April 20, 1961 – May 17, 2026
Jeanette Frances McAdam (KC) passed away on May 17th, 2026, at the age of 65, and surrounded by those she loved. She was born in Philadelphia to the late Edward Louis McAdam and Constance Hayes. Building a home in various states over the years, eventually making her way to Canada and settling here in Saint John, New Brunswick.
KC walked with gentleness, wisdom, and a rare gift of making people feel truly seen and valued. She proudly served in the United States Army as a dietician and cook, carrying with her a quiet strength and discipline that would remain part of who she was forever. Though life took her in many directions, her greatest purpose was always caring for her people. A dedicated employee with a fierce work ethic and never lost enthusiasm for the work she loved.
For most of her adult life, KC worked as a chef, but to call cooking simply a career would never fully explain what it meant to her. Food was her love language. She believed one of the purest ways to love another person was to nourish them. Whether it was a home-cooked meal or her famous chocolate chip cookies, she gave pieces of herself to others every single day. The kitchen was where her heart spoke the loudest, with country music playing quietly in the background as she cooked or baked.
KC was deeply spiritual and found peace in mindfulness and Buddhism. She sought beauty in quiet moments, stillness, and the simple comfort of being near the people she loved fiercely. She loved a good book, with a stack always found next to her chair by the window.
She lived in Oregon for more than twenty years. One of the places closest to her heart was Howard Prairie Lake Resort. With years of service, she made countless memories cooking for her regulars and taking care of the resort she loved so much. She also deeply loved time spent at the cottage at Belleisle Bay, where the quiet and stillness often reminded her of Howard Prairie, and being in the presence of her family meant everything.
In the roles KC carried in life, being a wife and a grandparent were among the most cherished. Her halfside and steadfast love was her wife, Sylvie Aubé, with whom she shared sixteen beautiful years. Their love was a force of nature and a sanctuary in a chaotic world. Home was wherever they were together.
More than anything else, KC loved being home with her family. That was where she felt complete. She was not someone who loved halfway. If you were kind to the people she loved, she would move mountains for you. She gave endlessly of herself to family and friends, offering loyalty, protection, and care without hesitation.
Together with Sylvie, KC was the proud parent of Andre Basque (Shaun), Brianna Basque (Ben), and the grandparent (Pop) of Sophie and Alex. She continuously provided them with warmth, safety, and unconditional love. From previous relationships, KC was also the loving parent of Laura Nash, Raven Williams, Dominic, and Katie Porter (Will), with grandchildren Jetta, Leah, Mahalia, Andrew, and Teagan. Predeceased by her father, Edward Louis McAdam, and mother, Constance Hayes, she was also predeceased by her brother, Ed McAdam, and sisters, Lynn Peterson and Sharon Callaway. She is survived by her sisters Kathy MacDonald, Valerie McAdam, and Marsha McAdam. She also had many nieces and nephews: Ashley, Stace, Danielle, David, Jaime, Joshua, Christy, Mary Ann, and Caitlin, as well as great-nieces and great-nephews.
The world feels quieter without KC (Jeanette) in it, but her love will remain everywhere in family dinners, handwritten recipes, and her loved ones’ hearts. Her legacy lives on in the people she nurtured, the love she shared, and the countless lives made gentler by knowing her. She will be deeply missed, endlessly loved, and forever remembered.
We want to express appreciation and gratitude to the staff at 5AS Oncology Unit for the support, care, and compassion shown. You’ve certainly all met your calling, and we couldn’t be more grateful for every act of kindness to KC and our family during our stay. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Arrangements are under the care of Castle Fallsview Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Ave, Saint John, NB E2M 2L3, 506-634-1701. Keeping with KC’s wishes cremation has taken place. A Celebration of KC’s Life will be held at a later date, time to be announced. In lieu of flowers donations in KC’s memory can be made to the Community Autism Centre Inc, 200 Ludlow Street, Saint John, NB.
