It is with sadness that we the family, share the news of the death of Rachelle Hayes (née Boudreau), October 10th, 2025, in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Born in 1952 to the late Kennedy and Doris (Fournier) Boudreau, the eldest of seven children, she spent her childhood in Belledune being curious and creative, reading every book she could get her hands on, caring for her younger siblings, and forging lifelong friendships.

In 1969 she met the love of her life, John, and together they started their lifelong adventure, marrying in 1972. Along with two children, Jonathan (Kerrie) and Jill (Andrew), they experienced life in multiple provinces across the country, always holding Northern New Brunswick close to their hearts as home. With a thirst for knowledge and strong ambition, she went on to obtain two university degrees.

She proudly became “Gramma” in 2010, with the arrival of her first grandchild, her “Bugaboo”, Rory. She blossomed into the role with the arrivals of Ruby, Blake, and Hazel, crafting sweaters and care packages with pride.

She was predeceased by her parents, and brother Louis.

Rachelle will be remembered for her selflessness, warmth, and quiet strength. She was the one who always fretted over everyone else, and even in her final days she was more concerned about the wellbeing of her loved ones than herself, leaving us with the the comforting words “Don’t cry because I’m gone; smile because I was here.”

A service in memory of Rachelle will be held at Elhatton’s Funeral Home Chapel (www.elhatton.com) in Bathurst, NB, on Thursday October 16th, at 2:00pm with a reception to follow.