Friends and relatives are honoring the memory of a woman from Richmond County who passed away in Cape Breton over the weekend due to severe winds and heavy rainfall that caused widespread damage and flooding in the region.
Stephanie Comeau, aged 46 and residing in Cleveland, N.S., was declared missing during a storm that brought over 200 millimeters of rain to parts of Cape Breton. The storm resulted in the destruction or impairment of more than 200 culverts, over 120 roads, and eight bridges. Comeau’s car was discovered near a flooded bridge, and her body was found a short distance away.
MLA Trevor Boudreau, a friend of Comeau’s representing her family, expressed, “This community is truly coming together to support the family, and I believe it will take time.” Boudreau highlighted Comeau’s active participation in her community, describing her as a quintessential Cape Bretoner with a great sense of humor, a love for her loved ones, an enthusiasm for photography, and a passion for exploring Cape Breton.
Former colleagues at Strait Supplies, where Comeau was employed, remembered her for her humor and mischievous nature. They recalled her eagerness for pranks and described her as a kind, funny, and generous coworker and friend. Another former employer, Maritime Travel Port Hawkesbury, extended condolences, wishing comfort to those mourning her loss.
Richmond County Warden Lois Landry acknowledged the community’s struggle with damaged infrastructure but emphasized that the loss of life outweighs the physical destruction. The local state of emergency in Richmond County was lifted on Wednesday.
In other news, a Nova Scotia man has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the 2024 case of Esther Jones, the Health Minister is reviewing plans for a hospital replacement in New Waterford, a bill has been introduced to review Nova Scotia Power’s regulatory model, and Dal student food bank anticipates a rise in demand.
[Source](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/community-mourns-woman-who-died-in-cape-breton-floods-9.7337867)