Antonine Maillet, a celebrated figure in Canadian literature, died on Feb. 17, 2025, at the age of 95. Image: National Film Board

Antonine Maillet dies at age 95

Brad Perry February 17, 2025 5:49 pm Last Updated on February 8, 2026 6:58 pm

A New Brunswick woman described as a celebrated figure in Canadian literature has died.

Antonine Maillet passed away at her Montreal home early Monday at the age of 95.

Born in Bouctouche, Maillet brought Acadian stories to life over some 50 different works.

This included her play La Sagouine, which made her a household name.

Maillet’s novel Pélagie-la-Charrette earned her the 1979 Prix Goncourt, a prestigious French literature award.

Among her many accolades, she was a recipient of the Order of New Brunswick and a companion of the Order of Canada.

Author

Brad Perry

Brad Perry is an award-winning news anchor and reporter and a 2013 graduate of the NBCC journalism program. Based in New Brunswick, he is also the assistant national news director for Acadia Broadcasting. Contact Brad at perry.brad@radioabl.ca.