Obituary: Gail Frances Tisseur, 1945-2024
GailFrances Tisseur died in peace, with dignity and grace on September19, 2024, of lung/bone cancer.
Gailwas born on July 10, 1945, to Emile and Eva (Tippett) Tisseur inMontréal, Québec, Canada. Gail lived with her younger sister,Judith, and their parents in Verdun before moving to Greenfield Park,where Gail attended English Catholic Schools. After high school, shecompleted courses at St. Joseph's Teachers College and McGillUniversity in Montréal.
Gail'sworking career spanned 60 years. At 15, as junior animator, she ran aGreenfield Park Program, then worked at the Canadian NationalRailways and Bell Telephone. In 1969, she began her teaching careerat St. Joseph de Sérigny School, followed by 15 years as pastoralanimator at MacDonald-Cartier Memorial High School in St. Hubert,Québec. While working at MCMHS, Gail, along with three friends,including Janice Couture, founded the Ark, a foster home for teenagegirls.
Gailstudied professional photography at Dawson before opening Photo Saracin Greenfield Park, which she named after her nieces, Sarah andRachael. During her photography career, St. Jude High School inGreenfield Park asked Gail to return to teaching, an opportunity shecould not resist.
In1999, Gail immigrated to Burlington, Vt., to become principal of St.Francis Xavier Elementary School, then director of religiouseducation at St. Pius X. Gail loved variety and new challenges. Sheworked at Jet Blue, at CCTA as a bus driver, the Community College ofVermont and as a volunteer math tutor at Mercy Connections inBurlington.
Gailwas kind, constant and a loyal friend to many. She was authentic,generous and passionate. She embraced her Catholic faith, her familyand her friends. Her deep faith in God and a desire to live aChrist-like life were the values which guided her to live a lifefilled with love and service to others. As a creative and skilledwoman, she enjoyed trying new things. Nonetheless, Gail's truepassion lay in teaching. She loved her students, giving them hertime, sharing her knowledge, and providing her never-endingencouragement and support. A few weeks ago, Gail was asked what shewanted people to know about her. She said, "I love life; I lovepeople; I love teaching; I love my faith. That is all I want peopleto know."
Gailis survived by her sister, Judith (Kenneth Norton); her niece, SarahNorton (Adrian Mayor-Mora), and their children Mikayhla, Caleb andEmile Mayor-Mora; her nephew, Joel Norton (Marie Normandin), andtheir daughter, Skylar Emma Norton.
Gailis also survived by her dear friend, companion and housemate of 49years, Janice Couture, and Janice's siblings (her second family).They include Paul and Deanna, Patricia Couture, James and Doreen, Gerald and VirginiaCouture and Marguerite (Couture) Murray; along with 24 nieces andnephews, 47 great-nieces and nephews, and 11 great-great nieces andnephews. Gail also leaves many good friends.
Gailwas predeceased by her parents, Emile and Eva Tisseur; her niece andgoddaughter, Rachael Norton; as well as Janice's parents, Alfredand Marguerite (Archambault) Couture, and brothers, Maurice(Annette), Bernard (Jean), Richard and Raymond Couture, and nephewsGregory and John Couture.
