Remembering Dr. Marilyn Trenholme Counsell

We at the Literacy Coalition of New Brunswick are deeply saddened by the loss of Dr. Marilyn Trenholme Counsell. We wish to offer our sincere condolences to her family and friends.

A former Senator and Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick, Marilyn was always passionate about literacy. She served on LCNB’s Board for nearly twenty years, first as President and then continuing on as Past President. During her tenure as Lieutenant Governor, Marilyn focused on early childhood development, particularly early childhood literacy, in recognition of her life as a mother, family physician and New Brunswick’s first Minister of State for the Family, and later Minister of State for Family and Community Services. She also delighted young children, parents and teachers with her Lieutenant Governor’s Story Hours. With the IODE and Les Dames d’Acadie, she succeeded in making Born to Read/Goût de lire a province-wide program.

In 1988, Marilyn established the Lieutenant Governor’s Literacy Awards, later named the Dr. Marilyn Trenholme Counsell Literacy Awards. LCNB has been proud to carry on these awards annually to honour the incredible achievements in the field of literacy and essential skills in New Brunswick. Nominations for these awards are open year round, and the form can be found by clicking here.

Marilyn had an immense impact on New Brunswickers over her incredible career, and her many accomplishments speak for themselves. But to us at LCNB, Marilyn was a friend, mentor, and committed supporter of literacy. She was always ready to share her wisdom, insight, and vast knowledge with us whenever we needed it. As an instrumental part of our Board, Marilyn rarely missed a meeting, never hesitating to dedicate her time, energy, and expertise to our mission of advancing literacy and lifelong learning for people of all ages.

“Marilyn was a champion of literacy right to the very end. She cared deeply about the people of New Brunswick, and that could be felt in everything she did. It is hard imagine LCNB without her.” – Susan Yarom, Executive Director

“She was a driving force for literacy in the province. Marilyn was a truly remarkable person who did so much for literacy in New Brunswick. She will be dearly missed by all of us.” – Brent Melanson, LCNB President

The Literacy Coalition will continue to hold our Dr. Marilyn Trenholme Counsell Literacy Awards to celebrate achievements in literacy and essential skills. Marilyn’s legacy is one that will continue to help New Brunswickers for many years to come, and we at LCNB are honoured to be able to continue her work.

To donate to the Literacy Coalition of New Brunswick in memory of Marilyn:

Click here to donate online.

You can also send a cheque to:

Literacy Coalition of New Brunswick
212 Queen Street, Suite 303
Fredericton, NB, E3B 1A8

Registered Charity Number: 882480205RR0001