Browse the obituary of residing in the province of Nouveau-Brunswick for funeral details
The great Acadian actress, Viola Léger, passed
away Saturday, January 28, 2023, at the age of 92. Daughter of
André Léger, native of Barachois NB, and
Nathalie LeBlanc of Haute Aboujagane NB, she is mourned by her three
sisters, Doris Léger of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, Sr. Agnes
Léger NDSC of Moncton NB, and Lilianne
Léger-Maples of Saint-Thomas-de-Kent NB, and by her
sister-in-law, Sumlee Léger of Austin, Texas, as well as by
several nephews and nieces, grand-nephews, and
grand-nieces.
Viola Léger always expressed the importance and
love she had for her family. She had a joie de vivre that she passed
on to everyone around her. She had an exceptional work ethic and was a
very loyal friend. Many will remember her phone calls every year to
sing them Happy Birthday. A positive woman, she loved the beauty of
nature. Resilient and very generous, she dedicated her life to the
pursuit of excellence in her commitment – in the theater, in the
classroom, in the Congregation NDSC, during her years in the Senate,
and with her family, friends and co-workers.
The family wishes to express their deep gratitude for the
excellent care Viola received while a resident at the
Résidence/Foyer
Notre-Dame-du-Sacré-Coeur.
**********
Born on June 29, 1930, Viola Léger was best known
as an actress who made famous the character of La Sagouine, a play by
Acadian author Antonine Maillet. She played this a role more than
3,000 times, garnering numerous rave reviews for her authentic and
poignant interpretation.
Ms. Léger served in the Senate of Canada from 2001
to 2006 where she particularly emphasized the importance of artists in
our society. Also, with a keen interest in the plight of minorities,
she was a member of Senate committees for Aboriginal Peoples, and
Official Languages and Social Affairs. She has been a fervent
ambassador of Acadian culture, both in Canada and
abroad.
After her initial studies in Acadie, Ms. Léger was
able to realize her first passion: teaching. For 15 years, she taught
literature and drama in high school, first at the Collège
Notre-Dame-d’Acadie, then in Grand Falls, Moncton and
Shediac. She obtained a master’s degree in Theatre Education
from Boston University and trained in Paris with the renowned theater
artist Jacques Lecoq. Her love for theater started during her time as
a member of the Congregation Les Religieuses
Notre-Dame-du-Sacré-Coeur. She has always been extremely
grateful to the Congregation, who promoted her pursuit of higher
education.
Throughout her acting career, she has performed over 30 roles
for theatre, film, and television.
In 1985, she founded her own theater company, the Compagnie
Viola Léger, which she directed until 2008. In 1999, she
created the Viola-Léger Foundation to encourage theatrical
production and professional training in Acadie, mainly by granting
scholarships to professional actors at the beginning of their careers.
Ms. Léger cherished this Foundation, calling it a
cornerstone in the development of new careers and consequently in the
evolution of theater in Acadie.
Viola Léger was the recipient of numerous awards
including the Order of Canada, the New Brunswick Excellence in the
Arts Award, the Order of New Brunswick, the Ordre des Arts et des
Lettres de la France, the Governor General’s Performing Arts
Award in 2013, the Prix Eloizes Hommage from the Association acadienne
des artistes professionnel.le.s du Nouveau-Brunswick, and four
honorary doctorates. In 2019, a school was named in her honour: the
École élémentaire
Viola-Léger, in Bowmanville, Ontario.
Funeral services for Ms. Léger will be held at the
Cathedral Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, 226 St. George Street,
in Moncton, on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. The family
will receive condolences at the Frenette Funeral and Cremation Centre
at 88 Church Street in Moncton on Monday, February 6, 2023, from 2 to
4 and 6 to 8 pm only. Interment will take place later in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, in memory of Viola Léger, a donation to
the Viola-Léger Foundation, or to a charity of your choice,
would be appreciated.
Messages of condolence
and donations can be made to www.frenettefuneralhome.com.
1930 2023
Death notice for the town of: Shediac, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick
death notice Viola Leger 1930 2023
obituaries notice Viola Leger 1930 2023
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Viola Leger 1930 2023 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
