BARRHEAD- The Pembina Hills School Division is mourning the loss of a former long-time division employee.
Tracy Meunier, the long-time secretary-treasurer, passed away peacefully at her home on Aug. 2 surrounded by family after a battle with brain cancer. She was 59.
Meunier's career with the school division began before it was officially the school division, joining the County of Barrhead in 1984, serving as the county manager's administrative assistant. At the time, the operation of local schools was still under the management of the county.
In 1995, she became the treasurer of the newly-formed Pembina Hills Regional Division No. 7. It was created through the amalgamation of the Westlock School Division, the County of Barrhead and the Swan Hills School District.
In 1998, she received her Certified General Accountant (CMA) certification and shortly after, her job title changed to secretary-treasurer for the Pembina Hills Regional Division.
During her time with the amalgamated school division, Meunier served with eight different superintendents and 12 different boards.
PHSD board chair Jennifer Tuininga said over her 35 career often was called upon to serve and participate in provincial committees
"Tracy had excellent memory recall and an attention to detail that made her a natural historian in the division," Tuininga said. "She felt her role was to serve the community, and she was always seeking ways to maximize finite resources for the benefit of our students."
She added that Meunier's historical knowledge of changes to the education system and her ability to recall situations and examples ensured that the division learned from the past and helped trustees and administration set future priorities.
However, Tuininga said what she will remember about Meunier the most is her high degree of integrity and how she consistently applied it in her work and interactions with others.
"She will be remembered for her love of numbers, public service, and her ability to problem solve fiscal challenges within the division with both creative and innovative solutions," she said, adding that in recognition of her contributions to the division and education, they renamed the boardroom at the division office in her honour.
Supt. David Garbutt said Meunier's passing was a tremendous loss for the entire community.
"She is the best individual that I have ever worked with or even known," he said. "Her integrity, her drive to do the right thing is second to none. She's going to be greatly missed. She's been a dear colleague, friend and an inspiration to everyone that she worked with at Pembina Hills. I am sure it is the same for other community members."
Garbutt added that Meunier put everyone else first.
He used the example of Meunier returning to her old position, at his request, for six months when her replacement did not work out.
Shortly after retiring for the second time in May 2020, Meunier was diagnosed with cancer.
"I know things happen in life," Garbutt said. "She was just starting her retirement, but this is fundamentally unfair for her and her family ... all I can say is that she is going to be tremendously missed."
Meunier's memorial service will be held Aug. 11 at 2 P.M. at Barrhead United Church. To honour Meunier's legacy in education, her family has set up the Barrhead Composite High School Scholarship Fund.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers that people make donations to the fund or other charities of their choice.
