The City of Moncton and one of its bus drivers are being sued by the estate and daughters of a woman who was struck and killed by a Codiac Transpo bus in 2012.

On Tuesday, the Court of Queen's Bench heard from Aurore LeBlanc's brother-in-law, George LeBlanc. He and his wife Dianne LeBlanc took both of their nieces in shortly after their mother's death.

Since the girls, Estelle Dupuis, 20, and Janice Dupuis, 15, moved in, LeBlanc said he and his wife have paid for the girls' cell phone bills, bought school supplies, clothes, groceries, paid for any extra curricular activities, and as special treat, ate out every Sunday.

While dedicated to caring for the girls, LeBlanc said even his utility bills are higher now.

"There's a lot showers, a lot of laundry."

Estate empty after mother's death

LeBlanc said he received no money from the estate of Aurore LeBlanc. The only financial help he and his wife receive is $400 a month from the girls' estranged father.

After making it only as far as grade 11, LeBlanc said he is doing his best to make sure his nieces get a post-secondary education. Due to his financial commitment to the Dupuis sisters, LeBlanc, now 60 years-old, said he is postponing his retirement.

Aurore LeBlanc's brother, Reno LeBlanc, also took the stand on Tuesday. He was the executor of his sister's will, and testified that by the time all the debts were settled, there was no money left for the children. His mother, Louise LeBlanc, had to pay for her daughter's funeral because there was nothing left in the estate.

Reno LeBlanc said he was close to his sister and nieces, and would see them about three times a week when they lived in Memramcook East.

He said after his sister died, he made an effort to visit his nieces.

"We had a rough time after her death," said LeBlanc. "It was really rough for all of us."

He described Aurore LeBlanc as very dedicated to her children.

The trial resumes on Thursday.