It is with sadness we announce the passing of our dear mother, Viola O. "Vi" Fraser (nee Kehoe), at the Aberdeen Hospital on May 28, 2021. Viola was in her 99th year. Viola was a member of St. George's Anglican Church, and former member of Lord Sackville Chapter IODE in Sackville, NB
She excelled at knitting, giving away her crafts to anyone who was interested. As well, donating countless pairs of socks, mittens and baby hats to hospitals and other institutions in need, locally and provincially, and many to the far north of Canada thru IODE. Mom also was a savvy and keen card player, well up to a challenge until about a month ago. A passionate gardener, she was in her element as she worked the soil, beautifying her surroundings. Her zeal for making preserves too, for family, friends and neighbors was renowned. Also, until 6 months ago, amazingly, freshly baked pies were still a staple on her table, often accompanied by her humorous expression, "Do you think this will do?"
She remained at home with nursing care and family support, during recent months of declining health, until mid-April, when hospitalization became necessary. Mom always enjoyed visits from family and friends, although visits became restricted due to Covid 19. At her "Pre-Covid" birthday party at 97 years, she was so happy to welcome over 40 family and friends to her garden party.
Viola is survived by her daughters, Sandra Ryan, Yarmouth; Dorothy Mitchell (Jim Ferris), Kitchener; Margaret MacDonald (Brian), Westville; son, Jim Fraser, New Glasgow; and daughter-in-law, Fran Fraser, Salt Springs.
She was Gram/Nanny of 16 to, John and Sonia Ryan, Mark and Paul Mitchell and Susan Hicks, Jim, John, Jason and Sheri Douglas and Paul Blair, Charlie and Amy Fraser, Ross MacDonald, Amanda, JB and Tyler Fraser. Viola had many great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandson; as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was a daughter of the late James "Jim" and Elizabeth "Bess" (Tighe) Kehoe of Thorburn. Viola was predeceased by her husband, J. Earle Fraser (1995), two infant sons, daughter, Gail Blair (2011), and son, Fred Fraser "Charlie" in 2016. Viola was the last surviving member of her Kehoe Family of eleven children, brothers: John (Jean), Jim (Mary), George (Kaye), Bern (Val), Paul; sisters: Jenny (Newell) Fraser, Rose (Roy) Fraser, Marg (Irving) McGibbon, Regina (Chester) White, Louise (Lennie) White.
Our heartfelt thanks to long-time family physician, Dr. Spencer Barclay, whose care went far beyond in-office visits. Our family is very grateful to VON nurses and home-care staff, and nursing staff on 4th and 5th floor at the Aberdeen Hospital. Our sincere appreciation. Thank you to family and friends for flowers, calls and well wishes.
Care has been entrusted to R.H. Porter Funeral Home in New Glasgow. A private memorial service will take place at 1 pm Saturday, September 11. A link to the recording of the service is below. In lieu of flowers, donations in Viola's memory may be made to a charity of your choice.