It is with great sadness that the Richard Family announces the passing of Julie Richard, wife of J. Bernard Richard, of Miramichi New Brunswick on January 20, at the age of 78.  She was surrounded by her family and friends in the welcoming environment of Mount Saint Joseph Nursing Home. 

Born in Chatham, NB on April 15, 1946, Julie was the daughter of the late J. Fraser Kerr and the late Genevieve (Fitzgerald) Kerr.

Julie had two passions in life, her family and teaching.  In her early years Julie taught music at several schools in the Miramichi area including: Croft Elementary, Harkins Elementary, St. Andrews Elementary, CFB Chatham and CFS St. Margarets.  She was also proud of her accomplishment of being the first female Drivers Education instructor in New Brunswick and always reminded her children of this.  Julie taught private piano lessons for over fifty years. She touched the lives of so many in our community with music and during her short time at Mount Saint Joseph Nursing Home highly enjoyed all the music events. Julie could often be found playing the organ and piano at Saint Andrews Catholic Church in Loggieville, CFB Chatham Catholic Chapel and in later years at St. Michaels Basilica in Chatham. Over the years she had many choirs and would provide music at funerals and weddings. One of her favorite traditions was taking childrens choirs to local seniors homes to sing for the residents during the holiday season, as well as having some of her piano students play Christmas music.   

Julie is survived by Bernard, her husband of 53 years, and their four children. Sons: John Richard of Miramichi, NB. Andre Richard of Halifax, NS, and Joseph Richard (Kelly Chaves) Oklahoma City, OK; Daughter: Anne-Marie Richard of Halifax, NS; Grandchildren Thomas and Agibail of Oklahoma City; Sisters: Frances Kerr, Mary Jane Kerr, Irene Christie (Jack); sisters in-law: Margaret Kerr and Giselle Kerr, all of Miramichi NB; brothers-in law Patrick Richard (Helene) of Fredericton NB and Paul Richard (Joanne) of Moncton NB; Cousin: Richard Kerr (Phyllis) and lifelong best friend Marge MacLean of Miramichi NB; Julie is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Julie is predeceased by her four year old son Michael in 1979, Julie is also predeceased by her brothers John Kerr and William (Billy) Kerr, sisters-in-law Irene Skolrood, Geraldine Eberhardt, and Susan Keats. 

As per Julie’s wishes there will be no Visitation. A private funeral service will take place at Mount Saint Joseph Nursing Home Chapel.  In the spring Julie will be laid to rest with her son Michael at St. Andrews Catholic Cemetery in Loggieville, NB. 

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Julie’s memory to Mount Saint Joseph Nursing Home Foundation https://mountsj.ca/foundation/  or 51 Lobban Ave Miramichi, NB E1N 2W8. 

The family would like to acknowledge and thank Dr. Gerard Losier and Dr. Antonio Tan for the excellent care Julie received over the years. As well, the family wishes to extend our appreciation to caregiver Carolyn McKinnon for her dedication and loving support she provided over the past several years. Julie was able to enjoy the loving, caring, and compassionate community of Mount Saint Joseph Nursing Home for the last several weeks of her life where she was able to enjoy activities with her son John, who also resides at Mount Saint Joseph Nursing Home and was able to spend so much time with our Mom. 

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