Kate Akagi

It is with sadness the family of Catherine “Kate” Akagi of St. Andrews, N.B. announce her unexpected passing on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

Kate was the 8th child born to Motosaku (Motorcycle Charlie) and Romona (Homan) Akagi. She was born in the family home on Indian Point; delivered by midwife. After the death of their Mother in 1958, Charlie raised his children on his own with the help of his 13-year-old daughter, Rose. Kate is survived by siblings: Hugh (Lou van Eechaute), John (Theresa) Akagi, Theresa Ramona Akagi, Martha Akagi Bergantini, Cecilia Akagi (Rick) Smith. A multitude of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews (Gillian is her goddaughter) who treasure their time spent with Auntie Katie, lovingly known as Aunt Cake.

Kate’s Mother, Romona died 1958; her father Motosaku (Charlie Motorcycle) 50 years ago in 1976. She is predeceased by sisters Alice (Magnus) Menzies, and sister, Mother, friend, Rose (Henrique) Cunha; niece, Ramona and nephews Jarrod and Todd. We would be remiss to omit the most important family she enjoyed who await her at the Rainbow Bridge-Tye, Garfield, Wheezie, Boo, N’yalic and Neiko.

Kate attended Prince Arthur Elementary School, graduated from Sir James Dunn Academy in 1973 then UNB in 1977, returning to her hometown to teach at the Vincent Massey Elementary School. Kate played many sports in high school - curling, volleyball, basketball, softball and badminton (with sister Cecilia on the same teams.) Kate became involved with the Church of St. Andrew - crafting, church sales, serving or cooking for occasions offered by the CWL and the Guild. Under the guise of ‘teaching’ the kids, her nieces made a lot of those braided coat hangers for the church sales. She was involved with the choir; a familiar sight to see her running out of the house with guitar case and sheet music in hand. She was a leader in the Girl Guides.

In 1984, Kate and Martha began researching their family history: Indigenous, Passamaquoddy, Japanese, as well as their father’s military history, resulting in the membership of all their siblings on the Census Rolls of the Peskotomuhkati (Sipayik) initial information which began the census rolls with Rita Fraser for the Skutik tribe of the Peskotomuhkati. The research of their Father’s Military experience was given (with assistance from John and family friend Brian Mac Nichol) to the 8th Hussar Museum in Sussex.

Kate’s travels began with trips to Halifax, Montreal, PEI, Toronto, Vancouver (World’s Fair 1986), Calgary, New York, North Carolina, Arizona, the Yukon with Ms. Annie Goodeill, Mrs. Maxine Graham, and Mrs. Donna MacNichol to ventures across the globe - Thailand twice and Japan to attend the wedding of her friend Yuikiko with sister Theresa.

In retirement she would substitute teach. She was an Indigenous educator/Aboriginal Student Advisor with NBCC Saint Andrews and Anglophone School District South. Some summers she worked at Ossie’s and volunteered at the Tourist Bureau and Archives. She volunteered at Dial-a-Ride, shuttling members of the community to appointments, work, hospital treatments near or far. Kate participated in the Open-Door Program, served as a board member of The Southwest N.B. Service Commission as well as a board member of the Ross Museum. Proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 8, not only for her Dad but for other relatives - Frank Polis and Joseph Polis (Name at  base of St. Andrews Cenotaph who was KIA France 1918) (WW I - Indigenous Sharpshooters). The list continues: Charlotte County Abuse Prevention Network, the Spindrifters, All Saints Church Youth and Family Committee member, All Saints Craft Guild and Wednesday Craft Group participant, Group participant Music Ministry. She joined Tony Miller in an endeavour to revitalize the congregation of St. Clements in McAdam. They would visit the nursing home and various family homes, expanding a congregation of 12 without children to 60 members and children. For over 10 years, they provided music. Contributor of the St. George Foodbank. Strong supporter of Earthfest. Participant at Minister’s Island. She would be found at countless community events, fundraisers, plays, ghost walks….

Kate was first elected to council in 2008, serving until 2016. Deputy Mayor 2012-2016.  She returned in a by-election and was re-elected in 2021 Councillor 2016 -2021 Deputy Mayor May 2021-June 2025. Deputy Mayor/Acting Mayor June 2025-April 2026 She was the second female and first Indigenous person to wear the Mayors’ Chain of Office.

Kate received many awards: Volunteerism Recognition given by the Town of St. Andrews, Raymond Murphy Memorial Award UNB 2023 for outstanding dedication to her services to her municipality. She received the Order of N.B. in 2023, the highest honour conferred by the N.B. Crown, for individual excellence and achievement. She was presented the King Charles Coronation Medal in 2025, marking the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, for making a significant contribution to a particular province, territory, region or community in Canada, or attaining an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to our country.

Kate worked tirelessly in sharing First Nations history and culture, starting with her elementary students with stories and articles from her own collection. As an Elder she did smudging ceremonies, basket making, crafting dream catchers that she distributed, carrying out workshops in drum making with other elders and ribbon skirt making with nieces - Kare and Gillie. She dedicated herself to the sharing of cultures knowing it would promote understanding and strengthen connections among peoples that would benefit the entire community. In an interview, she spoke of the Indigenous crosswalks along Indian Point and the Day for Truth and Reconciliation memorial ceremonies, which she co-hosted with Judith Moses. This past year, they held events both for National Indigenous Peoples Day June 21 and the Memorial on Sept. 30. Kate said that a year ago, they had 50 drums made and have made 25 more that she hopes can be brought to next year's memorial. She is one of three, including Charlie Nicholas, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), and Constance Sewell, from Oinpegitjoig (Pabineau First Nation), helping organize KAIROS blanket exercises, which "raise awareness of continuing injustices and impacts of colonization" and teach the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and other work in that field. She was a member of the Skutik tribe of the Peskotomuhkati Nation recognized in the U.S. but not Canada, where their people, led by brother and Chief, Hugh Akagi, continue to seek federal and provincial recognition.

Aunt Kate (known as Aunt Cake to many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews) enjoyed Garfield and the Disney movies, great snacks, cartoons, playing board games and cards, and may have fudged a game or two. When she had the gaggle of kids at the Mall in St. Stephen, she would reach in her pocket, pulling out quarters for all at the gumball machines. They would pull blankets, pillows, sleeping bags into her living room for a sleepover together. They would look for shooting stars, Aunt Kate teaching about the constellations. They baked molasses cookies together, in little kitty aprons made just like hers. They were excited to join her in the choir loft when she sang at church. She was their first hairdresser (French braid). She had a rather witty sense of humour, which some of the kids inherited from her. We stand in awe of our sister and friend K8. Thankfully we were able to tell that her hard work and dedication never went unnoticed, and how proud we are of all her accomplishments; that she so deserves the accolades and recognition. We spoke of our parents and Rose who would be so proud of her too. A most remarkable woman…. our sister, aunt, great auntie and friend. We will miss you; we love you…until we meet again…on eagles wings………..

Funeral service will be held at All Saints Anglican Church, St. Andrews, N. B. on May 5, 2026, at 2 PM. Due to limited seating at the church, the church hall will accommodate a small overflow, and a livestream will be provided.   https://m.youtube.com/@CHCOTV?ra=m

Following the funeral service, light refreshments will be served in the church hall with a chance to share memories of Kate.

We're incredibly grateful for your love and support during this time. For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated in Kate’s memory to Dial-A Ride, Charlotte County SPCA, Heart & Stroke Foundation or a charity of choice. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.mehanfuneralhome.ca