Profile of two committed pioneers 

As part of the Marie-Vincent Foundation’s 50th anniversary in 2025, we launched a call for nominations last autumn to honour the exceptional people who have shaped our history and contributed to our evolution, leaving their mark in a lasting way. Over the coming months, these inspiring figures will be highlighted on our digital platforms, and their names will be permanently displayed on a wall of great contributors in the Marie-Vincent offices in Montreal. 

Discover the first profiles of two pioneers in the history of Marie-Vincent: 

Marguerite Séguin-Desnoyers 

Born in 1932, Mrs. Séguin-Desnoyers was a woman of vision and action. As the founder of the Centre Marie-Vincent, which is distinct from our current centre of expertise, she devoted her career to providing children in distress with a safe environment and care tailored to their needs. In the 1960s, when specialised resources for vulnerable children were virtually non-existent, she created an innovative space grounded in a human and therapeutic approach. Under her leadership, Marie-Vincent evolved from a modest project, self-financed by parents, to a centre recognised by public authorities, ensuring specialised support for children in difficulty. In 1975, she played a key role in establishing the Marie-Vincent Foundation to expand services and fund complementary initiatives for abused children and in forming its very first Board of Directors. In 1985, she initiated and chaired the organising committee of the “Conférence internationale sur la situation des filles: Le temps d’y voir.” She concluded her professional career as a consultant in the health and social services network. Mrs. Séguin-Desnoyers passed away in February 2018. 

Huguette Bertrand 

Born in 1941, Huguette Bertrand devoted her life to humanitarian causes. She was a prominent figure at Marie-Vincent, serving as  , while more broadly advocating for our cause from the very beginnings of Marie-Vincent until her passing in 2005. In 2008, the former property bought by the Marie-Vincent Foundation on Papineau Street in Montreal was named ‘Maison Huguette-Bertrand’, in memory of this remarkable volunteer who was recognised as a dedicated woman of action, committed to helping young victims of sexual violence. 

Stay tuned to discover other outstanding figures who have contributed to our history.