In Memory: Patrice LeClerc

Dear Laurentian Community,

I write today to share the sad news that Professor Emerita of Sociology Patrice Elaine Patterson LeClerc died on January 20, in Ottawa, Ontario. Patrice was a beloved member of our faculty from 1995 until her retirement in 2013, during which time she enriched the academic community at St. Lawrence University through her teaching, research, and dedication to her students.

Patrice’s academic career was distinguished by her passion for understanding and teaching about complex social issues. Her research explored social policy comparisons in Canada and the United States, with particular attention to health and medicine, women’s movements, and nationalism. She was deeply interested in the development of identity and nationalism in New York and Ontario during the 19th century, and her publications, which spanned topics ranging from women’s issues to social movements, reflected her commitment to advancing knowledge in these areas.

At St. Lawrence, Patrice taught courses on nationalism, women’s movements, medical sociology, and social policy, among many others. Her interdisciplinary approach and dedication to her work allowed her to create meaningful connections between her research, teaching, and life experiences. She inspired her students to critically examine the social forces shaping our world and to engage deeply with questions of justice, equity, and identity.

Before joining St. Lawrence, Patrice taught at Concordia University in Montreal and worked for the YMCA in Ottawa. Her journey through academia and community work underscored her lifelong commitment to education and social change.

Patrice is remembered fondly by her family, including her brother Carl, her nieces and nephews, and her great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom carry forward her legacy of curiosity and compassion.

As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate Patrice’s significant contributions to St. Lawrence and the wider academic community. Her impact will endure through the many lives she touched.

Please join us in celebrating Patrice’s life by sharing your memories of her on the St. Lawrence University website. You can read the remembrances of others here.

Sincerely,

Kate Morris