Paula Pirie

With her family by her side, Paula Ann Pirie passed away peacefully at the age of 69 on Friday, June 19, 2026, at the Upper River Valley Hospital in Waterville, New Brunswick.

Born on July 5, 1956, in Tobique First Nation (Neqotkuk), Paula was the daughter of the late Patrick Bear and Yvonne (Saulis) Bear.

Paula shared over 46 years of marriage with the love of her life, Daniel Pirie. Together, they built a life rooted in love, laughter, and family. Their greatest accomplishment was raising their four children: Tanna, Jasmine, Nathan, and Darcy, each of whom carried a special place in her heart. Paula's love for her children was fierce and unconditional, surpassed only by the love she held for her grandchildren.

Her ten grandchildren were the center of her universe: Amara, Jayla, Kira, Darrius, Maia, Chace, Emerson, Delaney, Kendrick, and William. They could always count on their Meme to be their biggest supporter, loudest cheerleader, and safest place to land. Whether it was a sporting event, school concert, graduation, or simply a difficult day, Meme was there with encouragement, pride, and endless love.

Paula is also survived by her brothers, Stephen Bear (Christine) of Tobique First Nation, Solomon "Rocky" Bear of Tobique First Nation, and Gerard Vance Bear (Mary) of Waskaganish, Qc, as well as many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

In addition to her parents, Paula was predeceased by her brother Melvin "Jigger" Bear, her sister Gwen Bear, and her beloved twin brother, Paul Bear.

Paula was a pillar of her community and a respected matriarch whose kindness, strength, and generosity touched countless lives. She carried a deep love for her family, her language, her culture, and her community. She dedicated more than 42 years to education, spending 30 years in the classroom as a teacher and 12 years in administration as a principal. She believed deeply in the power of education and worked tirelessly to encourage, support, and uplift generations of students.

Her students remember her as a teacher who was strict but fair, someone who expected the best because she believed in the potential of every child who walked through her classroom door. Teaching was never just a profession to Paula, it was her calling. Even after retirement, she could often be found back at Mah-Sos School, stepping in as a substitute teacher because helping children learn and succeed brought her genuine joy.

Beyond her career, Paula will be remembered for the way she made people feel. She welcomed others with warmth, offered help without hesitation, and gave generously of her time and heart. She was the kind of person who showed up when needed, celebrated the successes of others, and quietly carried people through difficult times. Her wisdom, humour, strength, and compassion will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Though our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing that her legacy lives on through her family, her students, her community, and the countless lives she touched throughout her remarkable journey.

Resting at the Paul Pyres Community Hall, with visitation beginning at 12:00pm, Sunday, June 21, 2026 and continuing until 2 pm Wednesday, June 24, 2026. A Celebration of Paula's Life will be held at the Paul Pyres Community Hall at 2 pm on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to Kehkimin Language Initiative or the Tobique Food Bank.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brunswick Funeral Home, Perth-Andover, New Brunswick.