Mary Gwen Bear
1948-2012
Mary Gwen Bear of Fredericton, formerly of Tobique First Nation,
passed away unexpectedly at her home on January 24, 2012.
Born in Tobique First Nation, NB, on May 23, 1948, she was the daughter of the late Patrick and Yvonne (Saulis) Bear. Mary leaves behind her daughters Amanda Howlett (Peter) of Fredericton, Dianne Orechia of Fredericton; her son Larry Orechia (Julie) of Fredericton; sister Paula Pirie (Danny) of Tobique First Nation; brothers Stephen Bear (Christine) of Sandy Lake, ON, Solomon "Rocky" Bear of Tobique First Nation, Vance Bear (Mary) of Waskagnish, Quebec, Paul Bear of Tobique First Nation; seven grandchildren, four great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and many Elders in training. She is predeceased by her parents and her brother Melvin Bear.
Gwen was a teacher and a cultural leader for the Aboriginal Community. She was very highly respected both locally and nationally.
A celebration of Mary's life was held on Saturday, January 28, 2012 from the Mah-Sos School. Speakers for the celebration were Imelda Perley and Ronald Tremblay. Interment will be in St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery at a later date.
The eulogy was given by The Honourable Graydon Nicholas, Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick.
Pallbearers were Nathan Pirie, Melvin Bear, Christopher Bear, Anthony Okoye, Jonathan Wilson, and Shea Deutcher.
Arrangements were entrusted to Brunswick Funeral Home, Perth-Andover.
Born in Tobique First Nation, NB, on May 23, 1948, she was the daughter of the late Patrick and Yvonne (Saulis) Bear. Mary leaves behind her daughters Amanda Howlett (Peter) of Fredericton, Dianne Orechia of Fredericton; her son Larry Orechia (Julie) of Fredericton; sister Paula Pirie (Danny) of Tobique First Nation; brothers Stephen Bear (Christine) of Sandy Lake, ON, Solomon "Rocky" Bear of Tobique First Nation, Vance Bear (Mary) of Waskagnish, Quebec, Paul Bear of Tobique First Nation; seven grandchildren, four great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and many Elders in training. She is predeceased by her parents and her brother Melvin Bear.
Gwen was a teacher and a cultural leader for the Aboriginal Community. She was very highly respected both locally and nationally.
A celebration of Mary's life was held on Saturday, January 28, 2012 from the Mah-Sos School. Speakers for the celebration were Imelda Perley and Ronald Tremblay. Interment will be in St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery at a later date.
The eulogy was given by The Honourable Graydon Nicholas, Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick.
Pallbearers were Nathan Pirie, Melvin Bear, Christopher Bear, Anthony Okoye, Jonathan Wilson, and Shea Deutcher.
Arrangements were entrusted to Brunswick Funeral Home, Perth-Andover.
Service Date
Friday, January 28, 2011
Service Time
2 pm
Service Location
Mah-sos School
Visitation
Thursday pm until time of funeral
Visitation Location
4 Perley Road, Tobique First Nation
Burial Location
St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery