Obituary of Mary Stokes

It is with great sadness that the family of Mary Elizabeth Stokes, announce her passing at the Sackville Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, July 11, 2012. She was 67 years of age. Born on May 18, 1945 in Moncton, N.B., she was the daughter of the late Geraldine Mildred (Wheaton) and Raymond Moss Ricker. Mary knew the Lord as her personal Saviour, having been saved in the 1970’s. She devoted much time to various church programs including teaching Sunday School at Main Street Baptist Church with the grade 2 girls for ten years, working in the church nursery, teaching and helping out with Daily Vacation Bible Schools. She was a Boy Cub Scouts leader for nine years with her first husband, Keith Estabrooks. Mary was also a member of the Tantramar Twirlers and her favorite dance was the Grand Square Six. Mary will be sadly missed by her husband, John Stokes of Sackville, N.B.; her children, Michael Keith (Christine) Estabrooks of Riverview, N.B. and Heather Rae (Christopher) Prescott of Sackville, N.B.; granddaughter, Shelby Estabrooks; grandsons, Keith Estabrooks, Jared Prescott and Mason Prescott; step-grandson, Spencer Prescott; aunts, Peggy Ricker, who was her prayer warrior and Pat Pardy; uncle, Arnold Ricker; step-sons, John V. Stokes of Moncton, N.B. and Rodney O. Stokes of Halifax, N.S.; three step-grandsons; three step-granddaughters; two step-great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Ivy (Stanley) Bulmer, Mona Pierce, Norma (Merlin) Estabrooks, Dorothy (Alvin) Snowdon, Irma (late Wendell) Phinney, Mary (Larry) Dee, Brenda (David) Jewers; brothers-in-law, Albert Estabrooks, Russell (Joyce) Stokes, David Stokes, Chesley (Anne) Stokes as well as many Wheaton and Ricker cousins. Dear and closest friend for over 40 years, Donna Wheaton, who adopted Mary as another sister as well as Erma (Sonny) Black. They were her shoulders to lean on, arms to hold her and who offered prayers to wrap around her, always being there and never failing her. Mary believed that the Lord blessed her in her life by giving her two loving husbands. She was pre-deceased by her first husband, Keith Estabrooks, son of H. Jean and Frank D., in 1986; parents, Raymond Ricker in 1985 and Geraldine Wheaton in 2001; very close cousin, Shirley M. Estabrooks (Arnold) in 2004; mother-in-law, H. Jean Tilley in 2011, father-in-law, Frank D. Estabrooks in 1994 and brother-in-law, Neil Stokes in 1984. Arrangements have been entrusted to Campbell’s Funeral Home, 89 Bridge Street, Sackville, N.B. (364-8188). In keeping with Mary’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no visiting hours. A private grave-side service will be held for family. Friends are invited to a reception and time of fellowship at the Main Street Baptist Church on Sunday, July 15, 2012 at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mary may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Death can hide, but not divide, Thou art but on Christ’s other side, Thou are with Christ and Christ with me, United still in Christ are we. -Author Unknown