Meritorious Service Cross
Awarded on: 1999-06-22
Invested on: 1999-09-10
Louise Bernard, M.S.C., Lévis, Que.
Pierrette Ledoux-Vaillancourt, M.S.C., Beloeil, Que.
Meritorious Service Cross (civil division)
Pioneers in palliative care in the Montérégie region, Mrs. Bernard and Mrs. Ledoux-Vaillancourt founded, in 1984, "Présence Amie de la Montérégie". This non-profit organization is composed of hundreds of volunteers who provide home care to terminally-ill cancer and AIDS patients. They were also among the founding members, in 1992, of Maison Victor-Gadbois, a residence which provides free accommodation to terminally-ill cancer patients. Women of action, Mrs. Bernard and Mrs. Ledoux-Vaillancourt are highly regarded for their loyal commitment to their patients.