BORLAND, M.J. MAUREEN At the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital on March 30, 2006, M.J. Maureen Borland of Hanwell, NB passed away at the age of 59, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born February 15, 1947 in Fredericton, NB, she was a daughter of the late Joseph Arthur Bruce Kelly and Marjorie June (Reed) Kelly. Maureen graduated from Fredericton High School, the University of New Brunswick, and St. Thomas University. Her working career included positions at the YMCAs in Bellville, Ontario; New Plymouth, New Zealand and Fredericton, New Brunswick. With much compassion and dedication, Maureen worked for 18 years with the Canadian Parapalegic Association in Fredericton and 8 fulfilling years with the Provincial Department of Training and Employment Development. It was her desire to help others that led her to pilot a Federal Government Project working with youth at risk with disabilities and Y.O.U. (Youth Opportunities Unlimited) was born. She was even more thrilled to see Angie (her daughter) take over the project after her illness was diagnosed last October. Maureen was a well-known advocate for anyone with a disability. Anyone you ask would say "If no one else can help you, Maureen Borland can."; and that was proven. She was a founding board member of the Canadian Head Injury Association and founding chairperson of the New Brunswick Head Injury Association. She was a member of Equité New Brunswick Equity for 6 years and President for 2 years of those years. She was recognized by the courts as an expert witness in the areas of disabled employment and future care costs. She made many presentations to Federal Task Forces concerning disability issues and spoke at many national conferences. While Maureen's commitment to her clients was well known, she devoted herself to her family. She treasured family trips no matter where the destination, from warm summer evenings at the cottage to taking her grandson Alex, to Disney World for the first time. Although reading was her favorite pastime, the most important part of her life was spending cherished moments with her daughter, Angie, and her grandson Alex. She followed Angie across the country to watch her compete in judo tournaments and was always proud of her efforts and accomplishments. Maureen later could be found on the sidelines of the local soccer pitches cheering for Alex or spending relaxing weekends at the lake. She is survived by her best friend and daughter, Angela and her fiancé Shane Sturgeon of Fredericton, one grandson Alex of Fredericton, estranged husband David Borland of Fredericton, four sisters Teresa Kelly of Fredericton, Molly Kelly (Jim) of Chemainus, BC, Kate Egbers (Rei) of Anagance, NB, Colleen Collette (Coburn) of Harvey, NB. One brother Bruce Kelly of Chemainus, BC. Nieces; Kayla Collette, Leah Collette, nephews Reid Egbers, Adrien Egbers & Kelly Hart. She is also survived by a special extended family of life long friends. A memorial service will be held on Saturday April 8th at 11 am at St. Dunstan's Roman Catholic Church with Father Gerry White officiating & Father John Jennings assisting, to celebrate Maureen's remarkable life. For those who wish the family has suggested memorial contributions be made to the Canadian Red Cross, or to a charity of the donor's choice. Bishop's Funeral Home 540 Woodstock Road Fredericton is in charge of the arrangements. www.bishopsfuneralhome.com [Daily Gleaner]