Today we are saddened by the passing of Lily Fielding, a true friend of Laurentian and advocate for our students. She was 103 years old. Always proud of her family, as well as its connection to Laurentian, she was instrumental in making the institution what it is today.
Mrs. Fielding worked alongside her beloved husband, the late Cliff Fielding, a member of the Laurentian University Board of Governors from 1964 to 1977. The couple spent 68 years together. After he passed, his legacy lives on with the Cliff Fielding Research, Innovation and Engineering Building bearing his name.
Mrs. Fielding was a long-standing supporter of the growth of Laurentian. Her contributions include financial support for the Brenda Wallace Reading Room, the Perdue Central Analytical Facility, and many other initiatives geared towards student success. Earlier this year, Mrs. Fielding gifted the university with a magnificent painting, ‘La Cloche,’ a work by Group of Seven artist Franklin Carmichael. Additionally, there are five bursaries tied to the family.
When shown plans for the Cliff Fielding Building in 2017, Mrs. Fielding was deeply touched, remarking that Mr. Fielding would be very proud of everything Laurentian University has accomplished. Now we bid her a bittersweet farewell, thankful for all she has done over the years, and proud to maintain her legacy.
Flags on campus will be lowered at half-mast in her honour on Monday, September 16, 2019.
QUOTE
“An exceptional community leader, Mrs. Fielding has left an indelible mark on Laurentian University. Her contributions will never be forgotten.” Robert Haché, President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University