Well-known community volunteer and activist died in a car accident Oct. 20
News of the unexpected loss of Jennifer Connor, a popular resident of the Nackawic-Millville area, spread quickly. Connor died in a car accident while on her way to work on Monday, Oct. 20. Tributes flooded social media sites, showing just how much she was loved and respected in western New Brunswick.
If you lived in the Nackawic-Millville region, you probably knew her name. Connor (nee Gordon) grew up in Nackawic, raised her family there and eventually settled in the Millville area. She served on the Nackawic Town Council for six years from 2010 to 2016, and worked as a coordinator for the Miss Nackawic Pageant for many years.
Miss Nackawic 2015, Brianna McQuillan, said Connor was larger than life, full of energy, laughter and confidence, and she had an amazing way of making everyone feel comfortable just being themselves.
“Through Miss Nackawic, she made me feel proud of my big personality and taught me that being yourself is something to celebrate,” said McQuillan. “Jenn lived her life her own way. That’s something I’ll always admire and try to carry with me. I’m grateful to have known her and I’ll always remember the light she brought into life and our community.”
Jennifer’s daughter, Emma Lamey, said her mom was simply magic in motion.
“Each November first, as a child, we’d dedicate the day to hunting for clearanced Halloween treasures – the fuel for her legendary annual Haunted House,” said Lamey.
She said what started in their carport quickly grew in scale, and they soon outgrew the space, hauling tubs upon tubs of decorations and hundreds of door prizes to the Nackawic Legion, where a Haunted House was held.
“Mom wasn’t just a collector; she was a brilliant connector – a magnet who effortlessly recruited an army of high schoolers, family and friends to spook the community into shrieks and laughter. This was her rhythm: it was just one of the thousands of events she’d insert herself into, leaving her unique, magical touch,” said Lamey.
She said you could drop the most vague, obscure idea, and within 15 minutes flat, her mom would lay out the entire blueprint — logistics, details, and every necessary resource, perfectly aligned.
Connor was a founding member of the Cindy McCormick Memorial Foundation, established in memory of her dear friend. Funds raised through this initiative went directly toward two annual scholarships for NHS students, each valued at $2,500, continuing her friend’s legacy of giving back and supporting others.
Online and in person, many friends and acquaintances shared stories and described Connor as a pillar, a force in the community who gave 110 per cent. She was someone who spoke for those who couldn’t.
Some online tributes spoke of Connor making sure everyone who knew her felt like a friend, noting she had a special way of making people feel noticed and valued.
Other posts described Connor as an innovative, brave, driven, and outspoken woman who had a zest for life and a contagious laugh. Many pointed to her generosity, her unconditional love, and her devotion to family.
Connor was an avid volunteer, especially for causes for families and those dealing with personal tragedies. She had found her niche working with the Multicultural Association of Carleton County, helping newcomers and their families, making fast friends with many.
“Jennifer was our calm in the storm, our light in the darkness, our voice of reason, ‘Our Mayor,'” said long-time friend Teresa Chase. “She was all of this and much more to our circle of friends.”
Chase said Connor valued friendship.
“Friendship to Jenn was special,” she said. “And how special am I to have shared over 40 years with this remarkable human?”
Chase said Connor had many friends on many levels. If you earned your way into the ‘top tier,’ you became not only her friend but family.
“Friendship with Jenn was built on trust, loyalty, honesty, love, no fear and no judgement. To have Jenn as a friend is something that many admired,” said Chase.
Chase believes Connor is still with her friends and family and will be helping them through this difficult time.
“Somehow, Jenn will guide us through the unimaginable loss of her. She will still shine and will continue to guide us. It’s been my honour, my privilege to have her as a best friend.”
Connor’s obituary said she is survived by her devoted husband, best friend, and love of her life, Calvin Connor; her cherished children, Jacob (Sarah) Lamey, Erin Lamey (Aaron Levesque), and Emma Lamey (Buddie Munn), Macy Connor, Nick Pike; and her precious granddaughters, Abby Lamey, and Alora Hicks-Munn. Siblings Jeff (Sheryl) Gordon, Karen Gordon (Brian Snow), and Krista Pike; in-laws Brian and Sharon Connor; two brothers-in-law, Dennis (Kim) Connor, Sid (Kat) Connor, and sister-in-law Arlene (Shawn) Dore, and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Jennifer was predeceased by her parents, Mary and Leonard Gordon of Miramichi, New Brunswick.
A celebration of life will be held at the Big Axe Ale House at the Mactaquac Lodge, 1265 NB-105, Mactaquac, on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 2 to 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cindy McCormick Memorial Foundation in Jennifer’s memory.
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/cindy-mccormick-memorial-foundation
