Dr. Elizabeth Mancke was a major contributor to the AMEMG in years past, and it is with sadness that we share news of her death. Below is the obituary put out by the president of UNB.

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Please join me in offering sincere condolences to family and friends of UNB professor and Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Atlantic Canadian Studies, Dr. Elizabeth Mancke, who passed away on Sept. 15, 2023.   

Born in 1954, Elizabeth came to the University of New Brunswick (UNB) in 2012 as Canadian Research Chair in Atlantic Canadian Studies, director of the Atlantic Canada Studies Centre, and professor in the department of history. A passionate academic, she received a doctorate from Johns Hopkins University, a master’s from the University of British Columbia, and a bachelor of arts from Colorado College. Before coming to UNB, Elizabeth was a professor at the University of Akron in Ohio.  

Elizabeth believed deeply in the importance of the global history of this region. Her research on the impact of European overseas expansion on governance and political systems is widely referenced and cited. At the time of her passing, Elizabeth was involved in two multi-institutional research projects, involving more than two dozen scholars: ‘Ecologies, knowledge, and power in the Gulf of St. Lawrence region, c. 1500-present,’ and ‘Military Service, Citizenship and Political Culture: Militia Studies in Atlantic Canada, 1700-2000.’ Both projects were funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, a testament to her reputation as a scholar. 

The author and editor of five books and numerous scholarly articles, Elizabeth also directed research for the British North America Legislative Database, which will provide open access to all the legislation of the pre-Confederation colonies. In 2017, she provided expert witness for the successful Madawaska Maliseet First Nation land claim during several days of hearings.  

Above all else, Elizabeth loved working with people, and she truly loved her students. An exceptional educator, Elizabeth had over a dozen active doctoral students under her supervision. She mentored many more. During her work on the departmental graduate committee, across campus, and on Fredericton Senate, Elizabeth advocated for students and for the broad value of a humanities education. She was a generous university citizen. To those who knew her best, she was a devoted friend who fought the hardest for those who needed her strength the most.  

In 2020, Elizabeth was recognized with a UNB Merit Award for her outstanding contributions to teaching, research and university service.   

Elizabeth Mancke will be missed by all who knew her, in New Brunswick and well beyond. Our thoughts are with her family and friends.   

A celebration of life will be held on Oct. 14 at McAdam’s Funeral Home, Fredericton, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. with memorial tributes at 3 p.m. Flags will be lowered on both the Fredericton and Saint John campuses in her memory. 

Sincerely,    

Paul J. Mazerolle  

President and Vice-Chancellor