When the late Elsie Wayne was elected mayor of Saint John back in 1983 she made history as the first woman ever to take that office.
The city’s deputy mayor Shirley McAlary first joined council in 1992 eventually becoming mayor herself for many years. She says at the time, 1983, it was a strange thing for a woman to be running for, and ultimately elected, mayor.
“It was the very beginning,” says McAlary. “She was one of the first women, really, to win in this part of the province in a high political office.”
Despite that, Elsie was able to hold her own according to McAlary.
“I mean, she was not intimidated by anybody,” says McAlary. “She could meet with the business people, she could meet with any of the citizens. She was very much aware of what was happening in the community and how people thought.”
Elsie passed away at her home on Tuesday at the age of 84 and she will be laid to rest on Saturday.
Her funeral is taking place at RiverCross Church at 11am and the church will be hosting a live-stream so those who aren’t able to make it in person can watch it online.
The livestream will be going live at around 10:50am. Click here to go to the livestream.
