L'ESPERANCE, Jean Lawrence (nee Mills)
May 7, 1934 - July 8, 2022
passed away peacefully on July 8, 2022. Born in England to parents Freddie and Mollie (nee Sedorksi) Mills, the eldest of three daughters, Julie Davies (Barry) and Susan Allerton (late John). She married David L'Esperance, deceased, of Montreal in the 1950s. Jean earned an MA and Ph.D. in History from McGill University and had a career as a librarian and archivist with the Library and Archives of Canada. She was instrumental in the 1980 Canadian Human Rights Act ruling granting wage parity to librarians with historians, citing discriminatory practice between male and female employees. Jean was passionate about history and had a remarkable memory. She was a member of the Historical Society of Ottawa. Jean will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, optimism, and wit.
A celebration of remembrance will be held at the Beechwood Cemetery of Ottawa, gazebo area, Sunday, July 17, 2022, at 2 pm.
Online condolences can be made at www.cfo.coop