Joseph G. E. Breen
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Joe Breen on January 15, 2020 at the Miramiichi Regional hospital after a long battle with cancer. He was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Louise (LeBoutillier) and brothers, John and David. He is survived by sisters, Ann (George) Springer and Mary (Late Ken) Harris; brothers Thomas (Miramichi) and Peter (Edmonton); daughters, Karen (Todd) Pippy of Kingston Ontario and Joanne (Michael) McFeters of Fall River, NS; granddaughters, Grace and Megan; nieces, Patti (Donnie) Harris, Shannon Breen (Edmonton); and nephews, Ken Harris Jr (Ontario) and Frank Breen (Edmonton).
Joe is remembered for the immense pride he had in the Miramichi community and the people that live here. Throughout his life he travelled widely, with Ireland being a favourite spot, but there was no place he’d rather be than in the Miramichi. Whether it was a round of golf, breakfast with the boys at Tim’s, or reading his books on middle Island, that’s where he was happiest.
Born and raised on Church Street in Chatham, Joe grew up playing sports including baseball for the Chatham Ironmen and hockey at St. Thomas University. Joe had a long and rewarding teaching career which also included a term as president of the New Brunswick Teachers Association. Joe was an active community volunteer with organizations such as the RCAFA Wing, 597 Air Cadet sqn, Miramichi Regional Hospital Board, Miramichi Sports Hall of Fame, Mount St. Joseph’s, Miramichi Golf and Country Club and a founding member of the Miramichi Sports History in pictures, to name a few. He was also a member of MARTA (The Miramichi Area Retired Teachers Association), a branch of the New Brunswick Society of Retired Teachers (NBSRT).
Joe’s family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Miramichi Hospital for the care he received, friends and neighbors, Joyce Fry and Lil Cook, and all the visitors he had while in hospital who brought happiness in his final days. A special thank you to Bobby Bowes, who remained a true and trusted friend to Joe from the beginning of their days together at St. Thomas University, until the very end.
There is nothing Joe loved or was more proud of than his family and the “Mighty Miramichi”. There was no better advocate, he will be dearly missed.
Funeral mass will be held Monday, January 20th, 2020 at 11am at Saint Michael’s Basilica. Interment will be held at a later date in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Oncology Unit, Region 7 Miramichi Hospital, Saint Michael’s building fund or a charity of one’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Maher’s Funeral Home. Telephone 773-4321 or www.mahersfh.com