ST. PAUL – Marguerite-A. Primeau, an author and educator born in St. Paul in 1914, is among the five authors that Canada Post honoured on its newest stamp collection on Nov. 27.
Each five authors "brings unique perspective to the canon of French-Canadian literature," according to a Nov. 27 Canada Post news release.
"Through their work, they offer unique observations of humanity's flaws and aspirations, interpreting the world around them with honesty and compassion," reads the release. "Recognized throughout la Francophonie for their talents and accomplishments, and recipients of national and international accolades, these distinguished writers have brought French-Canadian literature to the world stage."
In addition to being an author, Primeau was also an educator throughout her life, according to information from ABCBookWorld, a reference information service for books and authors in British Columbia. She taught at rural schools "in an era when young teachers were billeted with local families."
She then left the country and lived in France and Italy for a while before returning to Canada and earning her first masters of Arts in French from the University of Alberta.
In 1954, she started teaching at the University of British Columbia (UBC). According to information from UBC, Primeau held many ranks throughout her tenure, including becoming an Associate Professor in the Department of French, Hispanic and Italian Studies in 1967.
Primeau passed away at the age of 97 in Vancouver on Oct. 29, 2011.