A longtime educator, theatre advocate and community builder who influenced generations of young people across the Kennebecasis Valley is being remembered following her passing earlier this week.
Suzanne Doyle‑Yerxa, who spent more than three decades teaching and championing the creative and performing arts in New Brunswick, passed away on Sunday. Born in Waltham, Massachusetts, she moved to Canada in the late 1970s and went on to build a lasting legacy at Kennebecasis Valley High School and throughout the region’s arts community.
Suzanne was someone who drew people in—encouraging students from all backgrounds to take part in the arts, whether on stage, behind the scenes or through creative collaboration. Her involvement extended beyond the school, with children’s summer theatre and music camps, Kidsing programs for young performers, and continued mentorship well into her retirement. She was also a co‑founder of KV Players, a community theatre group established in the early 1980s to allow students to continue participating in theatre after graduation.
Doyle‑Yerxa also received provincial recognition for her work, earning the Premier’s Award for Excellence in Education in 2008 for inspiring students in “Developing a Passion for Learning.” She later conceived the KVHS Gallery of Arts, created to recognize graduates who have gone on to arts‑related careers.
Doyle‑Yerxa retired after 35 years in education, including 31 years at KVHS. In recognition of her impact, former students Jeff McAloon, Mark Bishop, Chris Leveille and Brad Stanley established the Suzanne Doyle‑Yerxa Award at Kennebecasis Valley High School to support students she would have championed—those with a demonstrated passion for the creative and performing arts and an intention to pursue further studies in that field.
Two graduating KVHS students are selected annually to receive $500 awards. The founders credit their own experiences in high school arts programs under Doyle‑Yerxa’s leadership with shaping their educational and professional paths, which went on to include careers in education, multimedia leadership, design and performance, and financial services.
Donations to the scholarship can be made through the Saint John Charitable Foundation, helping ensure continued support for students who share the creativity, commitment and sense of community that defined Doyle‑Yerxa’s career.
