Mountain Mover: A Profile of Jean Lauber, Edmontonian
When it comes to Edmonton’s heroes, among the most recognized are Wayne Gretzky, John Walter and Tommy Banks. Certainly, these names and many others have made significant contributions in the life and development of our city and are most worthy. There are many others, however, unsung yet also most deserving to be on that same list. Among them is Jean Lauber. Her story is one of sheer determination to move mountains, to overcome challenges and to “do what was right”.
Born August 30th, 1926, in Seattle, Washington, Jean Lauber became a University of Alberta zoology professor, an environmental advocate, a strong supporter of women’s rights and my mother. Being quite private, Mom never shared too much of her early years and family life, so very little is known. What can be told is that following general studies, she moved on to further education and earned her Bachelor’s degree in English, a Master’s degree in Embryology and a Doctorate in Biology. She met her future husband, John, at a ski lodge and got married in 1956. In addition to now sharing a life together, Jean and John both shared a love of teaching. Both began their teaching careers at several Universities stateside. In 1965, with three children in tow, Jean and John moved to Edmonton for teaching opportunities. Mom moved into her University of Alberta office.
Likely with boxes still to be unpacked, Mom joined the University Women’s Club of Edmonton (later to be known as the Canadian Federation of University Women or CFUW). In this role, Mom actively fought for women’s rights and urged female University students to pursue atypical career goals in science and technology (her “Women in Scholarship, Engineering, Science and Technology” program still exists today). These endeavors earned Mom a “Tribute to Women” award from the YWCA in the category of “Women Helping Women”.
It should come as no surprise that Mom truly respected the efforts of other women who overcame the odds. Among her icons were Judge Emily Murphy, World War I nurse Edith Cavell, and painter/writer Emily Carr. Along with the Status of Women committee, Mom helped to compile information on numerous Canadian women that fought against adversity. To honour International Women’s Year (in 1975), the group penned the book, “They Jumped so High” (which was targeted towards younger children).
Mom jumped on-board with other causes, as well. As a founding member of the “Pollution Group”, she also almost single-handedly organized and coordinated the “Ecology Caravan” – an “anti-pollution” show that toured Alberta schools and campgrounds for five years from 1970 – 1975. For this show, Mom recruited whatever help she could find (from university students to her own family) to run the slide projectors or set up the screens. I even remember going “on the road” with Mom on several occasions to lend a hand. The show logged over 25,000 miles and was seen by some 50,000 people.
And did Mom stop there? Not a chance! She became the first female Vice-President Academic at the University, was honoured with a number of awards, held a number of professional memberships and completed many scientific research papers.
Away from her academic career, I knew her as determined, literary and much-respected by her peers. She possessed a quirky sense of humour, was devoted to her husband and family, loved nature and stood in awe of mountains (Mt. Rainier and Mt. Edith Cavell were two of her favourite peaks). Mom would break into song on family hiking trips, create new English words by adding the suffix “itude”, hug a madrona tree and climb a mountain because it was there.
Although Mom was never one to back down from a good fight, one foe was ultimately too strong. Leukemia was diagnosed in 1999. She returned to Edmonton from her retirement home in Victoria and valiantly underwent regular blood transfusions. Between three children, we arranged chauffeuring Mom to the hospital for days of treatment. While blood would drip agonizingly slowly from the intravenous bag above Mom’s bed, she would tranquilly doze. On the days that I accompanied her, I would read and reread the daily newspaper, pace the hospital hallways or transfuse myself with coffee in the downstairs cafeteria. It was in this same hospital where Mom died peacefully on June 25th, 2000.
The story could end here; however, there is yet one more chapter. Some time after Mom’s passing, I was shocked to hear from the City Planning Department. Someone (I never heard and still don’t know who) had nominated Mom for street-naming. City council reviewed the proposal and granted the request. A street sign bearing her name will be erected in the district of Leger in Southwest Edmonton.
Regrettably, Mom will never witness this street marker in her name. This mountain mover is now gone; however, her impressive list of accomplishments will long be remembered by those who knew her best. Jean Lauber was no 50-goal scorer; however, she did have lofty goals and worked hard to reach them. Through her diligence, daring and drive, she has certainly earned the respect of many. Jean Lauber is gone; however her street marker will remain standing tall. Is there any better tribute for a woman who stood so tall, herself?