Francine Morissette

Beloved wife of Lauri Maki for over 25 years and survived by sisters Gisèle, Jacqueline (Montreal) and Jeannine (Quebec City) and brother Clovis, many nephews and nieces and 8 step-grandchildren who she dearly loves. Mother of France Richard who died in 1996, and sister of Clement, Roger and Jean-Guy and sister Rolande who also predeceased her.

Born in Quebec, Francine moved to Ottawa in 1958 to learn English enrolling at the Ottawa Normal School. She began a teaching career in a French-language school in Ottawa and was appointed principal at the age of 23 serving in three different schools. Concurrently she earned a B.A and M.Ed from the University of Ottawa. She was also a professor at the Faculty of Education, worked for the Ministry of Education, TVOntario, and was Superintendent of Education of CEFCUT, the first French-language school board in Ontario, for 10 years.

After retirement she remained involved in teacher education with the University of Ottawa, school councils and many community activities in Toronto including the board of the North York Women's Centre.

Francine loved helping children and teachers reach their full potential. Her curiosity and interest in different cultures led her to learning other languages and to travel the world.

In 1994 the Government of France presented Francine with Chevalier de l'Ordre des Palmes Académiques (Knight of the Order of Academic Palms) for her immense contribution to French-language education.

A commemorative ceremony will be held Tues August 24 at 2 pm at Eglise Saint-Louis de France at 1415 Don Mills Road south of York Mills.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Fondation AEFO- Francine-Morissette et France-Richard, to support in-service teacher education, Box 7340, Ottawa ON K1L 8E4 or to Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre.