Obituary of Nancy Jean Ketchum

     It is with great sadness that the family of Nancy Jean Ketchum announce her passing which occurred on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at the Ridgewood Veteran’s Wing, Saint John, NB. Born as Nancy Eugenia McCullough in Saint John, NB, on July 10, 1934, she became the daughter of the late Ronald and Gertrude (White) Vaughan.
     Nancy lived her life as a faithful and resilient woman. She will be fondly remembered for the love and support she offered to her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and those to whom she became a second mother. Family was her focus and she continued to raise hers with love and gusto after the passing of her husband, at the young age of 47. This was not an easy task, however Nancy accepted life’s challenges as they came and made the best of what life offered her. Nancy expressed great pride in all her children, their families, and the lives they made for themselves.
     As one of the matriarchs of the Old Road, Nancy was accustomed to and enjoyed having the children from neighbourhood in and around her home, particularly the Floyd family next door. Many of these young people took advantage of her kitchen haircutting services. It was not uncommon for her voice to be heard throughout the neighbourhood as she called her children home for supper.
     After her husband passed away, Nancy returned to school and earned her high school equivalency and receptionist’s diploma. She then went on the join the workforce as a receptionist in local businesses for several years. Nancy valued education and enjoyed learning, taking up playing the piano and golf in her 60s. She completed her daily crossword puzzle without fail and was known as a champion Scrabble player. Only the very brave challenged her to a game.
     Committed to her faith, Nancy was a long-time active member of the St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church where she was a member of the Eucharistic and music ministries. She valued her church community and friends.
     Nancy was an avid swimmer and especially enjoyed the frigid waters of the Bay of Fundy. She enjoyed reading, bowling, and bird watching to the extent that she could identify almost any bird by their song. She was fan of baseball, especially the LA Dodgers. In addition, she loved to travel, especially to her favorite place, which was Ireland.
     Nancy shot from the hip. She was often quick to share her opinion even if you didn’t ask for it. At the same time, Nancy was a kind person, a friend, and mentor to many.
     Nancy is survived by her children: Linda Ewart (Peter Barlow) of Darlings Island, NB, Kim Ketchum of Calgary, AB, Timothy Ketchum (Victoria) of Quispamsis, NB, Michael Ketchum (Wendy Cumberland) of Gagetown, NB, Vicki Ketchum (Lucas MacDonald) of Hampton, NB, Theresa Ketchum-Boudreau (Brian) of Hampton, NB, Glenn Ketchum (Judy) of St. George, NB, and Wade Ketchum (Patti) of Antigonish, NS; grandchildren: Jonathan, Travis, Chadd, Trent, Emmett, Jared, Leah Katie, Kimberley, Laura, Luke, Jude, Jane, Hunter, Vance, Isaac and Emily; many great grandchildren; brother David Johnston (Brenda) of Hampton, NB; sister Dianne Savavrsson of Saint John, NB; as well as several nieces, nephews and her canine companion Jack. In addition to her parents, Nancy was predeceased by her loving husband Leonard Ketchum; birth mother Muriel McCullough; and brother Ronald Vaughan.
     The family would like to offer a special thank you to the staff of the Ridgewood Veteran’s Wing for the compassionate and respectful care they offered Nancy during her last months.
     Arrangements have been entrusted to Reid’s Funeral Home (506-832-5541), 1063 Main Street, Hampton, NB where visitation will be held on Monday, April 17, 2023 from 4-8PM. Mass will be held on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 11:00AM from St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, Hampton, NB. Interment will take place at St. Alphonsus Catholic Cemetery.
     Donations in memory of Nancy may be made to the MS Society, the Canadian Cancer Society or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and charitable donations may be made through: ReidsFH.com