Sister Lydia Helene Hanselpacker
1926-2024
The passing of Lydia Helene Hanselpacker, wife of the late W. Merven Hanselpacker, occurred at the Charlotte County Hospital, St. Stephen NB, on April 22, 2024. Born at Beaver Harbour, NB on November 8,1926, she is a daughter of the late George and Helen (Hutton) Eldridge.
Lydia is survived by sons: Robert (Patricia) Hanselpacker of St. George NB, Kenneth Hanselpacker (Janice Harmon) of St. George NB; daughter, Karen (Ross) Corning of St. George NB; six (6) grandchildren: Paul (Jessica) Corning, Darren Hanselpacker, Jill (Fred) Armstrong, Josh (Amanda) Corning, Jennifer (Dan) Murray, Merven Hanselpacker (Jim Robitaille); 13 greatgrandchildren, two (2) great great grandchildren; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Merven; sisters Pauline Sparks, and Barbara Hooks, and brother Norval Eldridge.
Following High School Lydia attended Hair Dressing School and then Business College. Lydia then spent her business life in retail along side her loving husband in their grocery business. Lydia loved to travel and traveled extensively to many exotic locations. A lover of music and dancing as well, growing up in the big band era, she enjoyed the big band sound, and attended many dances with her husband during her youth. She was also a big fan of the Gordie Mitchell Orchestra and followed them to dances throughout the area. In her recent years, she could still be found shaking a leg locally as well as in Saint John. Lydia also loved to play Romoli with her club, as well as gatherings with her entire family.
Lydia was a 40-year member of Granite Chapter No.15. She was Initiated on January 11th, 1984 and became a lifetime member on March 8th, 2002. She was also a member of the Orange Lodge, as well as a member of the Granite Town Seniors, and the St. George Baptist Church. She will be sadly missed by her family, her town, and all that knew her.
Arrangements in the care of the St. George Funeral Home (506-755-3533) 26 Portage Street, St. George NB. In keeping with Lydia’s wishes there wasn’t a visitation.
The funeral service took place at the St. George Baptist Church on Friday, April 26th at 2:00 pm with Rev. Jason Hooper officiating. The interment was held in the St. George Rural Cemetery following the service. In Lydia’s memory, donations to the St. George Baptist Church, Charlotte County Cancer or a charity of the donors’ choice would be appreciated by the family. Online donations and condolences may be placed at www.stgeorgefh.ca
"God called your name so softly
That only you could hear
And no one heard the footsteps,
Of angels drawing near.
The golden gates stood open,
God saw you needed rest
His garden must be beautiful
He only takes the best."