Paradise town councillor Elizabeth Laurie dies at 44

Elizabeth Laurie, a town councillor in Paradise for more than decade and a former deputy mayor, has died after fighting cancer.

She died Monday at 44.

Laurie, who was born and raised in Paradise, was first elected to council in September 2009. She was re-elected for her fourth term in September 2021.

"The growth and development of Paradise over the past decade and half has been, in large part, shaped by Elizabeth," Mayor Dan Bobbett said in a statement released Monday.

"Elizabeth believed in Paradise and the town believed in her. It is indeed a sad day in Paradise, and it won't quite be the same without her. She has left an indelible legacy in our town, and Paradise is a better place because of Elizabeth Laurie."

Bobbett said Laurie was a trailblazer in a male-dominated field, one of the youngest people to be elected to Paradise town council and one of the first sitting municipal officials in the province to have a baby.

In her obituary, she's remembered as a "human jukebox," a musicophile who knew the words to every song. She was a friend for life, always making people feel included, and a guiding force in her family.

"Elizabeth wore so many hats effortlessly mother, wife, sister, friend, volunteer, and councillor," said Bobbett.

"She had a way of connecting with people that always placed others first and put everyone at ease. She radiated a gentle confidence that made her an exceptional leader who was thoughtful, compassionate, and hard-working."

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