101-year-old Acadian author passes away

Author Marguerite Maillet passed away on March 27, 2025. (Source: Université de Moncton)

Marguerite Maillet, a 101-year-old author of Acadian children’s literature, passed away on Thursday, according to the Université de Moncton.

Hailing from Saint-Norbert, N.B., Maillet was born in 1924 and spent much of her life as a teacher, writer, editor, activist and researcher. She co-founded Bouton d’or Acadie, the first Acadian children’s publishing house, in 1995 with Judith Hamel.

Maillet also helped create the first course in Acadian literature at the Université de Moncton. One of her major works was “Anthologie de textes litteraires acadiens 1607-1975.”

She received the Order of Canada in 2002.

“She has introduced Acadian literature throughout the Americas and Europe,” her induction reads. “Her work is now an indispensable starting point for anyone interested in learning more about it.”

Maillet also earned the Order of Merit from the Université de Moncton in 2006 and the insignia of Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters on March 16, 2025, just days before her death.

“Mrs. Maillet has profoundly impacted our university through her commitment, vision and immense contribution to the growth of Acadian studies,” said Dr. Dennis Prud-homme, rector and vice-chancellor for the Université de Moncton, in a news release. “She has shaped generations of students, laid the foundations for an essential field of study and made Université de Moncton shine far beyond our borders.

“Her passion for language, literature, and youth is a source of inspiration for our community.”

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