In Memoriam: Marilyn Trenholme Counsell
Sadly, Dr. Marilyn Trenholme Counsell (MD ’67) passed away on June 17th, 2026 at the age of 92. Besides being a well-liked family physician, Dr. Trenholme Counsell was also a Member of the New Brunswick Legislative Assembly, a Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick, a Canadian Senator, and Officer of the Order of Canada. She was an advocate and leader who dedicated her life to serving her community, province and country.
Dr. Trenholme Counsell joined our medical school class after a short career as a nutritionist/dietician. After graduation, she did her junior rotating internship and then served as a family physician at the Toronto General Hospital. She then returned to start a family practice in Sackville and Port Elgin, New Brunswick. Her commitment to improving health and wellbeing extended far beyond her practice. She entered public service in 1987 as the Liberal MLA for Tantramar, later serving as the province’s first minister of state for the family before her appointment as New Brunswick’s 28th Lieutenant-Governor. She continued her public service as a Canadian Senator from 2003 to 2008.
Dr. Trenholme Counsell was a passionate advocate for literacy and early childhood education, causes she tirelessly supported throughout her life. She was instrumental in developing the Born to Read program, a provincewide initiative promoting early literacy, and co-chaired the New Brunswick Literacy Strategy. Her work as president of the Literacy Coalition of New Brunswick and her involvement with Early Literacy Friends and the Vanier Institute of the Family reflect her unwavering dedication to supporting families and youth.
Throughout her lifelong service, Dr. Trenholme Counsell reminded us of the power of dedication, compassion and advocacy. She was truly interested in the people around her and her compassion touched everyone she served.
Whether as a doctor, a politician or a community advocate, she remained deeply committed to improving the lives of those around her.
– Dr. Robert Hilliard (MD ’67)
CTV News: Condolences pour in after trailblazing N.B. doctor, politician dies at 92