French-speaking lawyer and former mayor of Vanier, Ontario, Gisèle Lalonde, died Wednesday at the age of 89.

Gisèle Lalonde was particularly known for having led a campaign in the late 1990s to save the Montfort Hospital, a French-speaking university hospital in Ontario, from closing, recalled CTVNews Ottawa.

The Hospital also published a statement on social networks on Wednesday morning. “Ms. Gisèle Lalonde, activist and figurehead of SOS Montfort, died last night. It is with great sadness that we learned the news. (...) Gisèle was a great lady and we owe her a lot. We will remember his energy, his good humor and his contagious laughter. Above all, we will forever be indebted to Gisèle for her determination.”

Francophonie in Ontario

Before becoming mayor of Vanier in 1985, Gisèle Lalonde was a teacher. She was committed to defending Francophone education in Ontario. A school in Ottawa, the public secondary school Gisèle Lalonde, is also named in her honor, reports CTV, which also recalls that the activist became a member of the Order of Canada in 2003 for her efforts in favor of the Francophonie.

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson also paid tribute to him on Twitter. “The passing of Gisèle Lalonde is a huge loss for our city and our country. A true force of nature and proud defender of her Franco-Ontarian roots, she helped save Monfort Hospital. I had the opportunity to interact with Ms. Lalonde on many occasions and I always came away with the feeling that she adored Vanier and that the community adored her even more. I offer my condolences to his family and his many friends,” he wrote.

The Montfortian flag and the Franco-Ontarian flags located in front of the Montfort Hospital and at the Francophonie monument will be flown at half-mast by sunset on the day of Gisèle Lalonde's funeral. Flags at City Hall and the Vanier Community Service Center will also be flown at half-mast in his honor.

“She will not be forgotten,” assured the mayor of Ottawa.