Obituary of Theresa Mary Killen

Surrounded by her family, at the Dr. V.A. Snow Center in Hampton N.B., our beautiful mother, grandmother and GG Theresa Mary Killen, wife of the late Ray Killen, daughter of the late Samuel and Mary (Mcphee) Martin left us peacefully on December 26, 2020. We are broken hearted but grateful to have had this amazing woman in our lives. Theresa was born in Saint John, N.B. on May 27, 1929 and lived here for most of her life. She also lived in London Ontario following her graduation from the St. Joseph's Hospital School of Nursing in 1951, with her sister Eileen. She attended St. Vincent's High School and was an active member of the alumni committee. 

Theresa's nursing career, for the most part, was spent at St. Joseph's Hospital where she was a nursing instructor, head nurse of the first coronary care unit in 1968 and head nurse in the intensive care unit. She retired from the recovery room after 37 years at a hospital she was deeply devoted to. She was a mentor, teacher and nurse to many. There is a saying," Once a Nurse, always a Nurse" and Theresa lived this until the end of her life. Even during the past few months when Covid-19 had such an impact on the residents at the Snow Centre, she would comfort and reassure them by saying that they were lucky to be in a safe place. She was always a welcoming presence and continually tried to comfort and uplift those around her.

She found great purpose when the greenhouse garden room opened at the Snow Centre, as she was consulted about choice of flowers and plants to grow by wonderful friends Gina and Harvey McLoud. Theresa found solace and peace in caring for her beautiful garden.

In short, Theresa loved life and always did her best to live it with love, determination and devotion.

Theresa is survived by her daughter Terry O'Neill (John Hartley), her beloved grandchildren Ryan (Jessica), Kelly, Lee (Ashley), Colin and Lauren (Kallen), Son-in-law Kevin (Aaron), her cherished great grandchildren, Georgia, Cormac, Lochlan, Grace, and Vayda, sister-in-law Helen Martin and brother-in-law John. Special friends: Wanda Nelson, Beth Wilson, Gina Barton, David Creelman, Bernie Gayle, Doreen Dealy, Elsie Blackwood and numerous nieces and nephews who she loved dearly.

She was predeceased by her husband Ray Killen, brothers Jim, Fred and Bob and sisters Eva, Della and Eileen.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Theresa's faithful and loving caregivers from every department at the Dr. V.A. Snow Centre, home caregiver Ruth Keating and Dr. Ed Phillips.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (634-7424) where visitation will be held on Friday, January 1, 2021, from 2 – 4 PM and 6 – 8 PM. Guests are asked to enter using the courtyard entrance where staff will greet and assist them with Covid-19 protocols. A private Funeral Service will take place on Saturday, January 2, 2021, by invite only, and those unable to attend are encouraged to watch the funeral livestream on the Brenan’s Funeral Home website beginning at 12 PM. Remembrances can be made to the Saint Joseph's Hospital Foundation, the Dr. V.A. Snow Centre Foundation or the charity of donor's choice, and online condolences may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com