Obituary of Ethel Duplessis

Ethel Lita Louise (Jewett) Duplessis of Keswick, passed away peacefully in hospital on May 19, 2014 following an 11 month battle with acute myeloid leukemia. Born October 5, 1945 to Wesley and Victoria Jewett, Ethel was the youngest child and only daughter. She was known for her incredible work ethic and could often be found assisting her father in the barn. She graduated from the Victoria Public Hospital Registered Nurse Program in 1966 and married Fred A. Duplessis in 1967. She worked as an RN in the Fredericton area hospital and was Fred’s partner in life as well as farming. Her work with mothers and babies was her passion and her children often marvelled at the number of people that would approach her years later and thank her for her support when their child had been born. Her passion for agriculture was seen through her contributions as an area director for Potatoes NB and as a 4-H leader with the Keswick Ridge 4-H club. As well, she established the Agriculture Awareness display at the Fredericton Exhibition to educate children and their parents on where their food came from and the effort that went into producing it. She was an active member of the Keswick United Baptist Church and her love of music was evident each Sunday. Ethel is survived by her husband, Fred A. Duplessis and their three children, Patricia McAllister (Ed) of Ottawa, ON, Loralei Delanoy (Luc) of Vauxhall, AB and Fred G. Duplessis (Diane) of Calgary, AB. She was the proud Gramma of Anna, Ian and Adam McAllister, Samantha, Patrick and Katherine Delanoy and Sarah and Lauren Duplessis. She also leaves to mourn brothers, David and Bill (Eileen) Jewett; sister-in law, Pat (Michael) Nyenhuis; nephew, Kevin Jewett (Marion Dureau) and several other nieces and nephews. She was a beloved friend and neighbour of Gary and Karen Stephens and Randy Stephens and “Auntie Ethel” to Megan (Knorr), Amanda and Kristen Stephens, Matthew and Sydney Stephens, Hannah and Rosie Knorr, Mattea and Mileigh Stephens and Emily Jewett. She was predeceased by infant daughter, Rebecca; parents, Wesley and Victoria Jewett; brother, Walter Jewett and parents-in-law, Fred J. and Estelle Duplisea. Ethel will be remembered for her love of life and her ability to accomplish anything that she put her mind to. A special thank you to the staff of the Moncton and Fredericton hospitals and to the friends and family that have provided support through this battle. Visitation will take place at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive on Friday, May 23, 2014 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. A Funeral Service will take place at Keswick United Baptist Church on Saturday, May 24, 2014 at 2 pm with Pastor Bev Jewett officiating. Interment will take place in Mactaquac Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to the Chalmers Hospital Foundation - Maternity Ward Education Fund, the Moncton Hospital Foundation - Oncology, or the Keswick United Baptist Church. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com