Dr. Veronica Mugarab-Samedi (1963-2023)
On November 22, 2023, many hearts across the world were saddened with grief over the passing of a beloved woman, Veronica Mugarab-Samedi (née Sologubova). After a short battle with cancer in Bathurst, NB, Veronica found peace by God’s side and quietly surrendered herself in His arms. Although it was cut short, she lived a rich and fulfilling life for which she will be remembered by many.
Veronica was born on December 11, 1963, to Viktor and Tamara Sologubov in the city of Baku, Azerbaijan. As a child, she was curious about the world and exceptionally intelligent; she had a deep relationship with reading and enriching her mind with knowledge any chance she could. At the age of 12, she experienced the sudden tragic passing of her mother during labor with her younger brother, Dmitriy. Veronica’s responsibilities rose to helping raise her brother and fully care for her family, which in no way dulled her academic performances. Rather, this painful experience inspired her to pursue a career in medicine, specifically in the sphere of pediatrics, which she practiced for 36 years. It marked the beginning of a lifelong journey of dedicating herself to saving and delivering newborn babies.
By her early twenties, Veronica completed her medical studies with honors at the Azerbaijan State Medical University as a certified MD and MSc in Pediatrics, where she also worked for 15 consecutive years. A confident and determined young woman, she was ready to take on the next steps in her life. That is when she met Azer, the man she was destined to spend the rest of her days with. They married on February 14th, 1989. Together they had three children, Anar, Nargiz, and Fuad, all raised during the turmoil of war. Even through these political and economic hardships, Veronica’s determination shone brighter than ever, giving her children a happy and memorable childhood.
This is just a short, condensed list of her life’s works and accomplishments; there are endless accounts of awe and inspiration that will be treasured in so many hearts. Her memory will live on and be passed down for generations to come. Veronica was, in every way, extraordinary and exceptional. She left an impact across the globe that can never be forgotten. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Veronica’s family here.
Edited for length. Full obituary can be found here.
Dr. Bruce Poole (1951-2024)
With sadness, the family of Dr. Bruce Poole announce his sudden passing at home in Fredericton NB, on January 18, 2024. He was born in 1951 in Ottawa to his parents, the late John and Jean Poole. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Ann Poole.
He is survived by his wife, Dr. Audrey Blandford (Poole), his daughter, Ann Wade (Jeff) and his granddaughter Lyla Wade, as well as several cousins.
As a physician of physical and rehabilitation medicine, Bruce worked at the Doctor Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital for 31 years.
Dr. Georges-Henri Levesque (1935-2024)
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Georges-Henri Levesque of Edmundston, partner of Lise Roy, on January 24, 2024 at the Edmundston Regional Hospital, at the age of 89.
Dr. Levesque will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by his partner, as well as by his children Anne Levesque, Christine Levesque Smuk (Blaine), France Levesque, Nathalie Levesque (Reynier Castro) and François Levesque; his partner’s son Kevin Kilfoil (Jessica Pelletier); his grandchildren Inook, Maïa, Emmanuel, Samatha Shea, Keisha, Gabriella, Francis and Léa; his 5 great-grandchildren; and his brothers and sisters Carmen McKay, Adrienne Levesque, Gérald Levesque (Rose), Léo-Paul Levesque (Dianne), Thérèse Arpin (Jean-Paul Larouche), Gisèle Levesque (Yvon Emond), Roger Levesque (Francine Savoie), Lise Fox (the late Greg), Nicole Lyons and Francine Levesque Arpin (André). He now rests with his parents, Adrien Levesque and Irène Chouinard, his sisters Jeannine and Marie-Paule, and his brother Claude.
After completing his studies in general medicine in Montreal and in internal medicine at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Dr. Levesque opened his practice as an internal medicine specialist in Edmundston in 1965. He was a visionary, and worked hard to ensure the development of several services not yet established at the time such as intensive care, electrocardiography and resuscitation procedures, and ultimately introduced the first hemodialysis in NB. He also set up an oncology and kidney disease clinic, among others. Together with Dr. Jacques Corbin, he set up the Internal Medicine Clinic to ensure continuity of service for their shared clientele. Soon after, Dr. Jean Soucie and Dr. Paul Clavette joined the clinic. From 1965 to 1980, Dr. Levesque was heavily involved in his professional community, which included presiding over the regional Council of Physicians and the NB Medical Society. In the community, he was president of the Edmundston Chamber of Commerce and of Club Richelieu, contributing to the development of various community projects such as the Richelieu pool and the construction of the Edmundston Regional Hospital. In 1980, he became interested in alternative approaches and, after various training courses, opened the Renaissance Santé clinic in 1983, incorporating a holistic approach into his medical practice and knowledge. He ran the clinic until 2009. When he retired to Lac Baker, he continued his community involvement by spearheading the protection of the lake and its environment.
The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at the Edmundston Regional Hospital for their care and support.
Dr. Matthew James Anthony Landry (1976-2024)
Dr. Matthew (Matt) James Anthony Landry, MD, born on May 10, 1976, in Fredericton, NB, passed away on March 10, 2024. Matt left an indelible mark on this world. He is survived by his parents, Peggy and Roger Landry of Fredericton, NB; his sister, Renee Landry (Neil) of Fredericton, NB; his brother, Marc Landry (Angie) of Fredericton, NB; and his brother, John Landry of Ottawa, ON. He was predeceased by his brother, Paul Landry.
Raised in Fredericton, Matt frequently spent time at his family cottage located in Yoho Lake, NB. During his teenage years, he served as a Camp Counsellor alongside his sister at Camp Glenburn in Kingston, NB. This experience allowed them to create lasting memories that deepened their sibling bond.
After earning his Bachelor of Science from the University of New Brunswick in 1998, Matt completed the Doctor of Medicine program at Dalhousie University in 2003. Subsequently, he served as a Captain in the armed forces for several years. Post his military service, Matt remained committed to the healthcare sector, contributing as a Medical Consultant with Worksafe NB.
In addition to his noteworthy professional accomplishments, Matt was a man with a broad range of interests. He had a passion for theatre, music, and films, as well as a talent for writing songs and playing the guitar. He also found joy in the company of his feline companions, Chewy and Walker, and had a passion for Lego.
Family held a central place in Matthew’s heart, and he consistently went above and beyond to ensure the happiness and well-being of his loved ones. He was generous both in his personal and professional life. He was also known for his straightforward and matter-of-fact approach. A devoted advocate for living life to the fullest, Matt’s commitment to truth and authenticity shaped his interactions with people everywhere. While he may not have minced words, those close to him recognized the sincerity that underlined his direct communication style.
In memory of Matthew, let us honour his straightforward approach to life, embracing the honesty that defined him. May his legacy inspire us to live authentically, appreciating the beauty of truth in every facet of our lives.
Dr. Eilish Cleary (1963-2024)
Eilish Cleary, 60, of Penniac, New Brunswick, died in Fredericton of ovarian cancer on March 22, 2024, surrounded by family.
Eilish was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1963 to John and Mary Cleary. She had four siblings, Brid, Kevin, Fiona, and Siobhan. At the age of 22, Eilish became the youngest doctor in Ireland at the time. She then spent much of her life working in Canada, where she moved with her immediate family in 1998. Eilish believed deeply in access to healthcare for all and worked throughout her entire life to ensure that this was available.
With Gerard Beirne, Eilish had four children, James, Luke, Sorcha, and Cormac, who she loved dearly. She enjoyed travel, and shared this love with her children at early ages. In 1998, the family moved to Northern Manitoba and lived in Norway House Cree Nation, where she worked at the hospital. Though this move was planned to be temporary, she found another job in Manitoba, which became the family’s home for many years. Eventually, Eilish moved with her family to New Brunswick, where she rose to the position of Chief Medical Officer of Health.
Eilish met Paul Meyer in New Brunswick and found that they shared a passion for travel and adventurous water sports. They bought a house together in Penniac and worked on the property extensively, building a bunkhouse and walking trails through the woods behind it. In subsequent years, they explored the property regularly, walking its wooded hills for hours at a time. Nestled in the backwoods, Eilish loved this cozy home until her final days. As per her wishes, her ashes will be brought home to Ireland.
Eilish Cleary’s memory will live on in all of those who knew and loved her.
