Daurene Elaine Lewis

Daurene was the daughter of the late James and Peryle (Morgan) Lewis. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her brother Ronald. She is survived by her sister Avis (John) Nkansah, Toronto, Ontario, her aunt, Joyce (Morgan) Tynes, 5 nieces and nephews and friends across the province, Canada and the world. Daurene was dynamic, talented, accomplished and adventurous. Her many careers included administrator, nurse, nursing instructor, businesswoman, and politician. Daurene started her career in the Health Care profession before running her own weaving and design business in Annapolis Royal. She became active in municipal politics, eventually making history in 1984 when she became Canada’s first black female mayor. In 1987 she ran for the Liberals in the provincial election. Daurene held many national and provincial positions and served on the Board of Directors of Canada Post, Board of Directors Neptune Theatre, Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society’s Bar Council, Dalhousie University Board of Governors, the Vanier Institute of the Family and the Premier’s Council on the Economy. As a dedicated volunteer, she also devoted her considerable energies to numerous educational and cultural organizations including the Africville Heritage Trust. As chair, she was instrumental in building the replica of the Seaview Baptist Church. She was also a member of the Anglican Church choirs in Annapolis Royal and Halifax.

In addition to the Order of Canada, Daurene received a number of other awards during her lifetime including the Progress Club of Halifax Woman of Excellence Award for Public Affairs and Communication, the YWCA Woman of Distinction Award, the Black Cultural Centre’s Wall of Honour, the Global Citizenship Award commemorating the United Nations 50th Anniversary and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Daurene had a beautiful singing voice, a terrific sense of humour, a fabulous flair for fashion, and was elegant, poised and fun-loving.

This extraordinary woman, who inspired so many to reach their potential, explained her philosophy in these words: “Involvement on boards, commissions and advisory councils allows me to have input that will help shape policy and practice. Too many of us are limited by societal convention and geographical perspectives to live life to the fullest. I want people to feel valued, happy and excited about their very existence.”

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life service will be held in All Saints Cathedral 11 am Saturday April 27, 2013.

On-line condolences can be sent to J.A. Snow Funeral Home Halifax, N.S