Obituary of Sonia Ellen McClenaghan

It is with heavy hearts the family of Sonia Ellen McClenaghan of Quispamsis, wife of Harry McClenaghan, announce her passing which occurred on Friday, March 2, 2018 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born in Bathurst, NB on April 26, 1947, she was a daughter of the late Leo and Stella (Gallant) Frenette. Sonia was employed at NBTel, Chandler Sales, St. Joseph's Hospital, and Saint John Regional Hospital until her retirement in 2002. She was a very artistically talented person as a painter and especially with her Ukrainian egg decorating. Her beautifully decorated eggs were displayed in museums and libraries. She freely gifted these decorated eggs to friends and colleagues, and passed on her talent by providing courses to those inclined to learn this fine art. She was a prior member of the Catholic Women's League, and a Telephone Pioneer Partner. When she was able, she participated in the Heart Pillow Project. Sonia loved working in the kitchen, preparing delicious meals, and baking pies and pastries. She enjoyed the warmer seasons at the Bay Du Vin summer house, especially watching beautiful sunsets across the Miramichi Bay. In earlier years she was very active as a walker, hiker, and cross country skier, always eager to enjoy the great outdoors. Sonia was a very loving mother and parent, who was very supportive in guiding Kimberley and Sean throughout their lives. Their education was also foremost in her mind. Sonia was also a very kind and giving person, especially to those she saw in need. Besides her loving husband of fifty-one years, Sonia is survived by her children: Sean McClenaghan (Penny) of Dublin, Ireland, and Kimberley Grube (Keith) of Philadelphia, PA, brothers: Roland Frenette (Evelyn) of Quispamsis, Bernard Frenette of Bathurst, NB, sisters: Patricia Denning of Long Island, NY, Darlene Herrington (Dennis) of New York, NY, Ina Frenette (Bernard Fisher) of Caraquet, NB, and Francetta Calnan (Colin) of Dartmouth, NS, sisters-in-law: Marie Frenette, Florence Frenette, and Valerie Frenette, brother-in-law Raoul Guignard, as well as several nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. Sonia was predeceased by her brothers Leo, Kevin, and Ian Frenette, sister Melva Guignard, and brother-in-law Hugh Denning. Resting at Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis (506-849-2119) with visiting on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mark's Catholic Church, on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at 11 a.m. Interment to take place at St. John The Evangelist Cemetery in Bay Du Vin, NB, at a later date. The family thanks the Saint John Regional Hospital Heart Function Centre Nurse, Rhonda Loscsin, the extramural nurses, and Drs. Patrick Maloney and David Bewick, for their excellent care of Sonia over the past few years. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of New Brunswick, the Salvation Army or to a charity of the donor’s choice.