Lena Bourque was born in 1924 on Pokiok Road in Saint John, youngest of 12. During the frugal 30’s and 40’s, she made her own clothing, learned the irreplaceable joy of kitchen parties with family and friends, that a dinner table is never too small for another plate, and that no matter how long the day, one should never be too tired for another act of generosity.

In the war years, her parents entertained many soldiers and sailors at Pokiok Road – as they had hoped other families were doing for her brother Mick, who was overseas. She told us of unforgettable times at the newly opened Admiral Beatty Hotel; taking the stage to sing at the Legion with her sister Rita; and never turning down the opportunity for a dance.

She left Saint John in 1954; returned, husband in hand, and was married in 1956; raised 9 children of her own in Montreal, and, almost daily, spoke fondly of her hometown.

Her modest house in Montreal was always full of music, usually from the war years, and she would spontaneously sit down at our ancient pump organ and sing a melody she suddenly remembered. She had quite a voice. The irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies, tarts, squares and crisps, recipes learned from her mother, kept her family nearby and also her neighbours, who seemed to know when to come by to ask for a cup of sugar. It didn’t take long for a kitchen party to get started.

When I was young, she and I visited Saint John a few times, arriving by Super Constellation from Montreal, a rare chance for mother and son to be alone. I recall walking with her, down Douglas Avenue toward the Reversing Falls, past the imposing columns of the New Brunswick Museum and wondering what mysteries were inside. 65 years later, I’m working with the firm of architects on the rejuvenation of the Museum.

Michael Leckman, FRAIC
Principal, Diamond Schmitt Architects