Francine Descarries

It feels utterly impossible to write this, to put into words the enormity of losing Francine. She passed away on March 17th, 2026, after a life brimming with fierce intelligence, a wicked sense of humour, and a heart bigger than Quebec itself. I met Francine nearly thirty years ago, a nervous graduate student utterly intimidated by her reputation as a brilliant, demanding, and frankly, wonderfully stubborn professor. But beneath that formidable exterior was a woman who genuinely cared, who saw potential in everyone, and who wasn’t afraid to tell you exactly what she thought – usually with a twinkle in her eye. I remember one particularly brutal critique of my dissertation proposal; I was convinced I’d ruined my career. She simply looked at me, raised an eyebrow, and said, “Well, darling, you’ve certainly given me something to think about.” That was Francine – challenging, insightful, and always, always pushing you to be better. Francine’s life wasn’t just about academia, though she poured her heart and soul into her work as a leading figure in feminist studies at the Université du Québec à Montréal. She was a passionate advocate for social justice, a brilliant thinker, and a truly remarkable scholar. But beyond the lectures and the publications, she was a devoted wife to Jean-Pierre, a partner who she adored with a quiet, steadfast love. Their home was always filled with laughter, lively debates, and the comforting aroma of Jean-Pierre’s incredible baking. And then there were her grandchildren – little Leo and Maya – who were the absolute light of her life. She’d spend hours reading them stories, building elaborate Lego castles, and showering them with the same fierce love and unwavering support she gave to everyone she knew. Francine found joy in the simple things: a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, a good book, a long walk in the Laurentians, and, of course, a spirited game of pétanque with her friends. She had this incredible ability to make you feel seen, to truly listen, and to offer a perspective that was both challenging and profoundly comforting. She touched so many lives, inspiring generations of students to question, to challenge, and to fight for a more just and equitable world. Francine, you were a force of nature, a brilliant mind, and a truly exceptional woman. You will be deeply missed, but your legacy of intellect, compassion, and unwavering spirit will live on in all of us who were lucky enough to know you. We love you, always.