Obituary of Hannah Shaw Fournier

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Hannah Fournier on Saturday May 20, 2023 at the age of 81. Much beloved mother of Rachel (Robert) and grandmother of Giselle. Hannah was predeceased by her Best Friend Raymond Fournier in 2022 and her younger brother Daniel.

She was not sure where she was born, somewhere in Massachusetts probably. Her parents temporarily in the United States, whisked her back across the border shortly after her birth. She grew up in Toronto, Ontario where her father taught Fine Arts at the University of Toronto. Her mother was very involved in the Toronto Historical Board.

Hannah got her bachelor’s degree from the University of Toronto and PhD in French Studies from the University of Western Ontario. This led to a long celebrated career as a French Professor at the University of Waterloo where she was also instrumental in creating the Women’s Studies program. She was an administrator for many years, affectionally called by her daughter “The Queen of Arts”. 

She enjoyed gardening, playing bridge, and time with friends. She loved to read and learn, often wishing she had become an archaeologist. She also enjoyed going “antiquing”.

She loved to travel and wanted to “go everywhere” but was most happy at her cottage, hand-built in 1926 by her Grandfather. Her greatest peace came from lying on the porch swing at sunset, after a slice of her mother’s blueberry pie, waiting for the loons to begin calling.

We would like to thank her kind and generous friends who helped and supported her through Covid isolation and especially these past few difficult years. 

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at 2pm on Saturday May 27 at St. Columba Anglican Church, 250 Lincoln Road, Waterloo. A reception will immediately follow in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Anselma House or your favourite charity would be appreciated and may be arranged at www.erbgood.com.