It is with broken hearts that we announce the death of Aletha “Lea” Williston (Jardine) Connell, R.N., of Miramichi, New Brunswick, passed away at the Miramichi Regional Hospital on September 28, 2025, at the age of 93.

Born in Chatham, New Brunswick, on August 23, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Mary Aletha (Williston) Jardine and Harrison and Grace (Williston) Watling. 

Lea graduated from Miramichi School of Nursing in 1953 and worked at the Newcastle Hospital and then Region 7 Miramichi Hospital until her retirement in 1997.  She finished her career as an OR Nurse and was very proud of her career.

Lea was a member of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, president and past president of the A.C.W. and Miramichi Retired Nurses.  She was very active in the church as a member of alter guild, Sunday School teacher for many years, leader of the Junior Auxiliary and the Girl's Auxiliary leader.

Lea is survived by her two daughters: Holly Gallant (Bill) and Gayle Trevors (late Brian) all of Miramichi, New Brunswick; two grandchildren: Tara and Timothy; six great-grandchildren: Lauren, Ella, Briah, Sawyer, Theo and Ruby Jade; one sister-in-law, Linda Shaddick (Winston) of Miramichi, New Brunswick; two brothers-in-law: Edward Shaddick and Reg Johnston both of Miramichi, New Brunswick; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  She was predeceased by her parents and parents who raised her, husband, Eldon Connell, sisters and brothers: Carson Jardine (Jean), Willis Jardine (Betty), Vera (Jardine) Wilson (Jim), June (Watling) Morris (John) and Shirley (Watling) Traer (Walter).

Visitation will be held at Adams Funeral Home, 140 King St., Miramichi, New Brunswick on Monday, October 6, 2025, from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM.  Funeral service will be held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 750 Water St., Miramichi, New Brunswick on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 2:00 PM with The Venerable Perry Cooper officiating.  Interment will be in St. Paul’s Anglican Cemetery.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to St. Paul’s Anglican Cemetery would be appreciated by the family.

The family would like to thank the nurses and Doctors on 2nd West who took exceptional and compassionate care of Lea.

Arrangements are entrusted to Adams Funeral Home Ltd., 140 King St., Miramichi, New Brunswick, telephone (506) 773-3492.  Additionally, messages of condolence may be shared online at www.adamsfh.ca