Michelle J. Bartlett
1967-2021
On June 26, 2021, Michelle J. Bartlett left this world to go
on to her next journey. Born on November 14, 1967,
she was only 53 years old when, after many years of fighting heart
disease, her heart stopped beating and she died at the Saint John
Regional Hospital, Saint John, NB.
She was predeceased by parents Marvin and Moira (Cook)
Bartlett and brother Edward. She is survived and missed by
sister Beth Stinson, brother-in-law Eddie, brother Mel Bartlett,
sister-in-law Maureen and brother Tim Bartlett. Michelle
took great joy in spoiling her various nieces and nephews plus her
well-loved dogs, Shelly and Molly. She was a dedicated
knitter, enjoyed baking and (according to her nieces and nephews) had
a real knack for picking out truly awful action movies to watch with
them.
Michelle graduated from Sir James Dunn Academy in St. Andrews
and then attended NBCC. She worked in Halifax before
returning to St. Andrews to continue her career. Michelle
was a member of the Women’s Institute where she held the
office of First Vice President.
In 2004 Michelle had surgery to repair a heart valve and two
days later suffered a stroke which caused a severe anoxic brain
injury. Despite the medical prognosis of a complete loss of
mental function and being sent to palliative care, Michelle
miraculously rallied. She underwent intensive rehabilitation, speech,
occupational and physical therapy to learn to speak, swallow and walk
again. After months of hard work, Michelle was able to
regain her ability to live an independent life.
Despite the challenges she faced after her brain injury,
Michelle worked tirelessly to promote the support of brain injury
survivors in NB, including volunteering as a community advocate for
the Brain Injury Association of Canada. In recognition of her efforts,
Brain Injury Canada gave her an Award of Merit in 2016 and she
received the Debbie and Trevor Greene Award of Courage in
2018. She could easily have sat and felt sorry for herself
but, instead of that, she used what had happened to her to help others
(and enjoyed every second of it).
A graveside service at the Oak Bay Cemetery, Oak Bay, NB.
will be held at a later date.
If you’d like to make a charitable donation in
Michelle’s memory, the Brain Injury Association of Canada
(braininjurycanada.ca) was near and dear to her heart.
Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.mehanfuneralhome.ca
19672021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Michelle J Bartlett 19672021..
Décès pour la Ville: St-Stephen, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick