Sherise Noelle Gould-Paul

It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear wife, mother, daughter, sister, auntie and niece. Sherise Noelle Paul-Gould began her journey to the spirit world on June 27th, 2021, surrounded in prayer, song, and love of her family, friends, and the community of Eskasoni. Sherise was born June 21st, 1975 and was the youngest daughter of Carol Marie Moore and Peter J. Paul (Chaps).

Sherise was an amazing woman, educator, leader, advocate, mother and friend. Sherise touched the lives of so many people with her immense capacity to love, guide, lend an ear, counsel, and give sound advice, all with a dose of good humour. A fierce advocate for L’nu’k, which was evident by Sherise’s leadership and commitment to Mi’kmaw language preservation, education, and community. Always available to share her knowledge, positive energy, prayers, time and a hearty meal to everyone in need.

Nine years ago, Sherise was diagnosed with Stage IV Cancer, however, this did not slow her down. Her natural positivity and strong faith helped Sherise through her long battle. Sherise loved life and lived it to the fullest. Over the last nine years, Sherise made a point to see the world with her family and traveled to Europe, Las Vegas, and Disney. Staying true to her strong faith, Sherise made several pilgrimages to Medjugorje.

Her one true devotion was to Saint Ann, attending annual missions on Chapel Island in Potlotek. She travelled to her island paradise and was the first to arrive and last to leave, staying a month spending quality time with her family. When mission was over, her next countdown was Christmas, her favorite holiday. Sherise did not forget about anyone and made sure she had special gifts for everyone.

Sherise had many gifts, one particularly special gift was her support for people with cancer. She believed her purpose was to help cancer patients. When they were in fear, she comforted them. When they needed to talk, she was there. When they gave up, she motivated the fight. She made her special soup and fed her friends.

Sherise and her husband Eldon started the Annual Mi’kmaw Run for the Cure nine years ago. The money raised went to the Cape Breton Cancer Center, a place she held close to her heart. Sherise made many friends there and knew everyone by first name. They loved her zest for life and her humorous wit.

Sherise tirelessly worked for her community and surrounding Mi’kmaw communities. When someone needed help, she was there. She volunteered her time and resources effortlessly with the 2SLGBTQ+ Community, Eskasoni Mi’kmaw Language Initiative, Mi’kmaw Cancer Care Guide, Salites, Winter Carnivals, Summer Games, Language Conferences, Confirmations, Christmas Telethons, Christmas Church Decorating, Church Fundraisers, Interact Groups, Tim Horton Camp Chaperone, Travel Groups, Softball Coach, Volleyball Coach and Fundraising events. There are too many to mention.

A recipient of the Grand Chief Donald Marshall Sr. Scholarship Award at the 2010 Treaty Day Celebrations during Sherise’s graduate studies. Completing her Master’s in Education with a focus on the Mi’kmaw Immersion Program, she advocated for the positive impact of speaking Mi’kmaw. She made it a point for her children to be fluent in Mi’kmaw, an accomplishment she was very proud of. Sherise’s passion for our fragile Mi’kmaw language was her focus and she wanted to help keep the language thriving.

Sherise also took the time to share her abundant knowledge as a part-time professor for Saint Francis Xavier University and Saint Thomas University impacting future educators with her fun-loving teaching style. Sherise was a great schoolteacher. She loved her job; she loved her students and her coworkers. She was an advocate and she always stood up for what she believed in. She had special bonds with each and every one of her students and they affectionately called her Queen. Sherise certainly made her mark in this life and her beautiful legacy will live on.

Sherise is survived by her loving husband Eldon; son Keane Tyler; daughter Elle Taylor; parents Chaps and Carol Marie; sisters Khea and Kara (Benson Barnaby); brothers; Alden (Pauline Sanipass), Peter (Margot Henderson) and John R. Sylliboy (Darrin Boudreau); and her best friend Starr Paul and many close friends. Sherise is also survived by eight godchildren Shaelyn, Gerald, Kolton, Maria, Dasan, Rhyan, Aaron and Nicola.

The visitation wake will take place at the Eskasoni Elder’s Centre, 44 Spencer Lane, Eskasoni beginning on July 6th, 2021 at 6 pm. Funeral Service will be held at Eskasoni Holy Family Parish, Thursday, July 8th, 2021 at 10:30 am. Salité to follow service.

Special thank you to the Cape Breton Cancer Center team, Palliative Care team, Eskasoni Health Centre, and the Eskasoni School Board. Memories and condolences can be left for the family by visiting twcurry.com.