Carleton Funeral Home and Crematorium

09/07/2026

Leaning into Emotions when Grieving

When grieving, each person will go through uncomfortable feelings. This is a natural course for those who grieve. To grieve well, the griever will need to make every effort to embrace emotions that surface. They will need to trust that in accepting these emotions, that in leaning into these raw feelings… they will be pursuing the better course of action in their grief journey.

There seems to be an awkwardness by many individuals when it comes to talking about or expressing personal sentiments on or about death and grieving. Society tells us to avoid feelings that are associated with emotional pain. Those who grieve receive signals from family, friends, coworkers and others often indicating they would prefer if those who grieve avoid showing their feelings after the death of someone close. The bereft themselves, often fear the effects of grief and try to navigate around their feelings.

Leaning into painful emotions and reflecting on them, helps the griever gain control over their grief. Over time, they discover they can oscillate between the emotional ups and downs they experience. They will also find out they do not have to feel that they are in pain every moment of the day. The key is to allow emotional pain to be experienced when it unfolds and to accept it for what it is… rather than creating suffering from that pain.

There is a subtle distinction here. People often get caught up in the suffering, and forget that what they’re experiencing is actually just grief. They create a story around their grief. Grief episodes or grief bursts often can be relatively short in duration and the griever needs to give grief the time in that moment… to lean into it. It’s not going to be a forever thing… it’s just right at that moment.

Suffering, on the other hand, is more about how the griever reacts to grief. It’s important to know the difference between suffering and grieving… people sometimes become confused between the two. Some grievers feel that if they are not in pain, they are not being loyal to the person who died.

Remember grief is natural process, and if someone is feeling better over time it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re being disloyal to the relationship they shared with their beloved. “If I am going to truly grieve this person, I’m going to stay in this misery for the rest of my life.” In a way, suffering is avoiding the acceptance of this loss.

Withholding feelings and pretending really isn’t a healthy thing. Appearing to be stoic and strong is not leaning into emotions. By not leaning into grief, in the long term, the griever may experience a meltdown or actual physical ailments at some point in the future.

Being honest with emotions is vital to grieving well and being able to accept the loss of someone close. So, unleash the ugly cry. Don’t suppress or avoid feelings that are experienced. Delaying reactions to grief may result in severe repercussions in weeks, months and even years later.

Margaret Lorrie Beaton, MA, C. Hyp
Bereavement Counsellor

© Carleton Funeral Home and Crematorium/CFHC Online

09/04/2026

Eric Thomas Butler

It is with much sadness that we announce the sudden death of Eric Thomas Butler of Riceville NB on Friday September 4, 2026, in Bath New Brunswick.

Eric was born in St. Johns Newfoundland on April 1, 1986, to Thomas and Allison (Sears) Butler.

Eric moved to Woodstock, New Brunswick in 1990 with his family and made the area his home.

Eric is survived by his fiancé, Christina Foster, his parents, Tom and Allison Butler, his sister, Sarah (Kyle) Reed, brother Robert Butler, nephews, Aiden, Colten, Rowan, Ashton , grandfather Leo O’Rouke as well as his fur baby dog and cats and numerous friends.

Eric was predeceased by his grandparents, Lorretta Titford and Olga and Eric Butler.

Eric has a love for cars; he was a bargain hunter and was always buying and selling something.

Keeping with the families wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Cremation will take place here and his remains will be taken back to Newfoundland for burial.

View Eric Thomas Butler's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/04/2026

Victorian Grave Dolls

During the Victorian era, death could strike at any time, claiming the young and the old. Mourning methods embraced several practices, including a lesser-known tradition of grave dolls.

Following the death of an infant or child, families who could afford the expense commissioned a wax replica of their offspring. The likeness was deliberate, as the doll would actually be dressed in the child’s clothing and have clippings of hair attached to the doll’s head. Instead of viewing a child’s sickly body, the doll would be laid in a miniature coffin during a wake or funeral. The eyes would simply be closed, symbolizing a peaceful sleep and softening the cruelty of death.

Following the funeral, it was customary for the doll to be left on the child’s grave or even kept at home, where it would be displayed in a case or placed in a crib or bed to bring comfort to the family.

While grave dolls are no longer common practice, the tradition of leaving items at a cemetery continues. Families often adorn the grave site of children with photos, flowers, mementoes and toys – including dolls. Before leaving such items, remember to check cemetery policies to prevent the loss or removal of treasured items.

© Carleton Funeral Home and Crematorium/CFHC Online

09/02/2026

Our Scholarship Recipients for 2026

09/01/2026

Graeme Richardson Cheshire

It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of Graeme Richardson Cheshire of Irish Settlement on Friday August 28, 2026, at his residence.

Graeme was born in Montreal on August 22, 1949, to the late Harry and Margaret (Howorth) Cheshire.

Graeme is survived by his wife Mary (Hathaway), children, Wesley (Lindsay), Colin (Taylor) and Chantal (Keenan), grandchildren, Anakin, Kaylen, Jasmine, and his sister Brenda Cheshire along with many extended family members.

Keeping with Graeme’s wishes there will be no public visitation or funeral service.

If so desired, donations to the Carleton Animal Shelter would be appreciated by his family.

View Graeme Richardson Cheshire's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/31/2026

August 31 is recognized as International Overdose Awareness Day throughout the world. This year marks the twentieth anniversary of this somber event, which originated at a Salvation Army branch in Melbourne, Australia.

This initiative includes three key objectives:
• Raise public awareness about deaths from overdose
• Remember everyone, without stigma, who has died from overdose
• Recognize the grief experienced by surviving family and friends

Overdoses and deaths from drug use have spiked in recent years. Illicit drugs laced with fentanyl and the pandemic have resulted in double digit increases in mortality rates.

The term Opioid Crisis is being used more frequently to describe this societal issue, the effects of which are being experienced by increasing numbers of individuals and families.

Deaths from overdose are preventable. Too many people are dying in our country from this cause. Finding solutions, begins with building awareness.

To learn more: https://www.overdoseday.com/facts-stats/

© Carleton Funeral Home and Crematorium/CFHC Online

08/28/2026

You would be surprised to know how many cool ideas and designs of unusual coffins and caskets are out there. Here are 10 such designs.

08/27/2026

Leonard Arnold Thomas Davies

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Leonard Arnold Thomas Davies, of Woodstock, New Brunswick, who passed away at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in Fredericton, New Brunswick on August 27, 2026.

Len was born on February 26, 1952, in Woodstock, New Brunswick, and lived in the Woodstock area for most of his life. Len is survived by his beloved wife, Win; his son, Joseph Douglas Arthur Davies, and Joe’s wife, Alyson (Forbes) Davies; his cherished grandchildren, Aaron, Lauren, and Nathan; his sisters-in-law, Joan Wright and Lezlie (Wright) Gomes (Jon Gomes); his brother-in-law, Jay Wright (Shannon Hallett); and several nieces and nephews, all who loved him dearly.

He was predeceased by his parents Ennis and Douglas Davies and sister, Lillian (Davies) Harkenrider.

In 1973, Len married Edwina (Win) Hazel Laura (Wright) Davies, and together they shared 53 years of marriage, choosing each other every day through both good and challenging times. Their life together was an example of loving commitment to each other, family, and being of service to their community.

Len devoted much of his life to public service and built an extraordinary career in corrections and law enforcement, earning the respect of colleagues and communities throughout both New Brunswick and Nationally.

He began his career in corrections as a police officer in Woodstock before moving into institutional corrections in Fredericton. He was particularly proud that he had worked his way through virtually every level of the corrections system, serving as a Correctional Officer, Corporal, Sergeant, Classifications Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Programs, and Deputy Superintendent of Security. He went on to serve as Superintendent of the Saint John Correctional Centre.

Len’s career then took him to the Northwest Territories, where he first served as Warden of the Baffin Correctional Centre in Iqaluit, Northwest Territories. Always a man to give back to his community, while in Iqaluit he was also a volunteer fire fighter. His next move was to Director of Law Enforcement in Yellowknife, NWT. In this latter role, he was responsible for the RCMP, the Coroner's Office, and Community Policing. He accomplished this remarkable progression in just four years. True to a promise he had made to his wife, Win, that he would spend only four years in the Northwest Territories, Len returned to New Brunswick. Before assuming his next leadership position, he worked as a heavy machinery mechanic at Jolly Farmer.

He was subsequently appointed Superintendent of the New Brunswick Youth Correctional Centre, and later became Director of Corrections for the Province of New Brunswick, with responsibility for all correctional institutions in the province.

Throughout his career, Len was committed not only to public safety but also to improving the systems and supporting the people who worked within them. He helped design the Youth Corrections Act and Fi****ms Legislation, and was instrumental in establishing the first Emergency Response Team (ERT) in New Brunswick.

Len was also a strong advocate for the mental health of his employees. He recognized the difficult and often demanding nature of the work and believed that the mental well-being of employees deserved to be treated as a legitimate and important concern. Consequently, he helped establish a precedent for recognizing mental health within the workplace by formally incorporating the Road to Readiness program into the support system for his employees.

His years of dedicated service were recognized through the Queen's Jubilee Medal and the Corrections Exemplary Service Bar, honours that reflected a career well served and a lifetime of commitment to public service and humanity.

Away from his career, Len found happiness in the outdoors and in the company of his family. He enjoyed moose, caribou and deer hunting, and both fishing and ice fishing. A special interest was Drag Racing with his car, Prime Timer. He was an active member of Woodstock Unit # 95 ANAVETS and over the last two years he was their president. He was also an active member of the local Woodstock Pistol and Rifle Club and was proud to be of service to both of these organizations. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family, particularly his grandchildren and took great pleasure in spending quality time with them.

Len was also someone people turned to. His son, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, as well as his sisters- and brothers-in-law, frequently sought his counsel. He was generous with his knowledge, experience, and wisdom, and he took an active interest in mentoring those around him. His guidance and willingness to help will be deeply missed by the many people whose lives he touched.

Len leaves behind a remarkable legacy of service, leadership, mentorship, and devotion to his family. One of his proudest moments was presenting his son with his RCMP badge at Depot in 2012. An equally happy moment was when Win agreed to marry him. While his professional accomplishments were many, those who knew him best will remember not only the positions he held or the systems he helped build, but also as the husband, father, grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle, mentor, and friend who was always willing to share his time, his wisdom, and his counsel.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The family would like to offer a special thank you to the Doctor and Nursing Staff of the Upper River Vally, Saint John Regional and Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital for their expertise, loving and compassionate care.

Visitation will be held on Sunday August 30, 2026, at Carleton Funeral Home, 337 Lockhart Mill Road, Jacksonville NB from 1 to 3PM.

Funeral Service will follow in the chapel at 3:30 PM.

Interment will be in the Woodstock Rural Cemetery

Donations may be made to the Woodstock Unit # 95 ANAVETS or a charity of your choice.

Funeral Service will be Live Streamed from link below.

https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=8cd540e4-2bd4-4342-9758-b7bb3273595f

Please register prior to service with Forget Me Not Ceremonies.

if you have any issues please call 1-877-895-2739

View Leonard Arnold Thomas Davies's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/27/2026

Keith Cronkhite

In Loving Memory of Allen “Keith” Cronkhite*

Allen “Keith” Cronkhite passed away at the age of 76 at the Upper River Valley Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer.

Keith was, above all else, a fighter. Throughout his life, he faced whatever came his way with strength, determination, and unmistakable courage—but never without the kindness that was so much a part of who he was.

*A Life Well Lived*

Keith was a true lover of the outdoors. He found joy in everything nature had to offer—from plants and trees to wildlife and fishing.

Keith loved animals, especially his beloved dog, Bella. He had many interests that kept his mind and spirit active. He loved music, church, YouTube, learning new things, and working on puzzles. He loved all things history and was an avid storyteller. Keith could take almost any subject and turn it into a story, and he would happily talk to anyone who was willing to listen. He was a knowledgeable man, always curious about the world around him and eager to share what he knew. He never seemed to stop learning.

Keith was a social man who had a remarkable ability to make friends wherever he went. His stories, knowledge, and memories were a part of the way he connected with people. Even during his most recent days in the hospital, he could often be found helping others—whether by offering advice, lending a listening ear, or simply holding the door. One fellow patient told his family that Keith had made their stay brighter, and there could be no better reflection of the kind of man he was.

Keith loved to joke and tease and always knew how to have a good time. He brought humour and positivity wherever he went and had a way of making those around him smile. He was a tough old guy through and through, but his strength was always matched by his kindness.

*Those He Leaves Behind*

Survived by his loving wife, Ann Marie Cronkhite, sister Kelly Little (Stephen), sister-in-law Patty Cronkhite, June Alward (Paul), Connie Nichol, Christopher Wurglar (Robin), daughter Tiffany Koops (Erik), sons Matthew Dickie (Christina), Shane Dickie (Erin), Trevor Dickie (Sandra), and his special fishing buddy (cousin), Earlin Phillips.

As well as his nieces, Katrina Cronkhite, Christa Cronkhite, Kaylee Little, and nephew Daniel Cronkhite (Sarah).

His grandchildren: Maddison, Mya, Malika, Hayden, Avrey, Karli, Brielle, Caliya, Declan, and Cleo.

Keith was predeceased by his father Earl Daniel Cronkhite (Geraldine), mother Verna Winnifred Tompkins (Walter), his brother Dale Earl Cronkhite, granddaughter Arabella Alice Dickie, and nephews Jordan Little and Glenn Dale Bruce.

*Family, Love and the Things He Cherished*

More than anything, Keith’s family meant the world to him. His family was where he found his greatest joy, and the relationships he shared with them were some of the most important parts of his life.

Keith and his wife, Ann Marie, did everything together. They loved going to the water and taking pictures, spending time in Redbridge, driving around, boating together, and Keith especially enjoyed Ann Marie’s baked goods and homemade bread. In more recent times, they found joy in their visits to St. John, staying at hotels by the water when they travelled for his hospital visits. Even during a difficult chapter of their lives, they found ways to make memories together. Ann Marie was the light of Keith’s world. He loved her deeply and treated her like a queen and knew he was truly blessed to have her by his side.

Keith and his daughter “Tiffy” were always razzing each other, and could get each other going like no other. One of their running jokes came when Tiffy would ask him, “Do you need to go up?” referring to taking him up to the hospital. Keith would get pi**ed off and say he was fine, but any time he did actually need to go- Tiffany was there. During Keith’s battle with cancer, Tiffany was someone he could always count on, just as he had always been to her. Keith was who she’d call whenever she needed advice, help with something or an errand run and Keith always happily answered that call.

Keith and his son-in-law Erik, whom Keith lovingly coined “Big Guy,” shared a special bond. Keith would pick Erik up for work, and the two would start their mornings together with a coffee and a fishing rod.

Maddison, Mya, and Malika were proudly known as “Papa’s Baby Girls” and they brought so much joy and light into Keith’s life. He could often be found running them to and from sports, school drop-offs and pick-ups. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them. Keith was especially proud that Malika, whom he called “Blondie,” took an interest in fishing. He loved teaching her how to fish and seeing her take an interest in something he loved so much.

Keith was the type of guy that if he said he was going to do something - he’d do it, if you said you needed something - he’d get it, and if he said he was coming at a certain time —you knew he’d arrive an hour early. That was Keith—dependable, devoted, and always ready to show up for the people he loved.

*A Story that will live on*

Keith fought hard for every extra day he was given. He fought for his family, for the people he loved, and for the time he had left to share his stories, his laughter, and his kindness. Keith was a man of faith, and now that his fight is over his family takes solace knowing he can now rest peacefully. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and never forgotten.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, and PSWs in the Emergency Room and 2 East at URVH. Your compassion, kindness, and exceptional care over the past few months brought immense comfort to our family.

Visitation will be held on Sunday August 30, 2026, from the Bellville Baptist Church from 3 to 6 PM.

Funeral Service will be held on Monday August 31, 2026 @ 2PM from the Church.

Interment will be held in the Lindsay Cemetery at a later date.

If so desired, donations can be made to the NBBFA or River Valley Cancer Support Group

View Keith Cronkhite's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.