Bathurst – It is with great sadness that we, the family, announce the passing of Mrs. Donna Cormier, wife of the late Fred Cormier, of Bathurst, which occurred Tuesday September 22, 2026, at the Chaleur Regional Hospital, at the age of 82.
Born in Fredericton, she was the daughter of the late Urbain and Emily (Kenny) Robichaud.
She is survived by two sons:
Michael (Amanda Slade) of Cape Breton, NS and Andrew (Cheryl) of King City, ON.
One daughter, Kim (Bob Despres) of Bathurst.
Seven grandchildren, Danika, AJ, Corey, John, Paul, Shamus and Abi.
Two brothers Ernest (Debbie) and Gerald (Diane)and sister Frances (late Emmanuel Savoie).
Daughter-in-law Patti-Jo Cormier of Bathurst.
Many nieces and nephews.
Besides her husband and parents, she was pre-deceased by a son James and sister Louise (Gaston Savoie).
In 1962 she graduated from Tabusintac Rural High School and continued her education at NB Teachers College earning her Teaching license. She started her teaching career in Minto and Sussex.
During this time, she was proud to have served in the Militia as officer in The Princess Louise 8th Hussard, Sussex Regiment.
In 1966, while teaching in Moncton, she attended summer school (U of M) where she met Fred (Dad) a young widower with two children Michael (3y) and Kim (2y). It was love at first sight for both and a year later they were married.
Following their July 1st, 1967, marriage and the instant family, her teaching career was paused, while dad taught in Port Elgin NB.
In July 1969 James arrived and the family of five moved to New Minas NS for a year while Dad completed his master's degree at Acadia.
Summer 1970 they relocated to Bathurst after Dad accepted a full-time position at BHS. Andrew was welcomed into the family in December.
When available to return to her career she accepted local supply or part-time posts in either English or French schools until she was able to work full time.
In 1978 she achieved her Bachelor of Education Degree through Université de Moncton (Shippigan Campus) following many years of night/summer school.
One of her most iconic and instrumental teachers was Antonine Maillet, the Acadian novelist, playwright and scholar who created the La Sagouine character.
She found her happy place while teaching French the last 20 years to Elementary aged students at Sacred Heart and South Bathurst schools.
During her career she positively impacted many hundreds of students. Several co-workers became lifelong friends.
She retired from teaching in 1996, at age 52, which allowed her to pursue her other interests and passions.
She learned how to swim and play Bridge. She and Dad took Ballroom Dancing classes and graced many a dance floor for years. She always had a book or two on the go and would read at least one a week up until the last few years.
She loved anything she could do with a needle and thread. From sewing her own clothing to embroidery, knitting, crochet, tatting lace, needlepoint and cross stitch until she discovered her true passion, Quilting.
She became one of the founding members of the NorthStar Quilt Guild and taught classes. Through a shared passion for quilting, fabric shopping, attending quilt shows and retreats she found more lifelong friends. She also traveled across the country going to quilt shows and even had the opportunity to be a judge out West. She left behind many beautiful creations which will last for generations.
With her love of history and travel she became a Certified Tour Director for Aquila tours. She spent over 10 years traveling the world with Dad until he couldn’t due to illness.
She was a full-time caregiver to Dad which enabled him to stay at home until the end of his 13-year battle with Alzheimer's in 2013 after 45 years of marriage.
Following this, she was able to cross off a few more destinations from her bucket list, including South Africa and Australia. She continued to be a travel guide on bus tours around the Atlantic provinces.
Not one to sit idle she became a board member at the NBTA Credit Union in Fredericton for many years until her cognitive health started to decline.
She also enjoyed many summers at Cedar Cove Campground and Camping Youghall. Seeing her previous students as adults with their own children was her favorite part.
We, the family, can never truly express our overwhelming appreciation for the excellent care and compassion offered by the staff at the Southern Comfort Villa. After she settled in, three and a half years ago, she enjoyed catching up on your daily lives. You became part of her extended family as she did for you. You all went literally above and beyond when her needs required it. She truly looked forward to all your amazing celebrations and holiday events.
The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday October 6, 2026, from 7 to 9 pm at Elhatton’s Funeral Home, Bathurst. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday October 7, 2026, at 2 p.m. from Holy Family Church, Bathurst. Donations in memory of Donna may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Funeral Arrangements are under the care of Elhatton Funeral Home (www.elhatton.com) , Bathurst.
