Obituary of Lena Spellman

Lena Jean Spellman, daughter of the late Russell and Jennie Mae Richardson, slipped away gracefully on Saturday, January 29, 2022, just as she lived her life. Lena was born on January 10, 1939 in Sussex, NB.

Predeceased by her parents and husband, Ronnie; sisters, Mary Richardson, Laura Clements, and Lorraine Hughes; brothers, Lloyd and Everett Richardson.

Survived by her children, Edward Patterson (Irene) of St. Martins, Walter Jr. (Lynn) Patterson of Saint John, Wayne (Andrea) Patterson of St. Martins, Elizabeth (Gary) Gilchrist of Norton, Karen (Kim) Spellman-Tracy of Pennfield, Ronda (Greg) Marr of Kingston, Kathy Greer of Bains Corner, Patty Spellman of Sussex and Ronald (Bonnie) Spellman of Berry Mills. Also survived by sisters, Minnie Redfern of Yarmouth, NS, Pauline Hughes-McKillop, and brother John Richardson both of Saint John; fifteen grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, and loving fur babies.

Known, all her life, for being well kept, sociable, loving, quick witted, stubborn, and strong, Lena played her character flawlessly until the final curtain closed. She could fit in with any crowd and loved to have a good time. Over the years she and Ron travelled thousands of miles on motorcycles, in cars (sometimes hauling campers), and in his big truck. She loved the road, something she inherited from her mother, and spent endless hours on drives with Morgan and Jenna to strawberry festivals, church suppers, picnics, shows and beaches. Her grandchildren will always have memories of March breaks and summers spent with Nan in St. Martins, a place dear to her heart.

Words that will always invoke a smile for those who loved Lena are lipstick, earrings, red hats and purple dresses, Christmas, Easter egg hunts, Halloween scarecrows, family dinners, old country music, Crown Royal, crazy 8’s, nap time, devotion, and heart…because hers was the biggest heart of all.Words that will always help loved ones muster strength when thinking of Lena are faith, belief, pride, tolerance, empathy, trust, and heart…because hers was the strongest heart of all.

Thank you to the Staff of Dr. V.A. Snow Nursing Home, with special thanks to certain Snow Angels for going above and beyond. As family, we will forever be grateful for your friendship and love for our mom.

Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424). Visitation will take place on Thursday, February 3, 2022 from 6-8 pm. Due to Covid-19 health measures placed on indoor gatherings by the Government of New Brunswick, all those 12 and older attending the visitation will be required to show proof of vaccination and a piece of government-issued ID or proof of medical exemption. A private family interment will take place at a later date.

For those who wish, donations in Lena’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick or a charity of the donor’s choice. www.BrenansFH.com.