Obituary of Elaina Evangeline Nicole Barber
It is with a prayer for peace that surpasses all understanding that we have to inform you that our daughter, Elaina Evangeline Nicole Barber, has passed away into the arms of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, on October 1st, 2025, at the Saint John Regional Hospital.
Born July 7th, 2022 in Saint John, NB, to Christina Barber (née Pottier) and Derek Barber, Elaina made everyone aware very quickly that she was one of a kind and followed her own path, forcing her Mama, Daddy, and her brothers to follow along for the journey. In her short life, she was surrounded by love and attention, as well as the best medical care she needed when she needed it. Never to be outdone, Elaina would often exceed any expectations put on her by all, proving to those in the medical field that not all answers make sense, and not all questions need answers. She had her own timeline her entire life. Her Mama and Daddy would always advocate for what was right for Elaina, regardless of how things looked. Especially her Mama. Elaina only got so far in her short life because of how her Mama supported her and how her Mama stood in the gap for her.
Predeceased by her Great Nanny Carol Fevens (née Raynard) and great-grandfather Charles Muise of Yarmouth, NS; Great Grampy James A. Pottier of Tusket, NS; Bampie Barry Barber of Centreville, NB; Great Tante Marie, Great Aunt Charlotte and Great Uncle Donald.
Survived by Mom, Christina, and Dad, Derek, and the best big brothers, Emmett and Robbie (Robertson); Great Grammy Barbara Pottier (née LeFave) of Tusket, NS; Grampie and Grammie James (Mike) and Elaine Pottier (née Fevens) of Yarmouth, NS; Mammie Sandra Barber (née Paterson) of Centreville, NB; Aunt GG (Gina) Jones (née Barber) and Uncle Mike Jones of Kingston, NY, USA; Aunt Jackie (Trevor) Barber of Knoxford, NB; Tante Alissa (Myles/Melissa) Pottier of Yarmouth, Uncle Nick and Tante Maria Pottier (née Smith) of Yarmouth; Cousins Emma, Isaac, Reid, Cole, Ian, Ethan, Bryce, Dawson, Jacob, Sophia, Declan, Stryker, Theodore, and the littlest cousin; Ryverlee Gladys Elaina Pottier. Survived also by great aunts, great uncles, and many cousins across Canada and the USA, and by her Great Great Aunt Elaine Gillis (née Raynard) of Kensington, PEI.
We would like to thank all of the staff on night shift in the ER who encountered Elaina on September 28th, 2025, and all of the staff on 4A South at the Saint John Regional Hospital over the years. Especially her care team lead, Dr. Todd Lambert, Dr. Marianne McKenna, and the many pediatricians and nurses who cared for Elaina during her many hospital stays throughout her short life. To Kate, Jess C., Grace, Mary Christine, Chloe, Shelby, Brooke, Tina, and so many others for the care and love in the last few days of her life. Beth with Child Life, for the care and attention you often were able to give to all of us, not just Elaina — honestly, there are so many we cannot name them all but please know you helped us while helping her. To the IWK doctors, dentists, and nurses who helped us through such hard times in Elaina’s life as well, including the amazing Pediatric Acute Care Team — thank you.
As per her family’s wishes, cremation will be carried out by Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (506-634-7424), where visitation will take place on Sunday, October 5th, 2025 from 2:00 - 4:00 PM. A family graveside ceremony will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in Elaina’s name can be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Charities that have impacted the family include (but are not limited to): AboutFace (Canada), IWK Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities Atlantic, Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation, Hailie and Trent’s Law – Child Passenger Safety Advocate, NB Social Pediatrics, or Families for HoPE Inc.
Romans 8:38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s Love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow - not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s Love. (NLT)
