Obituary of Kathleen Van Doorselaere

With heavy hearts and immense gratitude for her extraordinary life, the family of Kathleen Van Doorselaere announces her peaceful passing on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Hospice House Fredericton, at the age of 95.

Born in Minto, NB, on January 28, 1930, to the late Dennis and Caroline (Barrieau) Blackier, Kathleen was one of a kind — a radiant soul whose spirit was as fierce as it was generous. She lived with passion, humour, and boundless determination, leaving a legacy of strength, resilience, and love in every life she touched.

Kathleen was the heartbeat of her family — a proud mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who lit up every room she entered. She was full of spunk and energy, with a laugh that could lift even the heaviest hearts. Up until the age of 94, she could be found mowing her lawn, tending to her gardens, or encouraging others to take just as much pride in their homes as she did in hers. She believed in hard work, fresh air, and the joy of a life well lived.

Known for her quick wit and love of a good poker game, Kathleen was a fierce card player with a competitive spark and a mischievous grin. She was a storyteller with a memory like a steel trap, and she generously shared her wisdom — often with a side of sass and a sparkle in her eye. Whether baking in her kitchen, sharing laughs with friends, or cheering on her grandchildren, Kathleen brought her whole heart to every moment.

She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by her daughters, Caroline (Julien) Albert, Ruth Caissie, and Ann Marie (John) Belliveau; her sisters, Corrine Crawford and Florence Crawford; her brother, Louis Richard; her beloved grandchildren, Crystal, John, Allan, Timothy, Dustin, Chrissie, Kody, and Matthew; many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a circle of friends whose lives she brightened with her strength, humour, and kindness.

Kathleen is now reunited with her sons, Carl and Allan Van Doorselaere; her sisters, Louise, Exilda, Doreen, Irene, Alice, Ida, Alvina, Annie, and Veronica; her brothers, Edmund and William; and her son-in-law, John Caissie.

A Celebration of Kathleen’s Life will be held on Sunday, July 6th, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at the Minto Senior Citizens Hall (11 O’Leary Lane). Interment will follow at a later date in St. Bridget’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, Minto, NB.

Friends and family are warmly invited to bring their favourite memories and stories — the kind Kathleen loved best — as we gather to honour her incredible life. Let us laugh, cry, and celebrate the remarkable woman she was.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Kathleen’s memory to Hospice House Fredericton would be deeply appreciated by her family, who are forever grateful for the loving care she received.

Her strength was unmatched. Her laughter was unforgettable. Her love lives on