Tributes are pouring in following the death of a well-known Saint John community leader.
Laurie Flood passed away over the weekend at the age of 63, according to her obituary.
Flood spent the past 21 years as executive director of the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation.
A social media post from the foundation said Flood was an “unwavering advocate for compassionate healthcare” who helped improve the lives of many people.
“Laurie’s legacy of profound dedication, kindness, and service will forever be remembered, and will continue to be an inspiration and an integral part of the Foundation’s mission,” said the post.
Dozens of people have commented on the post, which was shared on Monday, offering their condolences and sharing their memories.
Flood also served as executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters, where she volunteered on a three -month mission to help children in St. Vincent.
Beyond her commitment to the community, she also fostered family creativity through her love of arts and crafts, according to her obituary.
“Whether it was knitting, felting, quilting or darning ‘Lotta Love’ socks on her special antique sock machine, Laurie never looked at a craft nor project without the feisty utterance ‘we could do that.'”
Flood leaves behind her daughter, 10 siblings, 26 nieces and nephews, 15 1/2 grand-nieces and grand-nephews and “more cousins than we are able to accurately count.”
Visitation will be held at Brenan’s Funeral Home in Saint John from 3 to 8 p.m. on Thursday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Rothesay at 11 a.m. Friday.
The St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation has created a special fund in Flood’s memory that will focus on patient care, patient advocacy and caregiver support. Her family is asking for people to donate to the fund in lieu of flowers.
