B.C. Family Mourns Matriarch Forced Out of Home by Christmas Day Fire

An Indigenous family in Prince Rupert, B.C., is grieving the loss of Juanita Hill, a beloved matriarch, grandmother, and residential school survivor, who died shortly after being displaced by a fire on Christmas Day.

Hill, 71, was one of nearly 100 residents evacuated from the Sherbrooke Apartments in the early hours of Dec. 25. She and her husband, Murray Hill, were temporarily relocated to a hotel. Days later, on Dec. 27, Juanita fell in the bathtub of her hotel room, hitting her head.

Despite being minutes away from the Prince Rupert Regional Hospital, its emergency room was closed that evening due to a physician shortage. Paramedics transported her over an hour away to the Ksyen Regional Hospital in Terrace, where her condition worsened before she passed away.

A Life of Resilience and Love

Juanita Hill, originally from the Williams Lake Band in Central B.C., attended the Kamloops Indian Residential School and was known for her hospitality and deep love for her family. She leaves behind her husband of over 50 years, four children, six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

"She had a big effect on all of us," Murray said. "Not just family, but friends too. She had really lots of friends."

Hill lived with pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung condition that required her to use a wheelchair, but her spirit remained strong, according to her family.

The Christmas Day Fire

The fire broke out early on Christmas morning, forcing the Hills and other residents to flee. Murray Hill recounted wheeling his wife to the top of the stairwell before an RCMP officer helped carry her down.

The couple spent Christmas in a hotel, but tragedy struck two days later when Juanita fell. "I really didn’t want her to leave," Murray said. "But seeing how much she was struggling, I just told her, ‘Just go. I don’t want you to struggle and hurt yourself anymore.’"

Health-Care Challenges

The diversion of Prince Rupert’s emergency room underscored ongoing challenges in the region’s health-care system. Northern Health confirmed the emergency department was closed from 2 p.m. to midnight on Dec. 27 due to a lack of physicians.

While her family is not blaming the health-care system, the situation has reignited concerns about staffing shortages and accessibility in B.C.’s rural communities. A Health Ministry spokesperson said emergency department diversions are a last resort, and efforts are ongoing to bolster staffing.

A Legacy of Strength

Murray Hill said his wife’s resilience and kindness touched many lives, not just in Prince Rupert but also in their former home of Williams Lake.

"She was very hospitable, especially with the kids and the grandkids," he said. "She had a very big effect on everyone."

The family plans to hold a memorial for Juanita on Friday, honoring her life and the legacy she leaves behind.