A Woman of Valour The Biography of Marie-Louise Bouchard Labelle

A Woman of Valour is the biography of Marie-Louise Bouchard Labelle, a French-Canadian woman who found love with a priest thirty-three years her senior. Against all social convention, they lived, produced three children, and built a life together after fleeing their village. However, after several years together, Bouchard’s husband ultimately chose to return to the priesthood, abandoning his family as a result. Through interviews and documentation, Claire Trépanier tells Bouchard’s story of survival while highlighting the history of women’s stature in Canada, and raising a question about the celibacy of Catholic priests.

About the Author

Claire Trépanier lives in Ottawa. Her interest in travel, teaching, and international development led her to participate in the conception and co-creation of the TV series Gens d’ici, Gens d’ailleurs, which aired on TCV Outaouais from September to December 1999. A Woman of Valour is a testimony to her admiration of women’s resilience, courage, and dynamic spirit.

Table of Contents

1. Foreword
2. Acknowledgements
3. Preface
4. Family Trees
5. Prologue
6. Chapter 1. From Les Escoumins to Hanmer (1891–1906)
7. Chapter 2. The New Arrival (1858–1906)
8. Chapter 3. The Turning Point (1906–1916)
9. Chapter 4. Family Life (1916–1928)
10. Chapter 5. “Widow” with Three Children (1928–1935)
11. Chapter 6. Living from Hand to Mouth (1935–1944)
12. Chapter 7. Nanny (1944–1965)
13. Chapter 8. Return to Her Roots (1960–1964)
14. Chapter 9. Old Age, Humour and Tenderness (1965–1970)
15. Chapter 10: Living in Peace (1970–1973)
16. Epilogue
17. Postscript
18. Appendices
19. Family Documents
20. List of People Interviewed
21. List of People Who Helped Me in My Research
22. Abbreviated Chronology
23. Notes / Bibliography / Index

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-ND 2.5 CA). It may be reproduced for non-commercial purposes, provided that the original author is credited.