In Memoriam: Laura Pao

Laura had been a dedicated faculty member in the Sociology Department since 1992. On behalf of the Vanier community, Mr. Bernier extended the College's deepest sympathies to Laura’s family, friends, and colleagues.

Laura came to Montreal in 1972 as an international student. Being away from home for the first time, she was deeply moved by the support she received from the Chinese Alliance Church. Living in a culturally diverse city gave her countless opportunities to learn about the lives of immigrants, a topic that inspired her master’s thesis on the experiences of Chinese post-war immigrants in Montreal.

After graduating from McGill University with a master’s degree in sociology in 1982, Laura worked in various part-time roles in research, social services, business, and teaching. In the 1980s, she worked with Professor Maurice Pinard at McGill University on the Quebec Referendum and with Dr. Denise Helly on cultural communities in Montreal. She also worked briefly for the Chinese Family Service in community services.

In 1986, Laura began teaching part-time at Concordia University, where she covered a wide range of courses including juvenile crime and delinquency, social problems, ethnic and race relations, sociology of the family, and Quebec society. She enjoyed sharing her experiences with her students.

Laura lived in China, Rwanda, and England, and traveled extensively to countries such as Cuba, France, Egypt, Kenya, and Mexico. She enjoyed dancing, practicing Tai Chi, and was a proud mother of two children.

She joined Vanier College in 1992, where she taught courses in sociology, methodology, and study skills, leaving a lasting impact on her students and colleagues.

See the full obituary.