In an incredibly poignant gesture of love and remembrance, Meredith Gaudreau has chosen to honor her late husband, NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, by incorporating his ashes into her tattoos. This deeply personal tribute follows the tragic death of Johnny, a seven-time NHL All-Star, who was killed in August 2024 by an alleged drunk driver. His brother, Matthew Gaudreau, 29, was also tragically killed in the same incident, which occurred just a day before their sister’s wedding in New Jersey. The heartbreaking loss has left Meredith and their two children — Noa Harper, 2, and Johnny Edward, 11 months — devastated, but Meredith has found a way to carry a piece of Johnny with her through these permanent tributes.
Tattoo artist Tay Nicole Clinch shared the intimate details of Meredith’s decision on Instagram, explaining that the tattoos are part of a growing trend known as cremation tattoos. This process involves mixing a loved one’s ashes with tattoo ink, creating a lasting and meaningful way for those left behind to keep their loved one close. In Meredith’s case, this was a way for her to preserve Johnny’s memory, ensuring that a part of him will remain with her forever, physically etched into her skin.
Meredith’s first tattoo, which is a tribute to Johnny, features the word “forever” in delicate script on the side of her left ring finger. This choice of location is especially significant, as it sits on the finger where she once wore her wedding ring, symbolizing the eternal bond between her and Johnny. The word “forever” encapsulates her commitment to their love and the lasting impact Johnny had on her life.
In addition to this tattoo, Meredith also decided to honor their children, Noa and Johnny, by having their names inked on the inside of her forearm. This tattoo is a visible reminder of the legacy that Johnny left behind in his children, who now carry his spirit forward. Noa and Johnny Edward, though too young to fully comprehend the weight of their father’s passing, will grow up knowing the love and devotion their mother has for them — and for their late father.
Meredith’s decision to get tattoos using Johnny’s ashes is not just a personal healing journey; it is a way to publicly celebrate their life together. By turning to tattoo art, she has found a method of grief that helps her feel connected to Johnny, allowing his memory to live on in a tangible, intimate form. For Meredith, each tattoo serves as a reminder of the beautiful moments they shared as a family, and each one represents her unending love for Johnny.
The grief of losing a partner and a sibling in such tragic circumstances is unimaginable, but Meredith’s act of getting tattoos using Johnny’s ashes reflects both resilience and the deep bond she shared with him. Through this powerful form of expression, Meredith is ensuring that Johnny’s memory will not only live on in her heart but will also be a permanent part of her story, carried with her every day. As she continues to navigate life without him, these tattoos serve as both an anchor and a source of comfort, a visual reminder that even in the face of unspeakable loss, love remains eternal.
Related topics: