Faye Joan MacFarlane

Our cherished and irreplaceable Faye Joan Hunziker MacFarlane passed away unexpectedly on March 9th, 2026. As a woman who loved fiercely and was known for her quick wit, she would have plenty to say about her own obituary.

Faye was born on September 28th 1942, and grew up above her family’s General Store in Minto, New Brunswick with her brother Bob. She was a natural beauty and gifted basketball player, winning the New Brunswick Ladies Free Throw competition. After graduation, Faye moved to Fredericton with her best friend Margaret Keys Robinson, where she caught the eye of Ryan MacFarlane. To his good fortune, they married in 1963, sharing a life together for more than 62 years.

Ryan and Faye moved to Nackawic in 1970 to open Ryan’s Pharmacy, where she threw herself into the business, the town, and her family. Her contributions to the community are countless–from thousands of Kleenex flowers for Community Days floats, perfect decorations for the Baby contest, or gift baskets made on Christmas Eve at the pharmacy for anyone who needed something last minute under their tree. She started the Miss Nackawic Pageant in 1970, inspiring so many young women to walk across the stage with confidence and pride in their hometown. Many will remember her famous biscuits, served with love at home and at the annual Strawberry Festival.

Faye was loved by many who were lucky enough to cross her path in the Maritimes, South Carolina, and beyond. She will be remembered as “The Queen” by her loyal circle of friends, with whom she shared her wit and countless laughs. A striking beauty, Faye graced the runway for more than a decade, walking in the Towne Shoppe fashion shows. She had a knack for home design, prepared beautiful meals, could whip up a pan of Breton Square on demand, and did up Christmas like no other. She loved old country music. She cheered proudly for all Team Canada hockey. Many benefitted from the poetry she wrote and read at their birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries. She was magical.

She was a selfless wife, mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother. For the last 25 years, Ryan and Faye split their time between Nackawic and Charleston, South Carolina. Her grandchildren were lucky enough to have precious time together with her at the stuga and Folly Beach. They would clamor around her to steal a pinch of biscuit dough and snuggle all up with her to watch a movie. She was known for cheering fiercely and “sharing her opinions” at their basketball, soccer, and volleyball games across New Brunswick and South Carolina.

She would want to tell everyone how much she loved Ryan, especially in these last months when he honed his cooking and cleaning skills, taking such good care of her. She would want to thank Jo Ann Donald for helping her stay at 25 Doyle Street until the end.

Faye leaves behind a host of treasured family and friends. She was the daughter of the late Evelyn Thompson and Roger Hunziker, and the daughter-in-law of the late Helen and Ronald MacFarlane. She is survived by her loving husband, Ryan Ronald Trail MacFarlane. She is also survived by her brother Aubrey Hunziker, widower of Wendy Hunziker. She leaves behind her son and daughter-in-law Gregory and Anna MacFarlane, and her daughter Lori MacFarlane Dickerson. She will be dearly missed by her grandchildren Emilia MacFarlane, Sofia MacFarlane, Alexander MacFarlane, Molly Dickerson, and Ryan Dickerson.

She is also survived by her family in British Columbia, daughter Terry Madden, grandson Denis (Shannon) Madden, and great grandson Maverick.

Visitation was held on Saturday, March 14th from 2 … 5 PM at Flewelling Funeral Home, 585 Otis Drive, Nackawic, NB .
In lieu of flowers the family has suggested donations can be made to the Nackawic Lions Club.