PAUL, Mary ‘Liz’ Elizabeth
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of M. Elizabeth Paul, 77, at home surrounded by family and friends on Friday, July 8, 2016.
Liz was a loving mother, wife, grandmother and great-grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and First Nations health advocate.
Born in Sydney, she was the daughter of the late Private Charles Doucette of Membertou and Mary Jane (Gould) Doucette of Eskasoni. She was married to Daniel Douglas Paul for 47 years before his passing in 2005.
Liz was known by many for her passion for health and helping her fellow community members. Early in her career she worked at St. Rita Hospital but then returned to school and began her training as a community health representative (CHR) where she worked in Membertou and Potlotek for many years.
Liz was very proud of her accomplishments in providing health education and advocacy and for organizing the first baby shower in Membertou.
Liz also served a term as the first woman band councillor for Membertou. Liz again returned to school and obtained a degree in community health from Dalhousie University. She continued her career as Health Liaison for the Union of Nova Scotia Indians until her retirement.
In 2012 Liz received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for Excellence in HIV Aids as a courageous educator and mentor in HIV prevention and treatment and founded the first Atlantic First Nations Health Conference and secured resources for HIV promotion and brought HIV forward as a national issue in First Nation communities.
Liz was deeply impacted by the murder of her father in the Second World War and often visited her father at the Canadian War Cemetery at Beny Sur Mer in Revier, France. She also lobbied for the establishment of the War Veteran Cenotaph in Membertou.
Liz received many awards for her work and contributions to our Mikmaq communities, she also received; the Bradley Christmas Memorial AwardMembertou Citizen of the year, 1997, Membertou Lifetime Achievement Award, 2004, Grand Chief Donald Marshall Memorial Elder Award, Oct. 1, 2004.
During her free time her passion for sewing and making native crafts, blankets, ribbon shirts and dresses for many, along with spending time with her family and grandchildren and her beloved Dog Quincy.
Liz will be fondly remembered by many for her persistence and never being afraid to speak her mind or utilize her selling skills that were taught to her at a young age by her grandmother, while selling flowers and baskets as a child across Cape Breton.
Liz was a member of the St. Ann parish, Membertou and formerly St. Anthony Daniel parish. Liz had a deep faith and prayed the rosary daily alongside her statues of Saint Anthony and the Blessed Virgin.
Liz is survived by her children John G (Joan) Paul, Timberlea, N.S.; Lance (Margaret) Paul and Troy of Membertou and Sharon (Ron) Rudderham, Coxheath, N.S. Also survived by sisters Marie Doucette, Membertou and Rachael Shewchuk, Chilliwack, B.C., and Uncle Roddie (Jane) Gould, Eskasoni, N.S.; grandchildren Shaylene (Dan) Sutherland, Brittney and Kendall Paul, Andre Denny, Landon and Dexter Paul and Kayla Rudderham, Kyle, Jonah and Terrance Gloade and two great-grandchildren Joseph Daniel and Elizabeth.
Liz is also survived by many nieces and nephews and godchildren Sarah Doucette, Duncan Gould, Rita Doucette and Amy Christmas and Vance Kabatay.
She was predeceased by her loving husband Daniel Douglas Paul along with two infant children; sister Caroline Young, Eskasoni and daughter-in-law, Janice A. Paul; grandchildren, Lisal and Douglas Paul; as well as many in-laws.
Special thanks to Membertou Homecare staff, Madeline, Jenny, Blanche, Kelly, Ashley and Denise for their dedication and loving care. Also thanks to Dr. Salah and the Palliative care team.
In memory of Liz donations can be made to St. Anns Church, Membertou or Hospice Cape Breton.
Visitation for the late Liz Paul will be held 7-9 p.m. Monday and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on Tuesday at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel. Funeral mass will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 13 at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys, Rev. Bill Burke will officiate. Interment in Membertou Memorial Gardens.
Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.twcurry.com.