A state funeral will take place this Friday for Dr. Marilyn Trenholme Counsell, the former lieutenant-governor of New Brunswick. The ceremony honours her decades of public service as a physician, politician, and the province's 27th lieutenant-governor, serving from 1997 to 2003.
Life and Legacy
Dr. Trenholme Counsell was born in Sackville, New Brunswick, and earned her medical degree from Dalhousie University. She practiced family medicine before entering politics, winning a seat in the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick in 1987 as a Liberal. She served as Minister of State for the Family and later as Minister of Health and Community Services.
Viceregal Service
Appointed lieutenant-governor by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, she was the first woman to hold the vice-regal post in New Brunswick. During her tenure, she championed literacy, early childhood development, and women's health. After her term, she remained active in community service and was named a Member of the Order of Canada in 2005.
Premier Susan Holt expressed condolences, saying, “Dr. Trenholme Counsell dedicated her life to the well-being of New Brunswickers. Her compassion and leadership left an indelible mark on our province.”
Funeral Arrangements
The state funeral will be held at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Saint John at 11 a.m. ADT on Friday. The public is invited to pay respects. Flags at all provincial buildings will be lowered to half-mast.
