Obituary of Eveline Mary Lanigan

Peacefully at her home, 2475 Ocean Westway, Saint John, Mrs. Eveline (Evelyn) Lanigan in her 98th year, passed away November 22, 2017 with her loving family around her. Born 27 April 1920 in Saint John, eldest daughter of Luc and Melanie (Guimond) Comeau. Eveline is survived by her children: daughters Judy Buchanan, Carol Arbeau (Russell), Leah Leavitt (Richard), Beverly Floyd (Peter), Dawn Alexander (Gary); and sons Patrick (Nancy), Michael (Yvette), Anthony (Maureen) and Kenneth, 26 grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great grandchildren. Also survived by her sister Rose Marie Prokipczuk, brother Luke Comeau and daughter-in-law Elizabeth (Betty). Predeceased by her loving husband of 65 years, Frank in 2004 and her sons Francis (Frankie) Luke 1957, Paul Joseph 1953, James (Jim) Edward 2010 and son-in-law Wayne Buchanan. Also predeceased by her sisters Ida (Edith), Linda, Alice, Rita, Vanessa, Theresa and brothers Arthur, Orel and Dolor. A gentle, loving, true matriarch of her one hundred plus descendants and their spouses, Eveline was always keenly interested in their well being, taking the time to listen to every story, cherishing every visit. Always positive, finding the good in every situation and everybody. Her summer gatherings and Christmas parties were always eagerly anticipated and would bring all her loved ones together to share food, love and laughter. She especially loved to see the little ones enjoying life and with her very sharp mind kept track of all of their adventures right up to her last days. Evelyn married Francis (Frank) Patrick Lanigan on September 4th, 1939 and together they had 12 children. After the war they bought a small home in the Spruce Lake community and raised their large family with great love and happiness. Gardening was Evelyn's favourite passtime. She loved to weed and nurture her plants to grow strong and stand tall as she also did with her children, gently steering them to maturity. Genealogy was another of her passions, often traveling afar to graveyards for information on long lost relatives. She did this, as well, for her family, so they'd know their history from both the French and Irish roots. Her faith was strong but never imposed on anyone. Growing up in West Saint John, she sang in the choir of the Assumption church and had considered becoming a nun. After moving to Spruce Lake she became a dedicated member of the Saint Rose church. Her and Frank made many trips to the church of Saint Anne de Beaupre, in Quebec. After Frank's passing, she visited the church again with her four generations, and there, given the honour to lead the religious parade around the church as she was a descendant of Louis Guimont, one of the original congregation of 1654. Eveline was very proud to be a member of the Catholic Womens League for 33 years. Resting at Castle Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Ave. Saint John, N.B. (634 1701).Visitation will be held on Friday, November 24, 2017 from 3:00pm to 9:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Our Lady of Assumption Church on Saturday November 25, 2017 at 10:00am.Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Online condolences can be made at www. Castlefh.com