Obituary of Mona Arleen Wilson

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mona Arleen (MacPhail) Wilson of Fredericton at the age of 90. Philip, Janet, Tanner and Kali were by her side. Born in Argyle Shore, PEI, on May 11, 1935, Mona was the daughter of Neil and Katie (MacPhee) MacPhail. She loved Argyle Shore for its beauty, warm waters, and warm people. For many years, Mona and Alan spent cottage time there. The last few years it was just her, but the cottage was busy with friends and family stopping by. Learning to swim at 40, led to one of her longtime passions, heading down to the shore at 6 am each day in her Jinglers bathing suit, cap, and towel to swim laps in the Northumberland Strait. In Fredericton her routine was 5 am walks to the Crowne Plaza to swim and afternoon walks around the neighbourhood.

Mona worked at UNB, years later MacDonalds and retiring from the workforce after 23 years at Dr. T.W. Lenehan Optometry Clinic. A member of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, she enjoyed fellowship there and was an active member of the Tuesday Morning Group. Mona was previously a member of the Epsilon Y’s Menettes Club.

Mona had 16 brothers and sisters with many nieces and nephews. She loved and appreciated each and every one of them. She loved the sharing of stories about hilarious family antics growing up on the shore, no matter how many times they were told. Mona was grateful to have wonderful friends. It gave us comfort to know many kept in touch. She had many attributes that made her so loveable: a positive attitude, rarely complained, a good listener, and inspired us through her active lifestyle. Her sense of fashion was admired and garnered comments from many she encountered.

Mona is survived by her sons Ron (Heather) Wilson and their children Katie (Philip) Keddy and Blaine Wilson, all of Nova Scotia; son Philip (Janet) Wilson and their daughters Tanner (Michael) Bourgeois and Kali Wilson of Fredericton; and Debbie’s daughters Rachael (Travis) Brown and Jacqueline Durelle (Paul Breen).  A special joy for Mona was enjoying time with her great-grandchildren, Charlie and Ben Keddy, Ellie Wilson, Blake Bourgeois, Austin, Stephen, and Emily Brown, Riley Durelle-Schmidt and Arya Mead. Also surviving Mom are brothers Bill (Geraldine) MacPhail and Alan MacPhail in Ontario and sister Hope (Donald) McNutt of Truro as well as sister-in-law Barbara (Donald) Carroll, Fredericton.

She was predeceased her parents, husband Alan H. Wilson and daughter Debbie Durelle. She missed them deeply.

We would like to extend our thanks and praise to Windsor Court Retirement Residence for their caring staff and her enjoyable stay.

Many thanks for the care received at the DECH in her many recent visits. She was always amazed how staff and doctors could be so busy yet take the time to be kind and treat her with care.

A celebration of life for the immediate family will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery on Thursday, July 3, 2025.

Donations in Mona’s name can be made to Hospice Fredericton or a charity of your choice.