Freda Harper

Margaret Freda (Barnaby) Harper, of Natoaganeg First Nation (Eel Ground), passed away peacefully at the Miramichi Regional Hospital on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the age of 85. Freda was born in Natoaganeg and was the daughter of the late Charles Cloud and Bridget Anne Barnaby. She met and married Buddy Harper (deceased) while living and working in Boston, Massachusetts and had five children; Margaret Freda Connelly (Paul) of Florida, Wilburn Rupert Harper Junior (deceased), Calvin Walker Harper (Mary) of Utah, Timothy Wayne Harper of Miramichi and Roxanne Harper of Halifax and 7 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. 

Her surviving siblings are Florene Sands of Florida, Donald Ward of Curvington, and Delores Ward of Alberta. She was predeceased by her siblings Roy Barnaby, Michael Ward and Josephine Barlow. 

She was a member of the NB Aboriginal Peoples Council and a recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for her efforts in fostering First Nations children and her continued support of native rights in Canada. Freda will long be remembered for her energy and enthusiasm to get things done! 

A celebration of her life will be held on July 23 from 6 to 8 pm at the Northumberland Funeral Home followed by a private family ceremony to be held in Wild Cat, Natoaganeg First Nation. 

Arrangements are in the care of Northumberland Funeral Home & Crematorium, 102 Pleasant St., telephone (506) 622-7741.