The founder and executive director of a Saint John soup kitchen that served hot meals for those in need has died.
Carolyn McNulty created Romero House in 1982. Under her leadership, the soup kitchen grew to include a food bank, a clothing and furniture room, as well as legal and medical care for clients.
McNulty used her voice to make sure the city's vulnerable were heard.
“With a little tiny room, one little room, a couple of outdoor picnic tables, and they served soup and sandwiches from there, it was all housewives,” said McNulty’s daughter, Evelyn.
Evelyn says the Saint John community has been very generous to Romero House
“My mother was very gifted, that when there was a need she tried to fulfill the need, and to answer what people needed,” said Evelyn.
McNulty was recognized many times for her contributions, including being named to the Order of Canada in 2003.
“She was probably one of the first people to realize that there was a need and that there were people in Saint John on poverty and that they need a good hot meal,” said Saint John Deputy Mayor Shirley McAlary.
“She was involved in all the committees in the city that had anything to do with poverty or anything to do with any issue.”
Evelyn says the lesson from her mother and father was clear early on – be kind to other people no matter what.
“We shared our mother with so many people,” said Evelyn. “My parents were very quick to recognize when Saint John was in an economic recession that people needed help.”
McNulty passed away from congestive heart failure. She was 76.
A funeral and memorial service has been planned for Friday.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Nick Moore.
