Obituary of Mary Daigle
The family of Mary Helena Daigle expresses their sorrow over her passing, which occurred on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the Saint John Regional Hospital. The family is deeply appreciative of the genuine warmth, generosity, and compassion she brought into the world, and they are comforted knowing her legacy of kindness will live on through those she helped and cared for.
She was born in Saint John, NB on December 6, 1957, a daughter of the late Paul and Doreen (Hachey) Daigle.
Mary's career began as she graduated from Saint John School of Nursing in 1976...it was her passion. She traveled extensively - some travel in her early years to Europe and Asia and later to the Southern States as a travel nurse in Texas...eventually settling in New Orleans for over 6 years. She moved back to Canada in 1997, lived in BC for over 20 years, and later settled permanently in Kingston, NB. She worked in ICU's, Critical Care, Trauma and Recovery at both VGH and RCH while in BC and when she returned to Kingston, NB, she worked in the Sussex Health Center in day surgery. Always the caregiver, learner and teacher; she was quick to share her knowledge with colleagues who admired her professionalism but fairness in all situations. She saw it all and was the most compassionate nurse you could ask for, always taking time to hold a patient's hand or offer comforting words to those who were ailing. Her gentle touch and warm presence would bring comfort to those facing difficult moments, and she made sure each person felt truly cared for and heard, no matter how busy her day was.
Her passion for life was always at the forefront... She was deeply spiritual...always seeking the 'higher plane' with a deep respect for Mother nature; she studied many aspects of it along with her love for yoga, which she trained for and became an instructor for a time.
She loved the outdoors which fit well with her beautiful property on the Kingston Peninsula; Fiercely independent, she was truly a pioneer at heart, clearing land, chopping wood, hauling, and stacking for cold winters. Her neighbors often saw her walking; the back roads bundled up to the top of her head in the winter getting the fresh air. She loved her family times and had a deep individual connection with everyone.
Having lost their mom and dad early in life; Mary and her siblings were forever close-always the nurse and caregiver but forever a friend. She had friends worldwide; once you became her friend, she always stayed in touch, and her closest friends were as true as family, demonstrating her loyalty and genuine connections.
Mary was kind and sweet; but she was strong and lived life on her own terms. She had a beautiful soul and heart. Always thinking of everyone else and giving out of her caring heart.
Mary loved her two cats, Frankie and Sami, who were her beloved companions and sources of joy. They found comfort and joy in her home, where shared space offered solace and freedom.
“We are connected to everyone we love by invisible, unbreakable threads. And when one of us misses the other person, we only need to pull on those heartstrings to bring them a little closer to us.
Sometimes it hurts. Sometimes we grab desperately at the thread like a life buoy in a storm and our string is pulled so abruptly that it burns.
But it never breaks.” Excerpt poem by Becky Hemsley.
Mary will be lovingly remembered by her sisters: Catherine Merkley of Maple Ridge, BC, Paulette (Gordon) Haines of Hampton, NB, Anne Daigle-Plume (Michael) of Maple Ridge, BC; brother Fred Daigle of Vancouver, BC; and nieces Angie (Jon) MacDonald, Danielle (Corey) Carpenter, Erica Haines, Nicole (Matt) Long, Michelle Iozzo and nephews Aaron (Tiffany) Daigle, Liam (Paige) Hogan and Wyatt (Emma) Plume, great nieces Marlee MacDonald, Levi Carpenter, Dylan Long, Mya Hogan and Aria Hogan, great nephews Jaxson Delisle, Cole Scholfield and Tanner Long and great, great nephew Reymyn Scolfield. In addition to her parents, Mary was predeceased by her brother Gary Daigle and her brother-in-law Ron Merkley.
We would like to acknowledge the excellent care Mary received from the Saint John Regional Hospital emergency department, especially Dr. Mackenzie Howatt, and Dr. Makin. We would also like to thank the nurses, the palliative care team and extra-mural nurse Nikola.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Reid’s Funeral Home (506-832-5541), 1063 Main Street, Hampton, NB, from where a Celebration of Mary’s life will be held on Sunday, Feb 1, 2026 from 2:00 to 5:00PM.
Donations in memory of Mary may be made to Redhead Strays helping Stray Cats Strut or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and charitable donations may be made through ReidsFH.com
