The French-language Catholic school board is mourning the death of a former teacher and trustee.
Conseil scolaire catholique Providence said the flags at its head office will be flown at half-mast in recognition of Sylvie Barbeau (Chmielewski) who died on July 22, 2023.
Barbeau was elected to serve Sarnia-Lambton, Perth, Grey, Huron and Bruce Counties in 2022.
Board Chair Jacques Kenny said she will be sorely missed.
"She was greatly appreciated for her tireless work on behalf of our parents and students,” said Kenny. “Proud to be a Francophone and a Catholic, Sylvie never ceased campaigning to ensure that our schools would be able to offer a high-quality education to all our families.”
Barbeau had been a teacher at École catholique Saint-Thomas-d'Aquin in Sarnia, and was a member of a number of Francophone community associations, the Sarnia-Lambton Ontario Health Team and a volunteer at the River City Shelter in Sarnia.
According to Barbeau's obituary she had a short battle with cancer.
A celebration of life will be held at River City Vineyard in Sarnia on July 31, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.
Sarnia News Today has reached out to the board to see how Barbeau's position as trustee will be filled.
Meghan Reale was the runner up in the 2022 election.
