Pauline Vanier
Encyclopedia
The Honourable Pauline Vanier, PC
, CC
, DStJ
(March 28, 1898 – March 23, 1991), born Pauline Archer in Montreal
, married Georges Vanier
on September 29, 1921. Georges would become one of Canada's first professional diplomats, Canada's first ambassador to France and Canada's first Canadian-born French-speaking Governor General of Canada
from 1959 until his death in March 1967. With her extensive diplomatic experience, Pauline filled the role of vice-regal consort with as much distinction as her husband filled his. Georges and Pauline Vanier created the Vanier Institute of the Family
in 1965. Madame Vanier was the first non-political woman to be appointed to the Queen's Privy Council for Canada
. She was sworn in on April 11, 1967 as a sign of honour from Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson
. In July that same year she was made one of the first Companions of the Order of Canada
for her humanitarian work. She was appointed the Chancellor of the University of Ottawa
in 1966.The couple had five children. Her son Jean
founded L'Arche
. Both Madame Vanier and her husband Georges have been nominated for beatification
in the Roman Catholic Church
because of their piety and love for humanity.
A Brampton, Ontario Catholic elementary school is named in her honor as well as an Ottawa middle school.
In 1963, London Children's Aid, and Catholic Social Services groups got together, and created "Madam Vanier Children's Services."
Queen's Privy Council for Canada
The Queen's Privy Council for Canada ), sometimes called Her Majesty's Privy Council for Canada or simply the Privy Council, is the full group of personal consultants to the monarch of Canada on state and constitutional affairs, though responsible government requires the sovereign or her viceroy,...
, CC
Order of Canada
The Order of Canada is a Canadian national order, admission into which is, within the system of orders, decorations, and medals of Canada, the second highest honour for merit...
, DStJ
Venerable Order of Saint John
The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem , is a royal order of chivalry established in 1831 and found today throughout the Commonwealth of Nations, Hong Kong, Ireland and the United States of America, with the world-wide mission "to prevent and relieve sickness and...
(March 28, 1898 – March 23, 1991), born Pauline Archer in Montreal
Montreal
Montreal is a city in Canada. It is the largest city in the province of Quebec, the second-largest city in Canada and the seventh largest in North America...
, married Georges Vanier
Georges Vanier
Major-General Georges-Philéas Vanier was a Canadian soldier and diplomat who served as Governor General of Canada, the 19th since Canadian Confederation....
on September 29, 1921. Georges would become one of Canada's first professional diplomats, Canada's first ambassador to France and Canada's first Canadian-born French-speaking Governor General of Canada
Governor General of Canada
The Governor General of Canada is the federal viceregal representative of the Canadian monarch, Queen Elizabeth II...
from 1959 until his death in March 1967. With her extensive diplomatic experience, Pauline filled the role of vice-regal consort with as much distinction as her husband filled his. Georges and Pauline Vanier created the Vanier Institute of the Family
Vanier Institute of the Family
The Vanier Institute of the Family is an independent national research and educational nonprofit organization committed to the well-being of Canadian families....
in 1965. Madame Vanier was the first non-political woman to be appointed to the Queen's Privy Council for Canada
Queen's Privy Council for Canada
The Queen's Privy Council for Canada ), sometimes called Her Majesty's Privy Council for Canada or simply the Privy Council, is the full group of personal consultants to the monarch of Canada on state and constitutional affairs, though responsible government requires the sovereign or her viceroy,...
. She was sworn in on April 11, 1967 as a sign of honour from Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson
Lester B. Pearson
Lester Bowles "Mike" Pearson, PC, OM, CC, OBE was a Canadian professor, historian, civil servant, statesman, diplomat, and politician, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957 for organizing the United Nations Emergency Force to resolve the Suez Canal Crisis...
. In July that same year she was made one of the first Companions of the Order of Canada
Order of Canada
The Order of Canada is a Canadian national order, admission into which is, within the system of orders, decorations, and medals of Canada, the second highest honour for merit...
for her humanitarian work. She was appointed the Chancellor of the University of Ottawa
University of Ottawa
The University of Ottawa is a bilingual, research-intensive, non-denominational, international university in Ottawa, Ontario. It is one of the oldest universities in Canada. It was originally established as the College of Bytown in 1848 by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate...
in 1966.The couple had five children. Her son Jean
Jean Vanier
Jean Vanier, CC GOQ is a Canadian Catholic philosopher, humanitarian and the founder of L'Arche, an international organization which creates communities where people with developmental disabilities and those who assist them share life together...
founded L'Arche
L'Arche
L'Arche is an International Federation dedicated to the creation and growth of homes, programs, and support networks with people who have intellectual disabilities...
. Both Madame Vanier and her husband Georges have been nominated for beatification
Beatification
Beatification is a recognition accorded by the Catholic Church of a dead person's entrance into Heaven and capacity to intercede on behalf of individuals who pray in his or her name . Beatification is the third of the four steps in the canonization process...
in the Roman Catholic Church
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
because of their piety and love for humanity.
A Brampton, Ontario Catholic elementary school is named in her honor as well as an Ottawa middle school.
In 1963, London Children's Aid, and Catholic Social Services groups got together, and created "Madam Vanier Children's Services."