Meredith Gaudreau, the wife of NHL player Johnny Gaudreau, shared in a eulogy at his joint funeral with his brother Matthew that she is expecting their third child. She emotionally recounted their love story and the joy of welcoming their first two children, a daughter named Noa and a son named John. She revealed that she is currently nine weeks pregnant with their third child, a surprise pregnancy that John was thrilled about. Meredith expressed gratitude for the blessing of having three children with John in less than three years of marriage.
During the funeral, Meredith also remembered her brother-in-law Matthew, who was also killed in the tragic accident. His wife, Madeline, shared that she is pregnant with their first child, a son named Tripp. Madeline spoke about Matthew’s passion for fatherhood and his excitement about welcoming their baby boy. She expressed her commitment to ensuring that their son knows how much his father loved him and carries on his legacy. Madeline highlighted the bond that Tripp will share with his cousin John, creating a connection similar to the one shared by Matthew and Johnny.
The Gaudreau brothers, Johnny and Matthew, tragically lost their lives in a bicycle accident involving an alleged drunk driver in their New Jersey hometown. The incident occurred just days before they were set to attend their sister’s wedding. The community mourned the loss of two beloved individuals, both of whom were dedicated to their families and preparing to welcome new children. The impact of their deaths has touched many, and their loved ones have come together to honor their memories and celebrate the lives they lived.
Meredith fondly remembered John as a loving father and expressed her intention to encourage their son to follow in his father’s footsteps, including teaching him how to ice skate. She described John as the best dad in the world and expressed her profound gratitude for the gift of being a mother to his three children. Despite the heartbreaking circumstances, she cherished the unexpected blessing of her third pregnancy and felt privileged to have created a family of five with John in such a short time.
Madeline, in her eulogy for Matthew, emphasized his natural talent for fatherhood and the excitement he felt about becoming a parent. She reflected on the preparations they had made for their son’s arrival and recognized the profound impact Matthew had on their lives. Madeline vowed to uphold Matthew’s memory and legacy through their son, Tripp, whom she hopes will grow up alongside his cousin John and forge a lasting connection. Both women expressed their commitment to honoring their late husbands’ love and devotion as they navigate the challenges of parenting without them.
As Meredith and Madeline navigate the complexities of grief and loss, they continue to find strength in their shared experiences and in the support of their families and communities. The unexpected pregnancies have brought both joy and sorrow, underscoring the bittersweet nature of life’s blessings. Their resilience and determination to honor the memories of Johnny and Matthew in raising their children serve as a testament to the enduring impact of love and family. The legacy of the Gaudreau brothers lives on through the next generation, as their wives navigate the profound journey of motherhood in the wake of heartbreaking loss.
