Saint John Mourns Loss Of Well-Known Elder

Tributes are pouring in following the death of a well-known elder in the Saint John region.

Sheila Croteau died in a house fire in the town of Rothesay early Sunday morning.

Croteau was known as “Mama She” to many of the children in the city’s south end, according to her obituary.

“She was instrumental in her children’s upbringing, volunteering her time to all of their activities, including Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts,” said the obituary.

Croteau worked at the Church of Saint Andrew and Saint David for nearly three decades and educated inmates at the Saint John Regional Correctional Centre.

Coun. David Hickey paid tribute to Croteau during Monday’s council meeting, calling her a “pillar of our community”.

“Our friend, Sheila Croteau, was a fierce advocate for indigenous culture as an elder in our community and her impact was clear from every corner of our neighbourhood,” said Hickey.

“The outpouring of support and messages throughout social media have been significant and wide-ranging.”

Coun. Donna Reardon also reflected on Croteau’s life, saying she was an “amazing person”.

“She was very proud of her heritage. She was involved in so many things. … She was a caregiver, a caretaker. She’ll be very much missed,” said Reardon.

Green party leader David Coon said Croteau, who ran twice for the party in Saint John, had a beautiful spirit and was “so committed to service.”

Police and fire crews were called to Bartlett Road, located off Rothesay Road, shortly before 2 a.m. Sunday.

Three adults escaped the home and were taken to hospital with minor injuries, while a fourth person was unaccounted for. Croteau, who was a family friend of the homeowners, died at the scene.

A celebration of life for Croteau will be held at a later date.