Obituary of Anne Marie Duguay

With broken hearts, the family of Anne Marie Duguay of Quispamsis, NB, announce her passing, which occurred peacefully, surrounded by family, on January 15, 2017 at the Saint John Regional Hospital after a courageous five-year battle with Melanoma. Born in Bathurst, NB, on March 30, 1958, she was the wife of Michel (Mitch) Duguay and the daughter of Emelda and the late Ernest LaPointe. Anne Marie graduated from The University of New Brunswick in Fredericton with a degree in Education. After graduation, she moved to Quispamsis to teach at Harry Miller Middle School for 33 years and retired in 2013 due to illness. She was a passionate and innovative teacher who was active in numerous school committees and activities, and was dedicated to her students. Whether it was writing grants for new technology or decorating for school dances, she prided herself on going the extra mile to ensure every student and teacher had the support and resources needed to succeed. Her excellence in teaching was recognized on several occasions as Anne Marie received the Microsoft Innovative Teacher of the Year Award, Crystal Apple Award for District 6, and was nominated for the Governor General's Award of Canada. Above all, Anne Marie cherished her family and friends. She routinely went above and beyond to ensure everyone was well taken care of and loved. Her uncanny ability to make you feel special was truly a gift. Whether it was cooking a beautiful meal, sending thoughtful messages, seeking out the perfect gift, or just lending a listening ear, Anne Marie always put others first. She will truly be missed by everyone who knew her. Anne Marie is survived by her husband of 36 years, Mitch; her children, Ashley Duguay (Dawn Santucci) and Jordan Duguay (Chelsey Morse); her mother, Emelda; her siblings, Imelda Loimand (Jan), Brian LaPointe, Joan Green (Brian), Joyce Hayes (David), Derek LaPointe (Linda), and Chris LaPointe; and her sister-in-laws, Marcia LaPointe and Angie LaPointe, as well as her many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. Anne Marie and the family would like to thank Dr. Don Lalonde and wife, Jan, two very special people. Anne Marie wouldn't have lived as long as she did if it hadn't been for their dedication, thoughtfulness, support, and care during this difficult time. We would also like to extend a sincere thank you to Dr. Tony Reiman, Colleen Chisholm, and the oncology nurses and staff at the Saint John Regional Hospital for the wonderful care they provided and for their dedication and support. Special thanks go out to our family doctor, Douglas Hall, for his excellent care as well as to Carol Whipple and the entire staff of the Kennebecasis Extra Mural Program for the outstanding services and support they provided. This group of nurses work relentlessly and it needs to be acknowledged. Finally, a heartfelt thank you to the compassionate, professional, and loving nurses and doctors (Dr. Jessica Hemmings, Dr. Chris O'Brien, and Dr. Julia Wildish) of the Palliative Care Unit at the Saint John Regional Hospital. The above mentioned are all wonderful, caring, and dedicated individuals. Resting at Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis (849-2119) with visiting on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 31 Gondola Point Road, Rothesay, on Thursday, January 19, 2017 at 11:00 AM. Interment to take place at Ocean View Memorial Gardens at a later date. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to Doctors Without Borders, or to the Canadian Cancer Society (Saint John). Online condolences may be made to www.kennebecasisfh.com