August 28, 1935 – April 23, 2026
Muriel Marguerite Gaunce passed away peacefully on April 23rd surrounded by her family and loved ones, at the Carleton Kirk Nursing Home. Heaven gained the sweetest angel. Born in Saint John, N.B. on August 28, 1935, Muriel was a daughter of the late George Thomas Flowers and Louise Nancy (Hampton) Flowers, and widow of the late James Aubrey Gaunce (2023).
Muriel is survived by the loves of her life, her children, grand children and great- grandchildren. She was the proud mother to daughter Deborah (Stephen) Harder, of West Branch, N.S., son Gary (Mary Ellen) Gaunce, of Grand Bay – Westfield, and daughter Linda (Jerry) Thibodeau of Grand Bay-Westfield. She had nine grandchildren; Katie, Krista, Matthew, Laura, Kelsey, Jeremiah, Melissa, Megan, and Jacob and 15 great grandchildren; Telsey, Georgia, Emmery, Ethan, Liam, Olivia, Dreyson, Preston, Aubrey, Stanley, Caleb, Max, Oliver, Malcolm, and Glenny. She is also survived by one sister: Hazel (Bobby) Corbett, of Grand Bay – Westfield, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Muriel was predeceased by her parents; George and Louise Flowers, her husband; James A. Gaunce, two sons; Little Jimmy, and Terry, siblings; Freddy, Dougie, Alice, Marion, Pat, and Billy.
Muriel was sweet soul, with a kind heart and bright smile! She loved her family, sunshine, cooking, and the simple things in life, and she was always ready to have her photo taken.
Growing up in a large family, Muriel loved her siblings and children, and her and Jim built a life together in Grand Bay- Westfield with their own family. She loved music and dancing, and her and Jimmy could often be found at a local legion dance, camping with the family, or on one of their countless adventures, taking a road trip in the van. Summers and Falls were spent making memories in Gagetown. From swimming off the wharf, but making sure she didn’t get her hair wet, to cooking her famous seafood chowder for the crowds that always came during the Queens County Fair. Muriel loved to entertain and she loved a tidy home, and it did not matter if it was at dawn on a Saturday morning in the summer, the vacuum was going.
When you went to visit Nanny, you were always greeted with her beautiful smile and warm hugs. She always made you feel welcome in her home, around the bonfire, or up at the cottage. Her grandchildren fondly remember stealing pieces of her double mint gum, putting on her favourite lipstick, or trying on one of the many pairs of high heels she owned. Snow days were spent sliding down the hill and warming up by fire.
She had many special friends, including her lifelong friend Grace, catching up and chatting with her weekly, even in the nursing home. Muriel loved to call, checking in on those she loved. You never left her or hung up without an I love you, and she would always answer back I love you more. We love you more Mom, Nanny, & Great Nanny. Our lives were truly special because of her, and she will forever be missed. We hope heaven has an unlimited calling plan.
The family would like to say a special thank you to the Carleton Kirk Nursing Home for their care and love these last three years, and to Linda- for never missing a day, always taking care of her, and tucking her in until the very end.
The arrangements are under the care and direction of Castle Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Ave. Saint John, N.B. (506 634 1701). A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, April 28th at Brundage Point from 2:30-4:30 pm. Please join us to celebrate her beautiful life. Donations to the charity of the donor’s choice or to your local nursing home in Muriel’s memory would be appreciated. Online condolences can be made at www. Castlefh.ca.
