All Albertans owe a debt to francophone educator Marie-Louise Brugeyroux (1916–2003), who drew upon unfathomable depths of talent and drive to establish access to robust French language instruction, resources, and professional development for students and teachers.
Trained in teaching at the Edmonton Normal School, Brugeyroux began teaching in 1936 in rural Alberta schools. In 1943, she moved to Edmonton Catholic Schools, where she taught until 1964. In those years, Brugeyroux earned her bachelor of education degree and a graduate diploma in curriculum. From 1964 to 1978, she served Edmonton Catholic Schools as a French language specialist and later as supervisor of second languages. Her life journey also included the study of art and French at the Université de Provence in Aix en Provence, France.
A natural leader and talented author, Brugeyroux had a passion for French language education that drove her to contribute to almost all French-language programming, curriculum, resource development and advocacy until her retirement in 1978. Among her many contributions were Je lis (1974), Stratégie pédagogique (1975) and Friars and Friends: A History of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 1909–1984.
In her working and post-retirement life, Brugeyroux maintained a relentless level of community involvement, serving on many boards including: Edmonton Art Gallery, Le Théâtre Français d’Edmonton, L’Alliance Française d’Edmonton, Canadian College of Teachers and Ecumenical Commission of the Edmonton Catholic Archdiocese.
With wide-ranging interests in the fine arts, bible study and local historical research, Brugeyroux was choir director at St. Francis Assisi church for many years, a supervisor at children’s summer camps and she arranged exchange visits to Quebec. A woman of deep faith, she was honoured to have received holy communion from Pope John Paul I during the papal mass held in Edmonton in 1984.
Brugeyroux’s service was recognized with various awards and honours in her lifetime, including medals celebrating the Queen’s Silver (1977) and Golden Jubilee (2002). In 1989, the Alberta Teachers’ Association recognized Brugeyroux’s remarkable contributions by establishing the Marie-Louise Brugeyroux Gold Medal in Education, awarded annually to the top graduating student in the Faculté Saint-Jean.
Brugeyroux dedicated her career to expanding, enriching and celebrating French-language curriculum in Alberta education, and her life to serving her community.
Got an idea? Unsung Hero is a space dedicated to honouring ATA members past and present who have had notable achievements, either in the ATA or in their private lives. If you know of a member whom you feel should be recognized, please contact section editor Lindsay Yakimyshyn at lindsay.yakimyshyn@ata.ab.ca. |
