Saint John’s mayor remembered one of its most colourful and passionate citizens.
Judith Meinert-Thomas, known for her colourful hair and clothing, passed away earlier this week.
Donna Reardon first met her while volunteering on a school committee at St. John the Baptist school where Meinert-Thomas was teaching at the time and later as a very involved volunteer at the church.
Mayor Reardon described Judith Meinert-Thomas as a pioneer in a lot of ways for Saint John.
“I don’t know if she would use the word inclusivity but she has been talking about that for a long time, about making everyone feel welcome in the community. Everyone striving to make the community safer,” Reardon said.
Mayor Reardon said Judith was a great supporter of women in politics and for years pushed her to run for mayor.
“She wanted equal representation, she wanted equal rights, she was equal recognition for the work of everyone,” Reardon said.
Reardon said for anyone who was considered marginalized, Judith was ready to fight for them.
She called her “a big presence” in the community and she can’t imagine it without her.
The two women just had lunch in Saint John City Market two weeks ago.
Mar 22..Remembering a special friend Judith Meinert who always lived in the moment! She loved a project & let nothing stand in the way of her goal. She was a strong, outspoken advocate of inclusivity, tirelessly working to make @cityofsaintjohn welcoming & safer for all. pic.twitter.com/IwJ2DjEjXT
— Donna Reardon (@DonnaReardonSJ) March 22, 2022
Judith, you made "good trouble" – always. Loved you and this photo of you and Ralph. You will rest well and we will miss you. pic.twitter.com/t44ruMf6IY
— Elizabeth Weir (@ElizabethWeir2) March 23, 2022
