Catherine (Kate) Akagi, acting mayor of Saint Andrews, longtime educator and recipient of the Order of New Brunswick, is being remembered as a deeply committed community leader whose impact will be felt for generations following her death this weekend. She was 70.
Born and raised on Indian Point, Akagi remained closely tied to her home community throughout her life. She spent more than 30 years as a teacher, and in retirement continued to share her knowledge as an Indigenous educator, working with NBCC Saint Andrews and Anglophone School District South.
A member of the Skutik tribe of the Peskotomuhkati Nation, Akagi was widely respected for her efforts to increase awareness and understanding of First Nations history and culture. In Saint Andrews, she helped lead local observances of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and supported initiatives that brought Indigenous voices and culture into the public space.
Her commitment to the community extended well beyond her professional work. Akagi was known for her volunteerism with groups such as Charlotte Dial-A-Ride and the Open Door Program, and for quietly stepping in wherever help was needed and community events, fundraisers, and initiatives.
Akagi was first elected to council in 2008, serving until 2016. She returned in a 2018 byelection and was re-elected in 2021, when she was also chosen by council as deputy mayor. In 2023, she was appointed to the Order of New Brunswick, one of the province’s highest honours, in recognition of her contributions to education, Indigenous advocacy and community life. She was also awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2025 for her ongoing commitment to community betterment and public service.
She is being remembered not only for her years of public service, but for the way she carried it out: with care, humility and a deep sense of responsibility to the community she called home.
Conservative MP John Williamson said on social media he was saddened by Akagi’s passing.
“She spent countless hours volunteering throughout southern New Brunswick to improve outcomes for so many residents of Charlotte County,” he wrote. “Kate will be dearly missed by everyone who knew her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and the entire community of Saint Andrews during this difficult time.”
Fellow Charlotte County Mayor Denny Cogswell also extended his condolences.
“Kate will be greatly missed not only in her community of Saint Andrews but all of Southwest (New Brunswick) where she volunteered many hours in multiple organizations,” he wrote. “The service you have provided to our region has not gone unnoticed and will always be remembered.”
Eastern Charlotte Mayor John Craig also extended his condolences online. He also served with Akagi on council in Saint Andrews.
“Kate Akagi had been a valued member of my council in Saint Andrews, and it was my honour to collaborate with her on the Service Commission board,” he wrote. “Saint Andrews has lost a remarkable community leader, someone who led with passion and dedication to her hometown and heritage. My thoughts are with her family at this most difficult time.”
St. Stephen Mayor Allan MacEachern also wrote about Akagi’s passing.
“Yesterday, I received the sad news of the passing of deputy and acting mayor Kate Akagi of the Town of Saint Andrews,” he wrote. “The service K8 provided to our region at the board level, volunteering [for] many causes and stepping up as mayor of Saint Andrews has not gone unnoticed, (K8 is also known to help out at a local restaurant while there having [their] own lunch) and she will always be greatly missed and remembered.”
Akagi was known for signing her emails with “K8.” She took on the role of acting mayor in June following the resignation of Brad Henderson for personal reasons.
On social media, Henderson wrote that Kate was on the top of the list of people who stepped up for their community.
“Hundreds of thousands of kilometres on her personal vehicle with Charlotte Dial-a-Ride, helping people without transportation get to medical appointments and obtain necessities,” he wrote. “The chain of office was very fitting around her neck. She was proud to wear it and has been a leader in our community for decades.”
Henderson extended his thoughts to her family and friends.
“My thoughts are with her family during this extremely difficult time. We are so blessed you shared her life with us,” he said.
The Southwest New Brunswick Service Commission, for which Akagi was a board member, also extended its thoughts, noting her long-time volunteerism.
“Our most sincere condolences go out to the family of Catherine (Kate) Akagi. Kate was acting mayor of Saint Andrews and a valued member of our board. She was also a very active driver for Charlotte Dial-a-Ride. Her contributions to the Southwest community will be sorely missed. Rest in peace, K8,” the post said.
The Saint Andrews Chamber of Commerce also released a statement.
“The Chamber of Commerce is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Catherine (Kate) Akagi, who served our community with dedication, integrity and compassion,” it said. “Kate’s commitment to public service and her tireless efforts to strengthen our community left a lasting impact on residents, businesses and colleagues alike.”
The organization’s board of directors said Akagi will be greatly missed and her contributions would never be forgotten.
Hundreds of people have offered messages about Akagi’s legacy of kindness and service online. Akagi was offering to serve her community in the upcoming municipal election as a councillor.
The Town of Saint Andrews expressed its condolences in an official statement.
“Kate always held a positive outlook and showed kindness to all. Staff will remember her visits throughout the week, making jokes, and sharing baked treats and homemade foods. Her presence will be missed at the Council table and throughout Saint Andrews,” the release said.
Coun. Steve Neil will assume the role of acting mayor until the election on May 11.
