Laurier, Zoé (1841–1921)

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Laurier, Zoé (1841–1921)

Canadian first lady. Name variations: Zoe Laurier, Lady Laurier. Born Zoé Lafontaine, June 26, 1841 (some sources cite 1842), in Montreal, Quebec, Canada; died Nov 1, 1921, in Ottawa; m. Wilfrid Laurier (prime minister of Canada, 1896–1911), May 13, 1868 (died Feb 17, 1919); children: none.

A lover of music, was at one time a piano teacher; served as one of the vice-presidents of the National Council of Women at its foundation; 2 days before she died, changed will and left Laurier House in Ottawa to incoming prime minister William Lyon Mackenzie King (he then left it to the Canadian people).

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