Friends, family of Quebec City victims gather at vigils to share memories and grief

The two victims of the attacks that happened inOld Quebec on Halloween night are being remembered as pillars of their communities, who "always hoped for the best."

For two nights in a row, residents, dignitaries and loved ones of Franois Duchesne and Suzanne Clermonthave stood in the cold November wind to light candles and share stories.

Duchesne was honoured in a ceremony at the Muse National des Beaux-Arts du Qubec (MNBAQ) on Tuesday.

A candlelight vigil was also held Mondayin front of the home of the second victim, 61-year-old Suzanne Clermont, described by many as "Madame Sourire,"the woman who smiles.

Here are some of the memories that were shared.

'Unshakeable optimism'

A string quartet played from inside the MNBAQ as Franois Duchesne's family stepped out of the Lassonde Pavilion, lit up in green for the occasion.

His olderbrother, Charles Duchesne, saidwhenFranoiswas hired in 2019 as the new director of marketing and communications, he invited his whole family to take a tour of the museum.

"He greeted us on the giant white staircaseas if it were his second home," Charles Duchesne told the hundreds of people who gatheredafter 6 p.m.

WATCH| Hundreds gather at vigils for Old Quebec attack victims

Hundreds gather at vigils for Old Quebec victims, remembered as 'beaming', 'smiling' people

4 years ago

Duration 1:11

Franois Duchesne was honoured at the Muse national des beaux-arts du Qubec, where he worked.

The 56-year-old lived just a short walk from the museum. During his job interview, hetold director Jean-Luc-Murrayit was his dream job.

"Franoishad an unshakeable optimism," Murray told the crowd. "He never doubted that everything would be OK in the end."

Plea for kindness

Franois Duchesne's cousin, Michel, said his cousin and fatherwere both captains on the St. Lawrence River. He called them "affectionate but silent" andstoic men, who rarely "talked about their emotions."

"That silence trickled down from generation to generation, and it iswhy I never told Franois how much he changed my life," said Michel Duchesne.

Michel recalled how Franois and his siblings were camp counsellors andhelped young people, listened to them and made them feel important.

"It will be the biggest wake-up call we'll remember from this tragedy,that we need totake care of ourpeers."

One way Franois always did that, Michel said, was by advocating for culture.

"He knew it could soothe people, bring them together, soothe their pain, and soothe their anger," he said.

Jean-Luc Murray said the MBNAQwill rename its art therapy program that helps adults with mental health problemsin honour of Franois Duchesne.

"We want him to be proud of us," said Murray.

'Madame Sourire'

Suzanne Clermontlived on the rue des Remparts, a streetthat winds aroundQuebec City's fortifications, overlooking the Old Port.

With fewer tourists in Old Quebec this summer,residents took over the street to have 5 7outside, watching the sun set over thehorizon.

Suzanne was at the heart of those gatherings.

"Shewas thequeen of the ramparts," said Sophie Pouliot, her daughter-in-law.

Clermont was involved with the local citizens' committee and "was always organizing activities and talking to everyone,"said her friend Claire Thriault.

The memorialleft in front of Clermont's home has helped neighbours and brought them together, once again,addedThriault.

"We will remember a lady who was always positive and so friendly. She was a wonderful person."

'Je t'aime, Suzanne'

Clermont's spouse, Jacques Fortin, was taken to hospital after the attacks, in shock, and could not be at the ceremony.

But hisson,Julien, held up his cell phone to play a recorded message Fortin had left for the assembled.

"My dear Suzanne, no one will ever forget you," Fortin's voice rang out."I will hold you in my heart forever."

He thanked her for taking care of him for 17 years.

"Je t'aime, Suzanne,"Fortin concluded, asking the crowd to take care of the people around them. "Life is so fragile."