Obituary of Noreen Trail

It is with great sadness that the family of J. Noreen Trail announce her death which occurred on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born in Saint John, NB, on May 14, 1951, she was the daughter of the late Ralph and Josephine (Coggan) Greer.

Central to Noreen’s life was her local church in Erb’s Cove, and the friendships she enjoyed there. Her Bible study group was so important to her faith, and her trust in God never wavered.  The love she had for her family was the most profound way her faith was expressed- while she may not have agreed with everyone and didn’t hesitate from speaking her mind, you never had to question the motivation of her heart. The love she had for her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids was evident whenever she spoke of them or was showing the most recent pictures she had. In many ways a ‘no-nonsense’ kind of person, she could also laugh at the silliest of things and thought life too precious to worry about the small stuff.

A regular customer at Tim’s, Robin’s, and the local Credit Union, Noreen knew most of the employees by name, even bringing them occasional treats. She enjoyed outings with friends, walking almost every day, and texting with her great grandkids. Until more recent years, Noreen could be found helping plan meals for social gatherings, and helping other people in a variety of ways. She knew it wasn’t enough to just feel sorry for people who needed a helping hand- if she had the means of offerings practical help, she wouldn’t hesitate to do so. 

Noreen worked at many jobs to help support her family over the years, but by far the one she left her mark on was driving a school bus. In over 30 years of service, she built relationships with many students, receiving cards, gifts, and even invitations to some of their weddings!

Noreen is survived by her children: Frank Trail (Gloria) of Stoney Creek, NB and Stacy Quigley (Scott) of Kingston, NB; grandchildren: Isabelle Trail, Ben (Jessi) Trail, Hannah (Braxton) Dearman, Melissa (Jeremy) Arrowsmith, Zach (Ashley) Brien, Kaleigha Quigley (Christopher) and Jacob Duncan (Rebecca); great-grandchildren: Theodore, Charlotte, Lily, Cohen, Aubree, Blaire, Brooklynn and Declan; siblings: Victor Greer of Temperance Vale, NB, Edward Coggan (Sandy) of Kingston, NB and Linda Stockford (Ron) of Wickham, NB; as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family. In addition to her parents, Noreen was predeceased by her husband Robert Trail.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Reid’s Funeral Home (506-832-5541), 1063 Main Street, Hampton, NB. where the visitation will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 12:00 to 2:00pm with the funeral service to follow at 2:00pm. Donations in memory of Noreen may be made to the Erbs Cove Baptist Church or the charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and donations may be made through ReidsFH.com