Obituary of M. Ethel Turmel

The passing of Ethel Turmel of Fredericton, NB, wife of the late Pierre Turmel, occurred on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at the Charlotte County Hospital, St. Stephen, NB. Born on May 22, 1938 in Sydney, Nova Scotia, she was the daughter of the late John Duncan and Sarah Jane "Sally" (Gillis) MacLellan. The young family moved to Montreal in the 1940's where she would meet her future husband while both were working for the Royal Bank. Together with their kids they lived in Quebec, Winnipeg, Ottawa, and finally the family settled in Fredericton. Ethel was employed at Blackburn Hamlet Catholic School as their first secretary, and by the Government of New Brunswick from where she retired in 1997. When not at work or busy keeping her home impeccably clean, Ethel enjoyed knitting - especially socks for family members and mittens for children in need. She took up stained glass and created many beautiful lamp shades and art pieces. She sewed for many years, was a terrific cook and baker, and together with her husband she curled for several winters. Her latest hobby was quilting and many family members will enjoy her beautiful quilts for years to come. Ethel was very talented and put her heart into every project, every home-cooked delicious meal and every single worldclass pie she baked.

Ethel will be deeply missed by her son Paul and special daughter-in-law Tammy Barry and her son Mark, all of Oak Bay; her daughter, Suzanne (Scott MacLeod) of Fredericton; sisters, Mary Crisp of Toronto and Edith Frangos of Florida; grandaughter, Maggie Johnson (Adam Crowe) of Fredericton; great-grandaughter, Scarlett Crowe; sister-in-law, Celine Vigneault, brother-in-laws; Jacques Turmel (Danielle) and Eugene Turmel, cherished nephews, Robert, Daniel, Alan, John, Kevin, David, Louis, Simon, Andre, Erik, Francois, David, Jean-Philippe, Patrick and Eric; beloved nieces, Barbara, Janet (Mushie), Louise, Carol, Donna, Barbie, Sylvie, Claude, Julie, Michele, Ann and Sophie; several grand nieces and nephews, great grand nieces and great grand nephews. In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her brother, John (Jackie), infant sister, Catherine, and beloved sister, Virginia.

A Private Memorial Service will be held for family and close friends. Interment will take place in Hermitage Cemetery, Fredericton, NB at a later date. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Fredericton SPCA, Greener Village - Fredericton Food Bank or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com