NEW WATERFORD, N.S. — What would Jacqueline do is a common question heard in just about every corner of Breton Education Centre as the 38th Coal Bowl Classic basketball tournament plays out.
The question pays tribute to longtime tournament co-chair Jacqueline Poirier who always inspired patience and carried herself with an air of calm, no matter how stressful a situation could get.
“Actually, she was almost like a sedative for you if you were panicking because she just wouldn’t (panic). She didn’t have it in her, I don’t think,” said Jenn Sheppard, spokesperson for the Coal Bowl committee.
“She wasn’t scared of anything and every challenge was just an obstacle for her to get around and often if there was a really big catastrophe where everybody else might have been freaking out she was probably telling you about it in between sort of laughing.”
Poirier was sick last year and was only able to be consulted on Coal Bowl matters from her home. She died in August after a battle with cancer, leaving a void tournament volunteers are trying to fill.
In her life, she was a mother, a wife, a teacher and an avid volunteer.
Her volunteer resume included time as president of the Young Christian Society, president of New Waterford Figure Skating Club, speed skating co-ordinator with the Jeux Canada Games and founder of the Literacy Program with New Waterford Rotary.
“She definitely had been an advocate for anything we have been involved in, she had always taken a leadership role of some sort,” said her daughter, Shauna.
“Whether it be sports or anything we’ve done over the years. She always took an active role in supporting the group. She had a knack for taking charge, for sure.”
Though active in everything, most will remember Shauna's mother as the longtime director and co-chair of the New Waterford Coal Bowl Classic.
Her daughter said efforts to make the Coal Bowl a success would begin each fall when her mother would start getting herself and everyone else organized for the annual February games. The tournament meant a lot to her.
“She had a finesse way of dealing with everything and we didn’t inherit any of that,” her daughter said with a laugh. “I think we take a little more with dad’s side. We are a little hyper.”
During Monday’s opening ceremonies there were two tributes to Jacqueline and her work, including a rendition of "Rise Again" from the Coal Bowl Choir and the Men of the Deeps that was dedicated to her.
She was also named the Shining Star recipient, which recognizes a person, business or community leader who exemplifies excellence and support for the Coal Bowl. It’s considered the event’s highest honour.
“It’s been an emotional week for sure,” Shauna said. “We are trying to celebrate her memories and all the great things she has done.”
Whilst celebrating her impact on the tournament, Sheppard said an entire committee has been created to replace the work that Jacqueline did. That committee still brings up her name, her advice and mannerisms whenever issues arise.
“I think Jacqueline just didn’t see the point in panicking,” said Sheppard.
“I think she thought it was a time-waster and much more could be done if you could keep your head on your shoulders, take a deep breath and move forward. We’ve learned that from Jacqueline’s way of doing things.”