Johnny Gaudreau’s wife Meredith announces 3rd pregnancy during emotional eulogy
“We’re actually a family of five,” Meredith, referencing their two children, Noa and Johnny, said at the funeral held at St. Mary Magdalen Parish outside Philadelphia.
During an emotional eulogy at her late husband Johnny Gaudreau's memorial service on Monday, Meredith Gaudreau shared that she is expecting their third child.
"We're actually a family of five," Meredith said, referring to their two children, Noa and Johnny, at the service held at St. Mary Magdalen Parish near Philadelphia. "I'm in my ninth week of pregnancy with our third baby. It was a complete surprise, but John was thrilled and so excited."
Meredith recounted her husband’s joyful reaction when she shared the news of the unexpected pregnancy: "I was really nervous because this was, again, a surprise. But his first reaction was to kiss and hug me, even though I was driving the car. After the excitement settled in, he would look at me and say, 'You're nuts, you know that? Three kids?'"
She continued, "Noa, our oldest, isn’t even 2 yet. In less than three years of marriage, we’ve created a family of five. It seems impossible, but I see it as an incredible blessing. How lucky am I to be the mother of John’s three babies, with this last one being such a gift in the midst of these hard times."
The funeral for Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau, took place 11 days after they were hit by an SUV while riding bicycles in New Jersey. Authorities believe the driver was impaired. The crash occurred the night before John, 31, and Matthew, 29, were to be groomsmen at their sister Katie’s wedding.
Meredith’s announcement came after her sister-in-law, Madeline Gaudreau, shared her own eulogy for her husband, Matthew, also revealing her pregnancy. Madeline had previously announced on Instagram in June that she and Matthew were expecting their first child, a son, in December.
Both brothers were remembered as devoted fathers and husbands who prioritized family and shared a deep bond. Madeline fondly recalled how Matthew was eager to play alongside his brother at Boston College before they turned professional: "They were inseparable. They even shared a room until college, and neither wanted that to change."
She added, "God truly drafted the best two boys. Linemates forever."
Meredith also found some solace in knowing the brothers were together in heaven, telling mourners, "Everything was always about John and Matty. I know John couldn’t live a day without his brother. He loved him so much."
Madeline shared how excited Matthew had been about becoming a father: "He was born to be a dad." She explained that he spent hours reading parenting books and frequently sought Johnny’s advice on fatherhood. "I’m so thankful I pushed him to start the nursery," she said. "I feel his presence every time I’m in it."
Meredith remembered Johnny as a loving husband and father who would wake up early, even on game days, to help with the kids. He often left for the Columbus arena with baby stains on his clothes, never minding the mess. "He had zero ego, was quiet, sweet, and shy. He didn’t have a bad bone in his body and never spoke ill of anyone," she said.
In a touching moment, Meredith read a message Johnny had sent her, expressing gratitude for providing their children with a summer home by the shore and "nice things," but cherishing most the time they spent with family.
Meredith also paid tribute to Johnny's fans in Calgary, where he began his NHL career with the Calgary Flames and played for eight seasons. "Calgary held such a special place in John’s heart and mine," she said, adding she was "blown away" by the love and support from Calgarians following his death. "But honestly, not surprised. I got to witness firsthand how kind you all are."