It is with profound sadness, yet with hearts full of gratitude and love, that we announce the passing of the great Acadian activist Huberte Gautreau. She peacefully passed away on March 27, 2025 at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre in Moncton, surrounded by her loved ones. Born in Pré-d’en-Haut on April 2, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Adélard Gautreau and the late Édith Gautreau.

She is mourned by her three beloved sisters: Thérèse (the late Frank) Gautreau, Anne-Marie (Albert) LeBlanc, and Murielle (the late Jean-Marie) Gallant.

She was known affectively as "Matante Huberte" to 22 nieces & nephews and as well 70 great nieces & nephews.

She also is mourned by a multitude of friends, in addition to a community grateful for her exceptional commitment throughout her life.

In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her three brothers: baby Joseph, Roger (Roberta) Gautreau, Cléophas (the late Emma) Gautreau, and two sisters: Eliane (the late Dollard) LeBlanc and Florence (the late Hervé) Lirette.

Huberte Gautreau’s name is closely linked to human rights in New Brunswick, and her legacy is priceless. She worked tirelessly and with passion for women’s rights, peace, social justice, and access to education. Determined to make a difference, she acted with the conviction that a better world was possible. Those who had the privilege of knowing her remember a kind and humble woman with a great sense of humor, yet with a fierce determination when it came to defending what she considered to be violations of human dignity.

A trained nurse, she worked and campaigned in various countries, including the United States, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Togo, Cameroon, and Peru. Her experience in international cooperation convinced her of the importance of addressing problems at their source in order to better meet the true needs of communities.

A woman of action and principles with a unifying spirit, she led several transformative and socially significant initiatives. She was one of the co-founders of Carrefour pour femmes Inc / Crossroads for Women Inc , a shelter offering support and hope to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

A feminist from the outset, she played a key role in the participation of women from New Brunswick in the first World March of Women in 2000 in New York. As co-chair of the provincial committee, she succeeded in mobilizing more than 150 women from New Brunswick who took part in this movement to denounce poverty and violence against women. This committee also led efforts for the adoption of a pay equity law in New Brunswick.

Huberte Gautreau chaired the New Brunswick Coalition for Pay Equity from 2001 to 2003 and from 2008 to 2009, the year the Pay Equity Act was adopted for the provincial public service.

She was also the instigator of the Marichette Foundation, which works to promote access to education for low-income N.B resident women studying in French by offering scholarships. In 2025, the Foundation will award 20 scholarships of $10,000 each.

In recognition of her immense contribution, Huberte Gautreau received several honors, including the Order of New Brunswick, the Order of Moncton, the New Brunswick Human Rights Award, the Governor General's Award in commemoration of the person case, the YMCA Peace Medal, and the A.-M. Sormany Award from the Société de l’Acadie du Nouveau-Brunswick.

Her passing creates an immense void, but her unwavering commitment and passion for social justice will continue to inspire present and future generations.

Everyone is invited to the celebration of her life held at Frenette Funeral and Cremation Centre, 88 Church Street, Moncton (506-858-1900) on Friday April 4, 2025 at 11 am. People who are not able to be physically present will be able to view the live stream. To view the celebration of life, go to Huberte’s obituary on the Frenette Website. Interment will be in Pré-d’en-Haut. In lieu of flowers, donations in Huberte’s memory can be made to the Marichette Foundation (www.marichette.ca).

Words of comfort and donations may be made at www.frenettefuneralhome.com