Viola "Vi" Dean

Viola, better known to her family and friends as “Vi” died peacefully at Riverview Manor in Bath on September 1, 2020 at the age of 98. Viola was born on August 6th , 1922 in West Glassville, NB to her parents Ted and Alice (Sweeney) Brewer who predeceased her. She was predeceased by her first husband, John (Jack) Salthouse and her second husband Forest William (Bill) Dean. Her siblings, Bessie Fouch (Clarence), Annie Rediker (Don), and Marjorie Lamont (Ken) predeceased her as well as her stepfather, Billy Banks and her sister, Kay Banks and her brother, Jack Banks.

She is survived by her daughter, Elaine White and her husband, Bob, her grandson, Michael White and his wife Gaynell and her great grandchildren Carlie, and twins, Nicholas and Madison. As well, her Sister, Jessie McKimm (Harold) and her many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Viola and Jack were married in West Glassville in 1940. Two years after Elaine was born, they moved to Shaunavon, Saskatchewan where Jack worked in a galvanizing tire company for three years. They returned to New Brunswick and lived in West Glassville where Jack worked at Alec McIntosh’s Mill in Kenneth. The family moved to Bristol in 1948 and Jack began working at the Bristol Woodworking Factory. Viola worked for the Somervilles and worked at the Cherrio Restaurant in Bristol. She went to work at Marich’s Country Store in Bristol where she worked in the clothing and china department which she enjoyed immensely. She loved clothing and serving the customers for over 25 years. She spent a few years working at Phillip’s Home Hardware, however she missed working with clothing and went to work at Buckingham’s Department Store in Florenceville. She ended her working career when Jack became ill and she stayed at home to take care of him.

Viola liked to travel. She and Jack were fortunate that they were able to travel to England to visit his family in Kirkham. Later they travelled back to England and visited the rest of Europe with friends. They also visited Florida several times where Vi enjoyed the hot weather. After Jack passed away, Viola continued to take several trips with her close friend, Felicia Logue. They took bus tours in the United States and Canada as well as driving to Ontario and other short adventures. Her favorite was their trip to Bermuda. Vi visited her sister, Bessie and her family in Wooster, Ohio. It was on one of her trips that she met Bill Dean. Bill was a bachelor and eventually they decided to get married on June 24, 1994. and settle down in Wooster. They visited Bristol every summer especially for family events such as when Michael and Gaynell were married and when her great grandchildren were born. Bill and Vi had been married for 17 years when he passed away on May 31,2011. Vi then returned to live in New Brunswick to be near her family. She lived in Brennan’s apartments in Florenceville for two years. At that time Dr. Marco thought that she should not live alone. She then moved in with Elaine and Bob in Bristol where she lived for the last seven years.
Vi enjoyed living near Michael and his family. She dearly loved Michael and enjoyed having the opportunity to see her great grand children grow up. Vi led a very active social life. She loved quilting at Annie Greens with her friends, UCW meetings, Seniors Club, Bridge Club on Thursdays as well as Tim Hortons every Tuesday at 2:30 PM with her social group of ladies. She enjoyed going to the Beechwood Baptist Church who cater to seniors each month. She loved the music they shared. She attended church at Faith Memorial United Church and loved her church family.

When Covid-19 arrived things changed greatly for her as it did for everyone. As her dementia was getting more severe, her understanding of what was happening became greater. No longer could she enjoy her social gatherings and although her physical health was wonderful for her 98 years, her mind was fleeting away.

The family want to thank VI’s many friends who helped her. Betty Davenport and Annie Green who always took her to Tim’s and church every Sunday, Sandra McIntosh who took her to Seniors each month and Krista Drost at Spoil Me who continued to do her hair each week, and Kim Brooks as well as looking after Bob watched Mum carefully when I was not home. Also a special thanks to the nurses and staff of River View Manor for their care shown to Vi during her stay there.

Funeral arrangements are with L.R. Giberson Funeral Directors 207 Burnham Rd. Florenceville-Bristol. There will be no Funeral Service, however visiting hours will be Friday, September 4, 2020 from 7 to 9 PM from the funeral home. Interment will be at the Bristol Community Cemetery on Saturday, September 5 at 11:00 AM. with Rev. Susan Estabrooks officiating. Anyone wishing to make donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice or to Faith Memorial United Church. www.gibersonfunraldirectors.ca (506) 392-1115