Shumiatcher, Jacqui (1923-)

Jacqui Shumiatcher.

Jacqui Shumiatcher

Jacqui Shumiatcher is a woman whose passion for the fine arts is matched only by her generous support of them as a benefactor. Born Jacqueline Fanchette Clotilde Clay in Vendin-le-Vieil, Pas de Calais, France, in April 1923, she moved with her family to Regina in 1927. Her first job was instructor of typing and shorthand at Sacred Heart Academy. Subsequent jobs involved Simpson's audit department, the Regina Airport Meteorology department, a mortgage company, Scott Collegiate, and the Saskatchewan government. In 1955 she married Morris Shumiatcher, whom she met when he was counsel to T.C. Douglas; she later established Managerial Services Ltd. in support of her husband's law office.

Her financial assistance, along with her husband's, has been a great help to organizations such as the Regina Globe Theatre, the Regina Symphony Orchestra, and the MacKenzie Art Gallery. As well, she has been a prominent patron of the University of Regina, the Saskatchewan Federated Indian College (now the First Nations University of Canada), and a diversity of groups that include Regina Little Theatre, Lyric Light Opera, Juventus Choirs, the Youth Ballet Company of Saskatchewan, and New Dance Horizons. Other major involvements have included the National Conference of Canadian Clubs, the Dominion Drama Festival, the Regina Council of Women, and the Women's Business and Professional Club.

Jacqui Shumiatcher has received numerous awards, including the Saskatchewan Order of Merit (2001) and an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Regina (2002).

Nick Miliokas