**Meredith Gaudreau: Remembering Loved Ones Through Ink**
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In a heartfelt tribute to her late husband and brother-in-law, Meredith Gaudreau has embraced body art as a means to honour their memories. Previously untouched by ink, the 34-year-old mother of three has recently adorned her arms with tattoos that tell a poignant story of love, loss, and remembrance.
Meredith’s journey into the world of tattoos began after the tragic deaths of her husband, Johnny Gaudreau, a prominent NHL player, and his younger brother, Matthew, who both passed away on 29 August 2024. Following this heartbreaking loss, Meredith felt the need to establish a permanent connection to her loved ones. “I never had tattoos before, so sometimes I catch myself off guard,” she explained in an interview with PEOPLE, referring to the moments when she notices her newly inked arms.
Meredith married Johnny in 2021, and together, they welcomed three children in rapid succession: Noa Harper, 3, Johnny Edward, 2, and their youngest, Carter, who arrived just seven months after Johnny’s passing. Despite the overwhelming grief, Meredith has channelled her emotions into tattoos that signify the love she shared with her husband and the bond her children will continue to enjoy.
Her first tattoo, a representation of Johnny’s autograph, holds particular significance. “He actually wrote it out just for me one day when I needed it for a playoff jacket,” she shared, pointing to her right forearm. It was an intimate gesture that has now been immortalised in ink, allowing Meredith to carry a part of Johnny with her always.
On her other forearm, she inscribed the names of their first two children in elegant script. Adding another layer of meaning, she incorporated Johnny’s ashes into the ink, resulting in what Meredith calls a “cremation tattoo.” “So it just feels special to me,” she remarked about the deeply personal artwork. Following the birth of her youngest son, she added his name, Carter Michael, again utilising Johnny’s ashes to create a lasting tribute.
Meredith also pays homage to her brother-in-law Matthew with a tattoo that simply reads “Matty.” This addition is a testament to the bond they shared and to his role in her children’s lives. “He’s very important to me also,” Meredith noted, admitting that while her grief for Johnny can be overwhelming, she also misses Matthew significantly. “He was a really special uncle for my kids. He’s Noa’s godfather, and they spent a lot of little moments together. So I always want to make sure that everything I do honours the both of them.”
One of the more intimate tattoos was initially the word “forever” inked on her ring finger, although that design faded over time. She has since opted for “JM,” representing both her and Johnny. The decision reflects her commitment to keeping their bond alive through every facet of her life.
To further commemorate their union, Meredith has a tattoo on her left bicep featuring their wedding date displayed in Roman numerals alongside a portion of their vows. The inscription reads, “All the days of my life,” a powerful reminder of the depth of their commitment, especially with the poignant choice of words that allude to their love transcending even death.
Meredith’s tattoos are not merely ornaments on her skin but vessels of cherished memories and emotions. Each piece tells a story, reflecting her journey through profound loss while simultaneously celebrating the love that once filled her life. As she continues to navigate her role as a mother and a grieving widow, these memories inked on her arms serve as comforting reminders of the enduring connections she cherishes.
For those interested in Meredith Gaudreau’s story, a deeper dive can be found in the latest issue of PEOPLE, available on stands beginning this Friday.