Louise Manon Bourgault

DIED: October 31, 2009
LOCATION: Marquette, MI

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“Dear Neil and the rest of Louise's family, I was greatly saddened to hear of Louise's passing. Such a great loss -- her animation, vibrant... Read More » ”
1 of 53 | Posted by: Kay Payant Marquette MI

“Neil and Family, We will always hold our fondest memories of our dearest friend Louise and cherish all the times we had spent together in... Read More » ”
2 of 53 | Posted by: David and Jacqui gasowski NY

“With the passing of Louise the world has lost a messenger of peace and hope. She will be greatly missed. We feel privileged to have know her as... Read More » ”
3 of 53 | Posted by: Don and Marry Snitgen MI

“Louise with your passing the global light has diminished. We are sure your spirit will continue burning bright in Africa. ”
4 of 53 | Posted by: Todd & Jody Ann Arbor MI

“Dear Neil and Family, We are so very sorry for the loss of your beloved Louise. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her and especially for... Read More » ”
5 of 53 | Posted by: Jane Milkie Marquette MI

“My deepest sympathies to Dr. Bourgault's family. I was a former broadcasting student of hers at NMU from 1983-1987 and have many good memories of... Read More » ”
6 of 53 | Posted by: Patricia Leonardi Madison WI

“Dear Aunt Rosa and Family, I am so happy that I had a chance to visit with you and Louise over the summer. We had a lovely time catching... Read More » ”
7 of 53 | Posted by: Paulette Reynolds RI

“To the Bourgault-Cumberlidge Family It is with great sorrow we read about Louise's passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. I'll... Read More » ”
8 of 53 | Posted by: Chet & Janice Browning RI

“Dear Louise and Neil - We were so much looking forward to your imminent visit of our new home in Brookline, and now instead we are coming back... Read More » ”
9 of 53 | Posted by: Chris & Licia Brookline MA

“To Neil and Members of Louise's family, I am deeply sorry for your loss. Louise was not only an outstanding teacher and scholar, she was a... Read More » ”
10 of 53 | Posted by: Susan Koch Marquette MI

“I first met Louise when I was a student in the theatre department at NMU. She never forgot me and I never forgoot her. : ) Over the years I was... Read More » ”
11 of 53 | Posted by: Bobby Glenn Borwn Marquette MI

“Our thoughts and prayers are with your family,Jeanne and with Louise's as well. We didn't know her personally but reading her obituary know she... Read More » ”
12 of 53 | Posted by: anthony & Donna DiIorio Hope RI

“I miss you, Dr. Bourgault. I miss our after-class discussions about politics and world order. It was refreshing to have a professor who cared as... Read More » ”
13 of 53 | Posted by: Jaclyn Calamaro Marquette MI

“To Neil and Family, My condolences to the entire family. Louise is an inspiration to me and many others. Her impact has been immense and will... Read More » ”
14 of 53 | Posted by: Nikke Nason Marquette MI

“Oh Rusty, I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of Louise these last few days has brought back so many memories. Sitting in your Mom's kitchen,... Read More » ”
15 of 53 | Posted by: Elaine Gourd Saenko FL

“Dr. Bourgault changed my life, inpired me to be and do more, and broaden my horizons. I am so thankful to have had a mentor like her. What an... Read More » ”
16 of 53 | Posted by: Erin Nigl Gangneung

“My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. I remember visiting the Bourgault residence in RI many times in my youth and remember the... Read More » ”
17 of 53 | Posted by: Pauline Belanger MacDonald RI

“I will always remember Louise as my sister Becky's best friend. She visited me once when I lived in Wisconsin and Becky was visiting, and Louise... Read More » ”
18 of 53 | Posted by: Chrissy Matone E Greenwich RI

“To the family of the Louise Bourgault, My sincerest condolences on your tragic loss-my thoughts and prayers are with you during this sorrowful... Read More » ”
19 of 53 | Posted by: Ann Dupre RI

“My deepest sympathies to you all. What an incredible loss to you and all she served. It is amazing that the little girl I knew so long ago grew up... Read More » ”
20 of 53 | Posted by: Pat Kennedy Lenihan RI

“I had the honor of taking classes with Louise. Class was always interesting. She was very passionate about the subjects that she taught and I am... Read More » ”
21 of 53 | Posted by: Christopher Gromala Peshtigo WI

“Neil- My sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved Louise. I am out of town so can't be with you on the 20th, but my thoughts and prayers... Read More » ”
22 of 53 | Posted by: Veronica Varney Marquette MI

“We will all miss you, Louise. Thank you for all the good you have done in the world, and thank you for touching my life, dear friend. Neil, my... Read More » ”
23 of 53 | Posted by: Beverly Matherne MI

“It is hard to imagine the CAPS department without Dr. Bourgault! She truly inspired me and showed me how important it is to balance the broadcast... Read More » ”
24 of 53 | Posted by: Tammy Johnson Marquette MI

“My cousin Louise was always a marvel to us growing up--the places she was going, the things that she was accomplishing were just amazing. And I... Read More » ”
25 of 53 | Posted by: Fred Joyal Manhattan Beach CA

“I took several of Dr. Bourgault's courses while I was a student in the Communication and Performance Studies Department at NMU. I also had the... Read More » ”
26 of 53 | Posted by: Airen Campbell-Olszewski MI

“I know Louise through Simten. I am certain that she will continue with her guidance and activism, merged with intellectual curiosity, for the... Read More » ”
27 of 53 | Posted by: Zuhal Yesilyurt-Gunduz

“As the Department of Political Science and International Relations members (Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey) we are deeply saddened by Dr.... Read More » ”
28 of 53 | Posted by: Department of Political Science and International Relations, Bas

“I will always remember Louise as a vibrant individual who was always concerned with the University, its programs and students. She was a vital... Read More » ”
29 of 53 | Posted by: Russell Magnaghi Marquette MI

“I will always be grateful for all that Louise did to help me get through my student teaching experience in England the fall semester of 1990. She... Read More » ”
30 of 53 | Posted by: Bryant Varney Marquette MI

“Hi Neil, I have many fond memories of Louise. She will be dearly missed. I know she touched the lives of many people and I for one was lucky to... Read More » ”
31 of 53 | Posted by: Gary Schuller Denver, CO

“When I was an undergrad, a friend, who knew that I was doing research with Dr. Bourgault and thought so highly of her, mentioned that she often... Read More » ”
32 of 53 | Posted by: Alison Crockett Marquette MI

“With so many wonderful memories of the privilege of spending time with Louise, it's hard to pick just one - they all stand out. One of the most... Read More » ”
33 of 53 | Posted by: Isabel Francis Ann Arbor MI

“Deepest sympathies from the Schuller family. ”
34 of 53 | Posted by: Billie Schuller Marquette MI

“To the Riley and Bourgault families: My deepest sympathies during this deeply sorrowful time. Reading Louise's biography makes one realize that... Read More » ”
35 of 53 | Posted by: Jeff Lema Providence RI

“I have lost a truly compassionate and caring friend. Louise made a huge difference in my professional life by serving as one of my mentors at NMU... Read More » ”
36 of 53 | Posted by: Emmanuel Awuah Syracuse NY

“Neil: I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Louise. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. Janis Book, formerly worked in Academic Affairs... Read More » ”
37 of 53 | Posted by: Janis Book Marquette MI

“What a loss for all of us, the university and the Marquette community! Thank you, Louise, for caring about the Oasis Gallery amidst all your other... Read More » ”
38 of 53 | Posted by: Christine Saari Marquette, MI

“Louise is greatly missed and her spirit will be kept alive by all those that she touched during her very brief life. ”
39 of 53 | Posted by: Leslie E. Cory Marquette MI

“I am so saddened to hear that Louise has passed. She was a great person and her absence will be noticed. My condolences go out to all of her... Read More » ”
40 of 53 | Posted by: Holly Getts Ishpeming MI

“Louise was an amazingly productive force at Northern Michigan University where I was fortunate to be her colleague. A huge emptiness will be felt... Read More » ”
41 of 53 | Posted by: Dr. Michael Loukinen MI

“My Aunt Louise lived beyond herself each and every day. Hers was an insatiable joie de vie. Although it is truly impossible to imagine life... Read More » ”
42 of 53 | Posted by: Caitlin Riley Washington DC

“I recite a verse from the Qoran which I had shared with my friend, Louise, at one of our many memorable conversations. "We are all from God, and... Read More » ”
43 of 53 | Posted by: mohey mowafy Marquette MI

“Louise and Neil have been part of my life in Marquette for longer than i can remember, and her premature departure is a real loss to all of us who... Read More » ”
44 of 53 | Posted by: toby rose marquette, MI

“Louise was one of my favorite colleagues at NMU. She was always kind, supportive of others, insightful in her comments, and just plain nice to be... Read More » ”
45 of 53 | Posted by: Suzanne Standerford MI

“Louise's death is devastating. She lived her ideals to the hilt and made such a mark in West Africa, a place close to our hearts. The university... Read More » ”
46 of 53 | Posted by: Stephen Hirst Flagstaff AZ

“I send my deep condolences. I admired Louise very much. She was a true inspiration to all of us who were at NMU. She will be remembered by all she... Read More » ”
47 of 53 | Posted by: Lois Hirst Flagstaff AZ

“Louise was special. She had spunk, a positive, "can do" attitude, and she really, really cared, and she never stopped pushing to make things... Read More » ”
48 of 53 | Posted by: Fred Joyal Marquette MI

“Dear Aunt Louise - I have always been envious of your zeal for living and how you had a special gift for being able to enjoy each day to the... Read More » ”
49 of 53 | Posted by: Michaela Demarest Baltimore MD

“Jim and I are saddened at this sudden loss of a very prolific and creative woman. Louise contributed in so many different aspects to the... Read More » ”
50 of 53 | Posted by: Jim & Beth Casady-Cantrill MI

“To the Bourgault Family: Our deepest sympathies on the loss of your Louise. Brian and Jackie ”
51 of 53 | Posted by: Brian and Jackie (Coutu) Harbour RI

“My dear friend, My last letter did not reach to you in this world; I know that it and this and the following letters will reach in this new stage... Read More » ”
52 of 53 | Posted by: Simten Cosar

“Farewell to a very classy lady, one whose work will live on. ”
53 of 53 | Posted by: Dr. Ross Marlay AR

Dr. Louise Manon Bourgault, 60, of Marquette, Michigan passed away on Saturday, October 31, 2009 after a short illness. Dr. Bourgault earned a bachelor's degree in Journalism from Syracuse University and an MA in Radio-Television and a PhD in Mass Communication from Ohio University. She taught at universities in Delaware and Nigeria, and at the time of her death she was Professor of Media Studies in the Department of Communication and Performance Studies at Northern Michigan University (NMU) in Marquette, MI where she taught for 25 years. She was the wife of Dr. Neil Cumberlidge and the daughter of Rosa (Joyal) Bourgault and the late Charles J. Bourgault of West Warwick, Rhode Island. She is survived by three sisters and their spouses: Jeanne and Bill Riley of Wakefield, RI; Suzanne and Ross Marlay of Jonesboro, Arkansas; Rosemarie Bourgault and Jean-Marc Fernandez of Paris, France, plus six nephews and nieces, three great-nephews, and two cats. She is also survived by her family in England: Clive and Elaine Cumberlidge, Lance Cumberlidge, and Ann and Lorenzo Lucietti all of Leicestershire, and six nephews, a niece, and three great nephews and nieces. Dr. Bourgault was recognized internationally for her prolific work for in African Media, Popular Culture, and AIDS-related Media. She wrote two books and authored over 30 scholarly publications and 50 conference papers. Her first book, Mass Media in Sub-Saharan Africa (Indiana University Press) received the Choice Book Award, and her second book Playing for Life: Performance in Africa in the Age of AIDS (Carolina Academic Press) is a popular college textbook. She was a visiting scholar at the Sorbonne, in Paris, France (1997), the University of Natal-Durban in South Africa (1999), and the University of Malaysia in Sarawak, Borneo (2008). Dr. Bourgault produced multi-disciplinary projects with musicians, actors, puppeteers, and playwrights from Cameroon, South Africa, Ghana, and Mali, Turkey, the UK, and India. Her documentary From Mali to Michigan: A Musical Bridge was aired on WNMU Public Television, and won the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Arts and Culture Award, and the Good News Award. Dr. Bourgault twice won Fulbright Scholar Awards, one for AIDS-related research in South Africa and Mali (1999), and one for women's studies in Turkey (2009-2010). She also won Distinguished Faculty, Peter White Scholar, and Excellence in Education Awards from NMU. Dr. Bourgault also consulted for US Government agencies in South Africa, Mali, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Nigeria, Chad, Benin, Madagascar, Central African Republic, Uganda, Swaziland, Tanzania, Haiti, and Tunisia, and was also the Chief of Party for the USAID funded Liberian Rural Communications Network. Dr. Bourgault was a tireless champion for internationalization efforts at NMU for over 25 years and helped establish the International Studies Major, chaired the Internationalization Task Force, was Interim Director of the International Office at NMU, and founded and ran the International Performing Arts Series. And for over ten years she brought a series of scholars and performers from around the world to NMU. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, November 20th at 2:00 pm in St. Peter Cathedral with the Rev. Michael Steber officiating. Visitation will be in the Bishop's Room of the cathedral from noon to 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Dr. Louise M. Bourgault International Student Scholarship Fund, The Development Office, Northern Michigan University, 1401 Presque Isle Avenue, Marquette, Michigan, 49855.

Memories & Candles

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Dear Neil and the rest of Louise's family, I was greatly saddened to hear of Louise's passing. Such a great loss -- her animation, vibrant personality (what a teacher she must have been), her enthusiasm for art and for life. It was always fun to talk to her, exchange ideas, and share in her excitement about a new project she was working on. The university community has lost an irreplaceable member. My heart goes out to you. Kay Payant
Posted by: Kay Payant Marquette, MI Nov 19, 2009

Neil and Family, We will always hold our fondest memories of our dearest friend Louise and cherish all the times we had spent together in her company.The community and the world has surely benefited from her devotion to mankind. She opened our hearts and minds of those less fortunate in the world and helped in our understanding of the worlds varied cultures .We Thank you for all the engaging times that we spent together.
Posted by: David and Jacqui gasowski brooklyn,, NY Nov 19, 2009

With the passing of Louise the world has lost a messenger of peace and hope. She will be greatly missed. We feel privileged to have know her as a friend. Don and Mary Snitgen
Posted by: Don and Marry Snitgen Au Train, MI Nov 19, 2009

Louise with your passing the global light has diminished. We are sure your spirit will continue burning bright in Africa.
Posted by: Todd & Jody Ann Arbor, MI Nov 19, 2009

Dear Neil and Family, We are so very sorry for the loss of your beloved Louise. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her and especially for those who worked with her, because of the great colleague that she was, a truly talented and dedicated professor. Louise was a leader who served many and who made a difference in her support for AIDs and the Arts. You are in our thoughts and prayers. With Sympathy, Jane, Phil and Hannah Milkie
Posted by: Jane Milkie Marquette, MI Nov 19, 2009

My deepest sympathies to Dr. Bourgault's family. I was a former broadcasting student of hers at NMU from 1983-1987 and have many good memories of her as an instructor. She was passionate about teaching, enjoyed challenging our assumptions, and brought a lot of humor into the classroom. I later went on to teach Media Studies myself for a short period and hopefully was able to pass along some of the very good lessons she taught me.
Posted by: Patricia Leonardi Madison, WI Nov 18, 2009

Dear Aunt Rosa and Family, I am so happy that I had a chance to visit with you and Louise over the summer. We had a lovely time catching up and reminiscing about family members and our youth. God reached out and minimized her time of suffering. For that we can be grateful even though he broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best. Louise was a remarkable human being and has left behind a legacy to prove it. Hold tight to these memories for comfort. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. May the comfort of God help you during this difficult time. Your Niece, Paulette, Michael, Dax & Michaela
Posted by: Paulette Reynolds North Providence, RI Nov 14, 2009

To the Bourgault-Cumberlidge Family It is with great sorrow we read about Louise's passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. I'll always remember the laughter and fun when we worked at Champlin Library.
Posted by: Chet & Janice Browning West Warwick, RI Nov 14, 2009

Dear Louise and Neil - We were so much looking forward to your imminent visit of our new home in Brookline, and now instead we are coming back to see Louise one last time, and to say good-bye. You will always be in our mind's eye and shall remain forever a truly favorite person for this planet. Much love for this farewell from all our family!
Posted by: Chris & Licia Brookline, MA Nov 13, 2009

To Neil and Members of Louise's family, I am deeply sorry for your loss. Louise was not only an outstanding teacher and scholar, she was a friend to so many, including me, and we will all miss her terribly. NMU will simply not be the same without her; but we will all continue to be inspired by her memory to be citizens of the world. My thoughts are with all of you in this very sad time.
Posted by: Susan Koch Marquette, MI Nov 12, 2009

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