It is with sadness that the family of Carmella Smearer, common-law spouse of the late Charles J. Young of Bathurst, announce her passing, which occurred at the Chaleur Regional Hospital on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at the age of 78.

Born in Bathurst, she was the daughter to the late Emmanuel and Melvina (Boudreau) LaCroix.

She is survived by her daughter: Laura Lee Smearer (John Furlong) of Bathurst and her son, Ashley Smearer (Rachel Losier) of Moncton as well as grandchildren: Patrick, Jonathan and Vanessa.

Brothers: Edmond LaCroix and Paul LaCroix (Marilyn Pretty) of Bathurst. Sisters: Yvette Hachey (Gus), Jeannine Pitre (late Gordon), Anne Marie Young (David), all from Bathurst and Gloria LaCroix of Moncton.

Also left to mourn are several nephews, nieces, sister-in-law Claudette LaCroix, brothers-in-law and friends.

Besides her spouse, she was pre-deceased by brothers: Armand, Aurèle and Daniel (in infancy) as well as brother-in-law Gerald Doucet and a son, Kevin (in infancy).

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at the Résidence Prestige for all they did to make mom comfortable every day. She adored you all. We also would like to thank Dr. Chamberlain and Dr. Larocque for their compassion and care for our mom.

Mom loved knitting, crocheting, sewing and quilting…..she made sure all her loved ones had one of her quilts to keep them warm and to feel her love.

Funeral service will be held on Friday, June 2nd at 2 p.m. from Elhatton's Funeral Home Chapel. Arrangements are in the care of Elhatton’s Funeral Home, Bathurst (www.elhatton.com).

Donations in memory of Carmella can be made to the Canadian Lung Association, Diabetes Canada or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear. Love you mom, later gator.