OBITUARY
Dianne Louise Pothier
March 11, 1954 – January 3, 2017
Pothier, Dianne Louise It is with deepest sadness that we announce the passing of our sister, Dianne, at home on January 3, 2017. She was born in Halifax, the daughter of the late Charles and Ona (LeBlanc) Pothier. She is survived by her brothers, Guy Pothier, and Philip (Mary) Pothier; sister, Claudine (Paul) Renault; nieces, Danielle (Mike) Hickey, Laura Pothier, Lise (Jesse) Renault; nephews, Philip (Julia) Pothier, Marc (Nisa) Renault; great nephews, Xavier, Brân, Benjamin, Charles and great niece, Isabelle; uncle, Monseigneur Gérald LeBlanc and aunts, Claire Pothier and Leona Pothier. She earned an undergraduate degree at Dalhousie University in Halifax followed by a Master’s Degree in Political Science at Carleton University in Ottawa and, while in Ottawa, also spent a year as a Parliamentary Intern. In 1982, Dianne graduated from Dalhousie Law School having won almost every academic prize available including the University Medal in Law. She clerked with Justice R.G. Brian Dickson of the Supreme Court of Canada, then served as Senior Advisory Counsel to the Chair of the Canada Labour Relations Board. In 1986, Dianne became a faculty member of the Dalhousie Law School where she made leading contributions in her teaching and research to constitutional law, labour law, and public law. To give just one example, her article “Connecting Grounds of Discrimination to Real People’s Real Experiences” has been cited in almost every subsequent article on equality law. She combined compelling personal narrative and incisive legal analysis in ways that elucidate and challenge. In addition to her contributions to constitutional law, labour law, and public law, Dianne was Canada’s leading legal scholar and activist on disability and the law. Her work on the concepts of equality, the duty to accommodate, and dis-citizenship have been drawn upon by scholars across the country and have had policy resonance in legislature and courts. Dianne also co-chaired a set of 16 presentations by emerging and established scholars on Critical Disability Theory. Those presentations became the basis for a collection of essays published by UBC Press – one of the first book length contributions on the subject in Canada. Dianne was also active within the greater Dalhousie community with numerous positions in the Dalhousie Faculty Association. Dianne was a community activist. She played cornerstone roles with many equality groups, including the DisAbled Women’s Network, the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund, the Canadian Disability Studies Association, the Equality Panel of the Court Challenges Program of Canada, and the Canadian Association for Community Living. Retirement provided Dianne with more time for that critical work. She was active in defending federal legislation on Assisted Dying in regard to the limitation to those whose death is reasonably foreseeable. She was fiercely committed to the work on the Emerald Hall human rights complaint, which is focused on the lack of supportive housing for disabled persons and the right to live in the community on equal terms with others. Dianne was recognized with the Frances Fish Women Lawyers’ Achievement Award, the CBA President’s Award, and the Dalhousie Bertha Wilson Honour Society. Dianne enjoyed music and singing, playing on-line scrabble with family, and knitting afghans for the youngest members of the family. She was the best at finding the most unique hand-crafted gifts for family for every occasion. She baked the best chocolate pound cake! Dianne was brilliant, passionate and yet so modest. She was an inspiration to all and she will be deeply missed by family, colleagues, and friends who sought and valued her opinion. Her remains will be resting at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax, on Friday January 6th from 2:00 – 4:00; 7:00 – 9:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, January 7 at 11:30 am in St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Halifax, Father Cherry presiding. In memoriam donations may be made to the CNIB or to a charity of your choice
Services
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Visitation
Friday, January 6, 2017
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Visitation
Friday, January 6, 2017
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Funeral Mass
Saturday, January 7, 2017
Memories
Dianne Louise Pothier
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYMargaret Buhlman
May 1, 2017
My condolences to the Pothier family. I am saddened to hear of Diane's passing through Lives Lived. We met in our first year in Ottawa and at Carleton and lost touch after we both moved away. She was a wonderful women, energetic, inquisitive, humorous.
Patrick Case
February 18, 2017
Dear Pothier Family:
As a colleague and then as a friend, I very much loved Dianne. We didn't see each other fery ofeten, lately, about once per hear. However, I looked forward to those once per year meetings and I know that dianne did too.
What to do now? Dianne's passing has left unfillable spaces in my heart as well as in a law school program, which was my annual vehicle to see her and which she, by her very presence, elevated to a higher level.
Jill Shlossberg
January 14, 2017
The Pothier family;
I'm shocked to hear of Diane's death. She was my brilliant classmate at Dal Law, and an inspiration to us all. She will be badly missed. I'm so sorry.
-Jill Shlossberg
Milton J. Fernandes
January 12, 2017
To the Pothier family,
Mes sincères sympathies. Dianne will certainly be missed in the wider community of human rights equality advocates - who will continue to work on the foundation that Dianne, and others, have worked to achieve over the past decades.
Simone Cottreau
January 9, 2017
Dear Guy & family, I was very saddened to hear of Dianne's recent passing. My deep and sincere condolences.
Pamela Rubin
January 9, 2017
What a loss! Dianne was an inspiring presence and an example for me as a feminist law student. She was kind, true, and brilliant. I am so sorry to hear of her passing; please accept my condolences.
Beverley Evans
January 8, 2017
My sincere thoughts are with the Pothier family on Dianne's untimely passing.
Mary Anne White
January 8, 2017
I was so sorry to learn of Dianne's passing. I knew her as a colleague at Dalhousie University, and especially through her involvement in the faculty association. Dianne had razor-sharp logic, and was able to deliver a message directly but with wit. She made a large number of lasting contributions to Dalhousie University and far beyond, and she will be missed.
January 8, 2017
My condolences to Dianne's family
My late husband Innis Christie thought
she was brilliant, kind, and loved her
for who she was.I have talked to her
many times and I felt the same about here.I am sure the legal community will
miss here deeply.
Jeanne Christie
Larry Steinberg
January 7, 2017
My sincere condolences to the family. Dianne was a student of mine at the Law School who became a friend. Her intellect was obvious but what I will remember most was her kind, generous and gentle humanity.
Sheila Wile
January 7, 2017
So sorry to read of Dianne's passing. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief
Noel Gates
January 7, 2017
On behalf of the Regional Association of West Quebecers, which is a member of the Court Challenges Program which Madame Pothier did so much to preserve, I would like to express our sympathy to her family and to express appreciation of the services she rendered to the country we share as our abiding inheritance.
Rick Andrews
January 7, 2017
To the Pothier family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time.
Thelma and Rick Andrews
Susan Pierce
January 6, 2017
To the Pothier Family
On behalf of myself and my family our sincere sympathy. Dianne touched all she knew with her kindness, generosity and intelligence.
Susan Ashe and Steve, Kathleen and Allison Pierce and Lauren, Shaya and Ava Ghanbar
Kathleen LeBlanc
January 6, 2017
Please accept my sincerest sympathy on Dianne's untimely passing. Her death was a shock to all of us. My thoughts & prayers are with all of you at this time of sorrow.
Susan Pierce
January 6, 2017
To the Pothier Family
On behalf of me and my family,I would like express my sincere sympathy on the passing of your dear sister and aunt, Dianne. She will be missed by all her knew.
Susan Pierce
January 6, 2017
Sympathies sinceres a la famille Pothier.
Hugh Creighton
Linda Tippett-Leary
January 6, 2017
I have known Dianne since first year law school. Her brilliance was apparent from day one - there was clearly not going to be anyone like her. Yet her friendliness and humility were just as legendary. She actually asked someone like me, far from her peer for career advice once (whether or not she should accept a clerkship with Justice Dickson at the SCC). I told her a SCC justice was a SCC court justice and she apparently agreed because she went. From there she went on to her many accomplishments. We graduated together and although her path was far shinier than mine, the friendliness never left. In recent years I had the privilege of renewing our acquaintance at karaoke where she could belt out a tune like no other. I drove her home a few times and although she was supposed to be "retired" she was still sought after for her wisdom on timely and important legal issues. Dianne, you were a class act. I am so sad right now. You have no idea how much I just want to go pick you up so we can go sing together - I will do " Angel" and "I'll Be there" and you can do "White Rabbit" and "The Rose", You will be so missed in so many ways - you will never know. RIP my friend, and sing a few for me up there - I bet they have the Rita MacNeil songs - hey maybe you can sing with her :) The rest of us will have to muddle through somehow without your wisdom and grace.
Gilles Marleau
January 6, 2017
Sincères sympathies. Dianne était une personne très douée qui a fait bcp de bien autour d'elle. Le Seigneur l'accueille et lui rendra au centuple.
Merci Dianne pour tout ce que tu as fait.
Gilles Marleau
January 6, 2017
Dear Pothier family: My deepest condolences. This is such sad news. The country has lost a brilliant mind, community activist and a real fine person. Dianne was a teacher, mentor and friend while I attended Dal Law (1987-1990). We maintained periodic contact over the years and met whenever I popped into Halifax. She would always remind me where the library was!! She always had time to listen to my questions and offer her insights whenever I called. She will be sooo missed in so many ways. I cry. Bob Buckingham (1990)
Roger Lepage
January 6, 2017
Mes prières sont avec Dianne. J'ai eu le plaisir de faire sa connaissance au Programme de Contestation judiciaire. Elle était appréciée par toute personne impliquée dans la recherche de l'égalité et la diversité. Roger Lepage , Regina
Barbara Murphy
January 6, 2017
Dear Claudine and Family
My Deepest Sympathy on your loss. Love Barbara
January 6, 2017
Our family is saddened to hear of Dianne's passing. Please accept our deepest sympathies and condolences. Yvonne Martell and her children - Danny, Peter, Claire and Brian
Linda Tippett-Leary
January 6, 2017
I have known Dianne since first year law school. Her brilliance was apparent from day one - there was clearly not going to be anyone like her. Yet her friendliness and humility were just as legendary. She actually asked someone like me, far from her peer for career advice once (whether or not she should accept a clerkship with Justice Dickson at the SCC when she was not sure it was what she was looking for). I told her a SCC justice was a SCC court justice and she apparently agreed because she went. But what did I know really? From there she went on to her many accomplishments. We graduated together and although her path was far shinier than mine, the friendliness never left. In recent years I had the privilege of renewing our acquaintance at karaoke where she could belt out a tune like no other. I drove her home a few times and although she was supposed to be "retired" she was still sought after for her wisdom on timely and important legal issues. Dianne, you were a class act. I am so sad right now. You have no idea how much I just want to go pick you up so we can go sing together - I will do " Angel" and "I'll Be there" and you can do "White Rabbit" and "The Rose", You will be so missed in so many ways - you will never know. RIP my friend, and sing a few for me up there - I bet they have the Rita MacNeil songs - hey maybe you can sing with her :) The rest of us will have to muddle through somehow without your wisdom and grace.
Donna Eastabrook
January 6, 2017
Condolences to the family. Dianne will be missed, I knew her as she would join our little group for karaoke, she was a wonderful singer! White Rabbit by Jefferson airplane was one song she loved to sing! I will keep these good memories of her in my heart! Donna Eastabrook
January 6, 2017
Phil and Mary, Please accept my condolences on Dianne's death. I cannot say I knew her well, but I did meet her and I heard her speak. Her contributions were remarkable and will have a lasting impact. Terry Murphy
sean Layden
January 6, 2017
Dear family members of Dianne.
I was very sorry to read of Dianne's passing.Professor Pothier taught me Constitutional law back in 1989-90. Dianne made some dry subject matter very interesting, which combined with her approachability and fairness made her one of my favorite Professors in my 7 years of University education.
Please accept my sympathies.
Cathy Shea Mathson
January 6, 2017
My condolences to the Pothier Family, Dianne had accomplished a lot in her lifetime and made her mark in the world. My prayers and thoughts are with you all!
Marilyn Cleal
January 5, 2017
Guy, Claudine et Philip,
Such a shock to hear of Dianne's passing! My deepest condolences! I wish I was in the city to be able to attend visitations and the funeral, but I am wintering in Florida! Even though the years have passed and we had not seen each other, I always have fond memories of your visits to Wedgeport! She was inspiring as a young girl to me and she accomplished so much! I regret not keeping in touch! Go meet your parents now, my dear cousin!
Marilyn Pothier Cleal
January 5, 2017
Phil and Mary so sorry to read of your sisters passing.
She certainly accomplished a lot in her lifetime.
Thinking of you and your family....Shari and Bert
Peter Harder
January 5, 2017
Dear family of Dianne,
Heartfelt condolences on your loss. In 1975/76 I had the pleasure of serving as a parliamentary intern colleague. Dianne impressed us all with her analytical skills, delightful personality and commitment to social justice. We have kept in touch since then and shall remember her friendship with fondness and high regard. Senator Peter Harder, Ottawa
Melissa Klages
January 5, 2017
My condolences to the Pothier family. I was fortunate enough to be a student of Ms. Pothier in the early 2000's when she taught constitutional law. She was brilliant, inspiring and I know that she deeply impacted many. What a contribution she made through her work. May she rest in peace.
Naiomi Metallic
January 5, 2017
Dear Pothier Family,
My heartfelt condolences on the passing of Dianne. She was my Public Law professor in law school and over the years became a friend and mentor. She encouraged and supported my move to academe. It meant a lot to me that Dianne believed in my abilities. She was also a fan of my husband's cooking and we loved hosting her at his pop-up dinners. I'm also sad that I won't get to karaoke with her again or chat with her on the bus (we often rode the #1 at the same time). She was an amazing person. I will miss her very much.
Patricia Seeley
January 5, 2017
Condolences to Dianne's family in this time of loss. An unfinished game of on-line scrabble will remain on my device, along with pictures of her at the Fundy shore, in Ottawa and on the train between. I will miss her.
Wayne MacKay
January 5, 2017
Dianne was a brilliant student of mine and equally bright and helpful colleague of mine over the last 35 years. We taught in the same areas, wrote articles together and collaborated on various social justice causes. Like many people, I often sought Dianne's advice on complex legal questions and she was always insightful and generous with her time. As recently as the last month she did a guest lecture in my Public Law class. She had many causes to which she was a passionate advocate and she will be sorely missed by all who knew her and benefited from her many talents. My favourite and most enduring memory of my friend and colleague , Dianne , is of her singing karaoke and knocking the socks off the audience by performing the Jefferson Airplanes song- - White Rabbit. The only person who might have done a bettter version would be Grace Slick ( the lead singer of the Jefferson Airplane) but I am not even sure that is true. She will be sorely missed . Rest in peace , Dianne.
Jad and Kristin Debs
January 5, 2017
Our most sincere condolences to the Pothier family. Dianne was a wonderful neighbour and friend while we were in Halifax. We have fond memories of coffee with Dianne on our shared deck. We also remember with gratitude how hard she worked to keep our shared condominium spaces looking good and functioning well.
We saw her most recently in Ottawa and enjoyed hearing about her post-retirement work and her nieces and nephews.
As young Canadians and lawyers we are inspired by and thankful for the work Dianne has done and are grateful for the time we had with her.
Anne Bishop
January 5, 2017
I am so sad to receive this news. Dianne was a brilliant, compassionate scholar and activist who always took her physical limitations in stride with determination and humour. She had a gift for giving critical feedback with a generous dose of encouragement--truly a warm friend with a great hug. My sympathy to all her family, friends and colleagues.
Wayne MacKay
January 5, 2017
Dianne was my inspirational Law student more than 30 years ago and her brilliance was clear even then. She has been my valued and generous colleague since 1986 and like so many people I have sought her wise counsel on many legal issues. We have also written articles together and collaborated on many social justice causes. She was always clear and insightful and out worked everyone with whom she worked. She was also passionate about her many causes and was among many other things one of Canada's most respected and quoted Equality experts. Dianne did a guest lecture in my Public Law class as recently as November of 2016. My personal fondest memories of Dianne are the ones of her singing karaoke and knocking peoples socks off with her amazing performance of Jefferson Airplanes --White Rabbit. Only Grace Slick could do it better and I am not even sure she could do a better job of that song. Dianne will be deeply missed by many people , including me and my wife, JoAnn. Rest in peace Dianne.
Nicholas Richter
January 5, 2017
So sad to hear of Dianne's passing. She taught me labour law and constitutional law, and she was also a friend. Her kindness and generosity will be greatly missed.
January 5, 2017
The legal profession in Canada has lost a great scholar. Dianne was dedicated to research,writing and advocacy to extend the coverage of administrative law following her brilliant record as a law student at Dalhousie.Her presence at Administrative Law conferences will be greatly missed. The larger Canadian community has lost a great citizen. Dianne was tireless in her efforts to improve the lives of Canadians with disabilities. Donald H.McDougall Q.C.(ret.Stewart McKelvey,partner).
Kathleen Tansey
January 5, 2017
Dear Pothier Family:
My sincere condolences on the loss of your dear sister,aunt and cousin. Dianne was a brilliant and exceptional woman. She was passionate in her support of equality and human rights. I had the great pleasure of knowing her through the Court Challenges Program of Canada where Dianne was a valued and highly respected member of the Equality Rights Panel.
She will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Kathleen Tansey
Michele Caron
January 5, 2017
My condolences to the family and friends. Dianne supervised my thesis and I did work with her on various court cases and position papers with LEAF. She was a marvellous guide, an exceptional legal mind and a very compassionate woman. She will be missed but she has left a legacy making Canadian law better and fairer.
Catherine Frazee
January 5, 2017
Since our paths first crossed at LEAF more than 20 years ago, they had crossed again many times, always building upon the intellectual work of articulating a path to substantive equality for disabled people and other marginalized groups. As disabled women, we both loved this work, and relished the opportunity to be energized by each other's contributions, to feel hopeful together about small steps forward, and to share the disappointments that for me often morphed into fury while for Dianne, merely strengthened her resolve to clarify our position and advance again.
As we had many times before, in 2016 we came together again, this time to work on the assisted dying debate. Dianne became a founding contributor to the Vulnerable Persons Standard. Her keen equality analysis and her deeply personal insights about human vulnerability are at the heart of the Standard, and have infused all of our collective work over the past year.
Once we had both retired, with time to pursue our passions in all domains of work and life, we began to discover in each other the seed of something much more precious than collegial connection. We spent down-time together, and travelled together, and along the way we found that it wasn't just work and politics that we shared, but a very special kinship. As stellar as she was as a scholar and an advocate, it turned out that Dianne's mightiest strengths were her thoughtfulness, her generosity, and her humour. It also turned out that she was a willing and capable bridge partner, that she shared my partner Patricia's online Scrabble addiction, that she had an amazing repertoire as a chef and like me, a deep affinity for the sea and the rhythms of maritime life.
I had hoped, of course, for many more years of this precious friendship. I loved Dianne for her open heart and tender humanity. I shall miss her terribly, and offer my deepest condolences to her family members and all who loved her. May she rest in perfect peace.
Reena Davis
January 5, 2017
We were all very sad to hear of Dianne's passing. Our deepest sympathies go out to her family and friends affected by her passing. We'll miss her at karaoke nights and also as a very generous resource to our students and staff alike.
Reena Davis on behalf of Dal Legal Aid
Michael LeBlanc
January 5, 2017
Thank you for this extensive overview of her life, her accomplishnents and her interests. (Sorry I never got to taste my cousin's great chocolate pound cake!) Mes sympathies.
Deb Munroe
January 5, 2017
Claudine and Paul,
I was deeply saddened by the news of Dianne's passing. My heart felt condolences to you and your family.
Deb Munroe