Lorraine Guay passed away on June 18, leaving to mourn not only her immediate family, but also a much wider circle of friends and people who were lucky enough to know her in one or other of her multiple commitments of a social or political nature (non-partisan). She had become a great friend to me, and I am one of those people who will never forget her presence in their lives. I add my voice to that of the signatories of a letter, published in The duty of June 28, which retraces the career of this extraordinary activist and the lively spirit that animated her.
It is by participating in the RECI (Network of Citizens for Independence), committee of YES Quebec, and more particularly in the context of the realization of the collective work A Quebec country. The yes of women, whom I have come to know and appreciate Lorraine Guay. The members of this committee can say how essential she was to its vitality and to the pursuit of this project aimed at presenting independence from the angle of the interests that could result from it for women. We took advantage of Lorraine’s generosity, her immense intelligence, nourished by a thousand books, coupled with a broad view of the world and an extraordinary ability to welcome others. Among other things, she knew how to both express her point of view and listen to that of others, without ever betraying her deep convictions. This was in addition to her qualities as a mediator-conciliator, which more than once contributed to advancing our work; and, even affected by illness, Lorraine remained with us.
Cultivated, curious, never arrogant, she approached things with simplicity. Not inclined to accept gestures of gratitude for her contribution to the causes she defended, it was the sharing of ideas and knowledge that nourished action that interested her. The imprint she leaves on the organizations that have had the pleasure of working with her, as well as the one she leaves in the lives of people who have crossed her path, are undoubtedly her richest legacy.
Micheline Boucher-Granger and Claire Aubin, members of RECI, join me in wishing that the memory of the builder that was Lorraine Guay be celebrated and become a source of inspiration for those who aspire to a better world.
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