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In Memory of Dorothy Chunn
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Dorothy E. Chunn, Professor Emerita of Sociology. Dr. Chunn was a prolific socio-legal scholar, an inspiring teacher, a devoted feminist, and a cherished colleague.
Dr. Chunn received her BA in English and History from the University of British Columbia and her MA and PhD in Sociology from the University of Toronto. She embarked on a long and distinguished academic career that spanned sessional term postings at St. Francis Xavier University and UBC; an adjunct appointment in the UBC Faculty of Law; and a permanent tenured position at Simon Fraser University where she taught for a quarter-century, first in Criminology, then in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, fast rising through the ranks to attain Full Professorship. For several years following her retirement from SFU in 2011, Dr. Chunn continued to supervise graduate students and to pursue multiple research and writing projects in the valued company of long-time colleagues.
Dr. Chunn’s research is widely cited and has been published in top-ranked journals in the fields of criminology and sociology, including journals such as Canadian Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice & Social and Legal Studies. Her research and publications are concentrated primarily in the area of feminist socio-legal studies. Her projects have focused on feminism, law, and social change in Canada since the 1960s; poor women’s experiences of health and housing; and the reform of Canadian child custody law. Dr. Chunn worked tirelessly to investigate socio-legal issues with feminist approaches.
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology has been immeasurably enriched by Dr. Chunn’s intelligence, energy and enthusiasm, and she will be greatly missed.
Donations in Dr. Chunn’s memory may be directed to anyone (or more) of the following organizations:
- Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre (Vancouver)
- Parkinson Society of BC
- Sechelt Hospital Foundation
- BC SPCA (Sunshine Coast)
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