It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Laura Stever, age 93, of Moncton. NB. at The Moncton Hospital on September 6, 2026.
Born and raised in Caraquet, NB, she was the daughter of the late Edmond J Landry and the late Winnifred (Asselin) Landry. Laura was predeceased by her son, Mark; her sister, Marguerite; her brothers: Edmond, Gilbert, James, Théodore and Maurice; two brothers: Ronald and Martin who died at a young age, and sister in-law Marcelle.
Laura worked outside the home. Early on, she worked as a telephone operator. As a wife and mother, she worked part time as a bookkeeper for several businesses. Later, Laura dedicated most of her working life caring for others and serving her community. Laura carried out administrative, teaching and benevolence work at Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix church and furthered her education in religious studies.
Mom found time for the simple pleasures in life. She loved needlepoint, cooking, baking, reading, watching birds, looking at her flowers, travel and shopping. Most of all, mom loved spending time with family, cooking and talking on the telephone. Mom was kind, gentle and patient with everyone, and gave her time to anyone who needed it. She helped her family when her father was ill. She helped look after her father-in-law in his dying days. She consoled sick or grieving family members over the years. When family or friends came to her door, she made them feel at home. She welcomed them in, offered warm conversation, something to eat and drink and a place to stay. For dad, meal times were 7:30 am, 12:00 pm and 5 pm. For anyone else it was anytime. It was nothing for mom to feed a hungry group of my friends at 10 pm or send me off to college with a week’s supply of homemade meals and sweets to share with class mates. Whenever mom came to our home, she would have shopping bags full of sweets casseroles and pies. We have nothing but fond memories of mom including the warmth of her hugs and the little touch on the nose!
To her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was Memere and to them she was the best cook they knew. Nobody made turkey dinners, homemade fries, French toast and strawberry squares quite like she did. There was a drawer in her kitchen where she kept treats and every grandchild knew exactly which drawer it was. She had a bit of a sweet tooth herself, nothing extravagant, but she never said no to chocolate, or a short drive for lunch or soft ice cream. Memere got great comfort and joy in looking after her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Memere was loving, had a great sense of humour and there was nothing she would not do for her family. The only way to find her limit was to come home with a new tattoo.
Memere loved Christmas. She pestered us in September for our Christmas gift list and what day we were coming home for Christmas. She took months to shop and weeks to decorate. Her tree was something to behold, with a train running through it and lights everywhere, and the village underneath took up nearly half the living room. Memere always said Christmas is the day we celebrate when we all get together. It suited a woman born on Christmas Day. Christmas will never be the same without you. We love you memere.
In her later years, she often talked about the great memories she had growing up on the farm in Caraquet, her father’s horses with shiny bridles, her mother taking her siblings out for a drive in the car and the dogs her family had. She loved dogs, as long as they were well behaved and stayed outside.
Laura leaves behind her beloved husband of 67 years, Mathias; her children: Ronald (Wendy) of Musquodoboit Harbour, Nova Scotia, and Carmel Gilroy (Roy) of Amherst, Nova Scotia; her grandchildren: Danielle, Brian (Madison), Dennis (Michelle), Adam and Nicole; and her great-grandchildren: Nathalie, Amélie, Chloe, Hailey and London.
She is also survived by her siblings: Winnie (Alfred Losier) of Dieppe, Gertrude (Gérald Landry) of Caraquet, Jérémie (Martha) of Caraquet and Martin (Paulette) of Caraquet; her sisters-in-law: Mérilda, wife of the late Théodore Landry, Odette Mallet, her brother-in-law Donat husband of her sister the late Marguerite Cool of Fredericton, our dear friend Maurice Poirier and many nieces and nephews.
Laura leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, kindness, laughter, and the many lives she touched throughout her life. She will be remembered for her caring heart, her welcoming spirit, and the unconditional love she so naturally gave to those around her. Her memory will remain forever cherished in the hearts of her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
As per her wishes, there will be no visitation at the funeral centre and no funeral service. Interment will take place in Saint-Anselme Parish Cemetery at a later date. In memory of Laura, donations to House of Nazareth Inc or to a charity of the donor’s choice 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.