Funeral today for Elsie Wayne, former MP and Saint John mayor

New Brunswickers are saying goodbye and paying their respects today to former Saint John mayor and Progressive Conservative Party MP Elsie Wayne.

Wayne died in her home Tuesday at the age of 84.

Her funeral began at 11 a.m.at RiverCross Church in Saint John.

Wayne was born in Shediac, N.B., on April 20, 1932.

In 1977, she was elected to Saint John council and later became mayor in 1983. Ten years later, Wayne was elected to the House of Commons and served until 2004.

Former PC MP Jean Charest spoke at Wayne's funeral. He recalled in the 1993 federal election when only he and Wayne were elected to the House of Commons to represent the Progressive Conservative Party.

Charest said they both felt "shell shocked" and that they were in charge of a "trainwreck."

He then spoke fondly of his former colleague, noting that she was known in Canada by her first name. This recognition, Charest said, is "quite a compliment" in political life. He added that Wayne had a tireless work ethic and never gave up a fight until the answer was "yes."

Charest said there will never be another person like her.

CBC's Matthew Bingley is in Saint John today covering the funeral.