joy, pride and entertainment.  Watching her girls’ sports and theater were always a highlight for a proud grandmother but simply talking and listening to what was going on in their lives is what mattered most.  Her special knack for creating an event out of just about anything will be remembered fondly by just about anyone who knew her. She always embraced a “more the merrier” approach.  Her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, as well as her kids’ friends and her friends’ kids all were so special to her.  

With immeasurable gratitude, the family would like to thank the staff of Windsor Court where Joanne was doted on by the caring and wonderful team. They cared for her like family and are angels with big hearts and bigger laughs.  She was surrounded by love and caring every day. A special thanks also goes out to Dr. Colpitts, Dr. Pond and the Extramural Team for making her life with Parkinson’s manageable.  

All are invited to share their remembrances of Joanne and to honor her at York Funeral home in Fredericton on Saturday, May 17th with visitation from 12 pm until 2 pm followed by the funeral at 2 pm. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Parkinson Canada or a charity of your choice.