With family by her side, Carmel Lavigne passed peacefully on March 10, 2023 at Chaleur Regional Hospital in Bathurst. A mother to us, a friend to all, she was predeceased by her parents Elizabeth (Digman) and James (Jimmy) Thompson, brothers Hubert and Lloyd. Leaving to mourn are her husband Ernest (Ernie) Lavigne and sons Glen, Kevin and Darryl, grandchild Jasmine Abagail Lavigne, and a large circle of extended family and friends.
Born and raised in Chatham, NB she divided her younger years between family, travel and working. Carmel was adventurous and a hard worker from the beginning. After high school, she travelled and then worked as an instructor for leather making and wood carving in Bathurst before joining the early tech revolution as a telephone operator. It was in Bathurst in 1957 that she met and married the love of her life, Ernie. They shared 62 years of married life and raised three boys, her absolute pride and joy.
Long before “hockey moms” and “baseball moms” became a thing, she was “her boys” number one fan. Every game she would load us up and drive us, and our friends to wherever the game was. No matter how small our accomplishments, she made us feel as though we had won the grand prize. To Mom, family was everything! We were most fortunate to have grown up in a home filled with love, support and laughter.
Carmel had many interests, from photography, gardening, baking, sports, and a good family fun card game. With travelling being one of Carmel’s favorite pastimes, she visited many parts of Canada and the United States. Her favorite pastime, however, was celebrating family events such as birthdays, holidays, weddings, and special dinners. Her love of capturing memories was first on her mind always, “where is the camera”, “take a picture” were two of her most favorite phrases.
She was a dedicated and appreciated friend to many, loved by all for more than just her kindness, and will be most greatly missed by her husband Ernie and “her boys” Glen, Kevin, and Darryl.
Our family wish to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to the staff at Manoir Brise de L’Oasis and the nurses and staff on 4 East at the Chaleur Regional Hospital for their tireless dedication to Mom’s comfort and well being.
The service will be held at Holy Family Church, Bathurst, on Friday, March 17th, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.
An expression of sympathy donations may be made in Carmel's memory to the SPCA or the Heart and Stroke Association of New Brunswick.
Arrangements are in the care of Elhatton’s Funeral Home (www.elhatton.com), Bathurst.
