A heartbreaking loss has struck Montreal’s literary community as we learned that the woman tragically killed by a falling tree branch in Côte Saint-Luc was a beloved children’s librarian who dedicated her career to fostering a love of reading among young Montrealers.
The incident occurred Tuesday afternoon near Cavendish Boulevard during what began as a routine summer day. According to police reports, strong winds caused a large branch to suddenly break away, striking the victim as she walked along a pathway frequently used by local residents. First responders arrived quickly but were unable to save her despite their efforts.
Friends and colleagues have identified the victim as Jeanette Sullivan, 58, a longtime librarian at the Eleanor London Côte Saint-Luc Public Library. For over two decades, Sullivan had been a cornerstone of children’s literacy programs in the borough, known for her animated storytime sessions and unwavering commitment to helping reluctant readers discover the joy of books.
“Jeanette wasn’t just a librarian – she was a magical presence in our community,” said Danielle Léger, the library’s director. “She had this remarkable ability to connect with children who struggled with reading, finding exactly the right book that would spark their imagination.”
The tragedy has prompted city officials to conduct emergency assessments of trees in public spaces across Côte Saint-Luc. Mayor Mitchell Brownstein expressed his condolences while announcing that the city would be implementing additional safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“We are devastated by this tragic loss,” Brownstein stated during an impromptu press conference. “Our hearts go out to her family, friends, and the countless children whose lives she touched through her work.”
Sullivan’s impact extended well beyond the library walls. She founded the “Pages for All” program in 2007, which brought reading materials to underserved neighborhoods and established mini-libraries in community centers throughout Montreal. Her initiatives helped thousands of children access books they might otherwise never have encountered.
Former students and families touched by Sullivan’s work have begun creating a memorial outside the library, leaving flowers, children’s books, and heartfelt notes. Many shared stories of how her guidance had transformed reluctant readers into lifelong book lovers.
“My son refused to read anything until Ms. Sullivan introduced him to adventure stories,” shared Marie Thibault, a longtime Côte Saint-Luc resident. “She changed his life completely. Now he’s studying literature at McGill. I don’t know how to tell him she’s gone.”
The Eleanor London Library has announced plans to establish a literacy fund in Sullivan’s memory to continue her mission of bringing books to children across Montreal. Staff members are also organizing a community remembrance event to celebrate her contributions.
Arborists examining the tree involved in the incident noted that while it had been included in regular municipal maintenance schedules, extreme weather patterns in recent years may be affecting tree health in ways that aren’t always visible during standard inspections.
“Climate change is creating new challenges for urban forestry management,” explained Dr. Robert Lamontagne, an urban forestry expert from Université de Montréal. “Trees that appear healthy externally may be experiencing internal stress that can lead to unexpected failures, particularly during wind events.”
This tragedy serves as a somber reminder of both the unpredictability of nature and the profound impact one dedicated individual can have on a community. As Montreal mourns this loss, Sullivan’s legacy continues through the countless readers she inspired and the literary foundations she built throughout our city.
In the coming days, the library will provide information about memorial services and how community members can contribute to initiatives honoring Sullivan’s commitment to childhood literacy and education in Montreal.
