It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, Leona Arsenault, 95, of Moncton, who died peacefully with family by her side on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the Pavillon Richard of Faubourg du Mascaret. Born in Rogersville, she was the daughter of the late Fidèle and Hermeline (Duguay) Thibodeau.

Mom was the heart of our family: strong, determined, and unwavering. She met the challenges of single parenthood with grit and grace while raising her three children. The proud owner of Leona’s Beauty Salon, she worked as a hairdresser from her home on John Street for nearly 50 years, welcoming generations of clients with her warmth and humour.

A talented cook, Mom loved bringing people together at her house over home-cooked meals and delicious desserts. She took pride in preparing beautiful dishes for family and friends, especially her granddaughters. She was a past member of the Beausejour Curling Club Businesswomen, where she formed many cherished friendships. Known for her quick wit and love of a good laugh, she also had a passion for current affairs and read her daily newspaper from front to back. She enjoyed Sudoku puzzles, playing cards, and watching curling on TV.

She moved to the Moncton Residence in June 2022, was admitted to the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont UHC in January 2025, and recently resided at Pavillon Richard of Faubourg du Mascaret.

She is survived by her daughter, Audette (Gene) Devereux of Moncton; her son, Jean-Paul Arsenault (Lisa Edwards) of Edmonton, AB; four granddaughters—Lori (Victor) Hernandez, Lauren Devereux (Pat Derby), Lara Devereux (Derek Smith), and Paige Arsenault (Kyle Ritchie); three great-grandchildren—Bella, Harrison, and Ethan; and three sisters: Bernice (Patrick) Aucoin of Moncton, Alice (late Moïse) Arseneault of Rogersville, and Elianne (late Richard) of Rogersville; as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Laurie (1962); her son, Maurice (1982); her sisters Yvonne, Beatrice, and Irène; and her brothers Ernest, Edmond, Edouard, Eugene, Normand, and Ulysse.

We wish to sincerely thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of the 3E Department at the Georges-L.-Dumont UHC, Moncton Residence, and Faubourg for their exceptional care of our mother.

The family will receive condolences at Frenette Funeral and Cremation Centre, 88 Church Street, Moncton (506-858-1900) on Friday December 5 from 2 to 4 pm and Saturday from 10 am until time of departure (10:45). The funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday December 6 at 11 am at Christ-Roi church, 300 Dominion Street, Moncton. Interment will be at Our Lady of Calvary cemetery in Dieppe.

In loving memory of Leona, friends and family may honor her by offering donations to Christ-Roi Church or to a charity of their choosing.

Words of comfort and donations may be made at www.frenettefuneralhome.com