NORTH BAY - A service was held Thursday at the scene of a hit and run to mourn the death of woman remembered for her kindness and sense of humour.
Family, friends and co-workers of Claudette Benoit gathered near the corner of Wyld and Victoria streets, placing flowers and uttering prayers for the 53-year-old woman who was killed Wednesday while walking home from the nearby Sisters of the Assumption, where she worked as a cleaner for 18 years.
“She was the most wonderful, kindest person in the world,” said Benoit's husband, Donald, who declined to comment further, saying it's a difficult time and that his wife was a private woman.
He stood with family and friends near the spot where she was killed as employees and members of the Sisters of the Assumption marched over from their building about a block away.
One by one, members of the group wrapped their arms around him, offering condolences before saying prayers and placing two flower bouquets on the ground. And, at the end of the service, he thanked city police and firefighters and other emergency personnel who tried to save his wife's life.
Police said Benoit succumbed to her injuries after she was struck while walking on the west side of Wyld Street at 3:04 p.m. by a silver Subaru Impreza headed northbound.
Police said the the vehicle continued north on Wyld Street without stopping.
Paulette Louiseize, Benoit's supervisor at the Sisters of the Assumption, said the crime is almost unforgivable. She said Benoit was too kind and innocent a person to die so violently.
“She was well respected. And she was funny,” said Louiseize, noting Benoit was an upbeat person who often shared amusing stories at work.
She said Benoit was in charge of infection control and took great pride in ensuring that everything at the Sisters of the Assumption was spic and span.
Louiseize said Benoit was more than employee, but rather a member of tight-knit family.
Ehren Schneider, 31, of Wyld Street, is charged with criminal negligence causing death, dangerous driving causing death, fail to stop at the scene of a collision causing death, and driving while under suspension.
He was arrested Wednesday at 9:22 p.m. after police located the vehicle involved in the hit and run at 3:56 p.m. abandoned in a mall parking lot at 1500 Fisher Street.
Police said several locations in the city were searched before the investigation led to a Clarence Street address where Schneider was arrested.
He appeared in the prisoner's box in bail court Thursday afternoon wearing orange coveralls. He will remain in custody through the holiday weekend. Court heard more time is needed to prepare his disclosure before he can have a bail hearing.
A publication ban prevents details heard during Thursday's bail appearance from being published at this time. Schneider's next court date is Tuesday.
www.nugget.ca/2013/03/28/kindest-person
