Jeanne d’Arc Arseneau, 88, passed away peacefully on November 25, 2023 at the Villa Providence in Shediac. Born on February 15, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Pierre and Hélène (St-Pierre) Arseneau of Tracadie-Sheila. She is survived by one sister, Carmelle "Carmelina" Benoît (late Aldoria Basque) of Tracadie-Sheila. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her brothers: Hector (late Claudette), Napoléon, Walter, and Alcide (Marina); as well as her sister, Cécilia (late Victor Arseneau).
Jeanne d’Arc was adopted at a very young age after the passing of her mother. She was the last surviving member of her adoptive family of Pierre «Peter» and Olive (St-Pierre) Ferguson. Besides her adoptive parents, she was predeceased by her brothers: Aurèle (Stella), Alcide (Jeannette), and Dr. Pierre "Pete" (Madeleine), as well as her sisters: Béatrice Duff (Frank), Georgina Mallais (Irénée), and Bernadette Breau (Césaire).
She is also survived by her cousins and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Her special friend, Alfreda Bourque, predeceased her in 2016.
Inhabited by a great faith, she travelled everywhere participating in the life, workshops, conferences of her Church and also left her touch with flower arrangements in front of Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral where she was a member of the choir. She was very involved in the life of the religious community and in the church choir, especially at Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral. Jeanne d’Arc was a loving, joyful and welcoming person. She had a contagious laugh. Her nephews and nieces affectionately called her "Dedarc".
Although Jeanne d’Arc lived in Moncton for most of her life, she enjoyed visiting the Tracadie-Sheila area to see her family. One trip she enjoyed was visiting the late Capuchin Fr. David Boudreau in Lac-Bouchette, P.Q., accompanied by her long-time friend, Alfreda Bourque. She loved to participate in the family activities that were important to her, and she rarely missed them, especially Sunday night dinners at the home of her niece and goddaughter, Monique Imbeault and the late Bernard Imbeault. She always enjoyed receiving "news" from all her nieces and nephews and their children, whom she considered to be her own children and grandchildren.
Jeanne d’Arc was very fond of flowers and one of her hobbies was gardening wherever gardens were available to add her special touches. As for other activities, she surprised us all when she announced that she was undertaking "line dancing" classes. During her regular visits with her family, Jeanne d’Arc enjoyed adding pieces to the many puzzles she had started or playing a game of cards with the family.
Jeanne d’Arc was educated at Collège Notre-Dame d'Acadie. After graduating from college, she took a job at CN's head office in Montreal. She returned to Moncton after a few years as an administrative assistant at Vanier school, a little later took on a position as an administrative assistant at the Université de Moncton, and finished her career with the Government of Canada.
Over the years, Jeanne d’Arc greatly appreciated all the attention and time she received when she needed it. Her nephews, Gérard Mallais and Father Jean-Bernard Mallais, have been an immense support to her, either for various appointments, medical or other services for her daily well-being as well as continued spiritual support.
The family would like to thank the management and dedicated staff of Villa Providence in Shediac for the care provided over the past few years, especially Kelly Gautreau who was very present for Jeanne d’Arc from the first day, as well as Dadege Djome Bathu who accompanied her until the end.
The funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday June 22 at 11 am at Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral, 220 St. George Street, Moncton. There will be no visiting hours. The funeral mass will be videotaped, and the video will be available on Jeanne d’Arc’s obituary on the Frenette Website at the end of the day. In lieu of flowers, a contribution to Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral would be appreciated. Funeral arrangements are in the professional care of Frenette Funeral and Cremation Centre, Moncton (506-858-1900).
Words of comfort and donations may be made at www.frenettefuneralhome.com