Obituary of Sarah Elizabeth Francis

Sarah Elizabeth Francis, age 87 of Pictou Landing First Nation, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2024, at MacLeod Cares Shiretown Nursing Home. She was born in Pictou Landing; her parents were the late Ella Mae (Francis) and Joseph Patrick Nicholas of Pictou Landing. Sarah is survived by her son, William Nicholas, daughter-in-law Helen and grandchildren Freeman (Elisha), Tamara (Alfred), Alden Joseph (Michelle), Craig, Samantha, Zack (Krystal), Haley (Tyson), Danny, Chase and numerous great grandchildren with whom she adored. Her surviving siblings are Jennie, Mary (Alan), Anne and brothers Noel & Durney (Bernadette), sister-in-law Bellin & Harriet; godchildren Edie, Vernon, Andrew and Robert, multiple nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Stephen, her son Alden Patrick, brothers Norman, Anthony, James, Joseph, one in infancy; sisters Margaret Rose, Catherine, Clara, Suzie, Josephine, sister-in-law Helen and Mary Lou and godchildren Stephanie & Alice Mae. Throughout her childhood, Sarah spent most of her time following her great-grandmother, Sally Sark who was a natural born leader. Inspired by that leadership role, Sarah spent 10 years of her life being a band councillor in Pictou Landing, before resigning and entering into the Congregation of Sisters of St. Martha of Antigonish. The congregation took to her other communities such as Eskasoni, Little Dover and Dominion. In 2001, Sarah received the Grand Chief Donald Marshall Sr. Elder Achievement Award, recognizing her lifelong contribution to the Mi’kmaw community. The wealth of knowledge her shared on Maliko’mijk (Merigomish Island) and our ancestors were never ending, she also contributed to the Teaching About the Mi’kmaq curriculum resource provided by Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre. Sarah was more than an educator; she was a matriarch. She left her imprint on those who were fortunate to spend time with her, which definitely had a ripple effect. She will be greatly missed and never forgotten. Visitation will begin after 4 pm on Monday, September 23, 2024 at the home of her granddaughter Tamara Young, 185 Beach Road, Fisher’s Grant, NS. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, September 25 in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church, Pictou Landing First Nation, burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Donations in memory of Sarah may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Nova Scotia 112-2719 Gladstone St. Halifax B3K 4W6