Commemorative Vigil at Barron Park: United in Mourning and Solidarity Against Feminicides
By Stéphane Comtois – Le Journal de Lachute / L’ÉCHO D’ARGENTEUIL
LACHUTE | On Tuesday, June 3 at 10 a.m., a profound wave of emotion filled Barron Park. At the invitation of the Carrefour des femmes d’Argenteuil, in collaboration with La Citad’Elle de Lachute, the community came together for a moment of remembrance, solidarity, and resistance during a commemorative vigil in honour of women who have been victims of feminicide in Quebec since the beginning of the year.
“This empty white chair in front of you… it speaks volumes. It represents absence—a woman who should have been here with us today,” said one participant, pointing to a lone chair placed at the front of the gathering.
Now a powerful symbol of loss, the white chair stood for all the women whose lives were taken by violence.
In a heavy and respectful silence, participants lit electric candles in memory of those who were silenced. A powerful speech, delivered on behalf of the Carrefour des femmes, denounced violence against women as a social failure and a collective emergency. Each victim’s name was read aloud—every name echoing as a call for justice and change.
And Patricia Lynda Thériault, 47, from Lachute
“Patricia was a gentle force, a generous soul. That empty chair is now full of our light.
She lives on in every breath of wind, in every spark of light…”
Several individuals made long journeys to attend the vigil, including Pierre, a family friend who came to offer his support despite the weight of grief. Martine, a representative from the Carrefour des femmes, emphasized the importance of mutual support and expressed gratitude to La Citad’Elle for standing in solidarity during the event.
To close the ceremony, a symbolic release of balloons was held. Each balloon, sent into the sky, carried with it a message of remembrance, hope, and commitment: the promise never to forget, and above all, to continue taking action.
This morning’s vigil was more than a memorial — it was a powerful call for solidarity, justice, and change.