The Viceregal Lion
  1. The Governor General of Canada
Heraldry Today

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Sheila-Marie Suzanne Cook

Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of Arms and Supporters, with differences to Christopher William Cook, Michelle Evelyn Cook and Nicole Carlita Cook
November 15, 2007
Vol. V, p. 187

Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.


Blazon

Arms

Or two square flaunches Purpure;

Crest

An elm tree Purpure leaved Or;

Supporters

Two dragonflies Purpure winged and embellished Or;

Motto

SERVIR ET CÉLÉBRER SON PAYS;

Differenced Arms for Christopher William Cook, son of Sheila-Marie Suzanne Cook

The Arms of Sheila-Marie Suzanne Cook debruised of a three-point label Purpure; this individual will inherit the Arms of the Recipient following his or her death;

Differenced Arms for Michelle Evelyn Cook, daughter of Sheila-Marie Suzanne Cook

The Arms of Sheila-Marie Suzanne Cook debruised in chief of a golpe billety Or;

Differenced Arms for Nicole Carlita Cook, daughter of Sheila-Marie Suzanne Cook

The Arms of Sheila-Marie Suzanne Cook Arms debruised in chief of a golpe square fretty Or;


Symbolism

Arms

The design, austere and at the same time powerful, gives the impression of an hourglass and symbolizes Ms. Cook’s family heritage. This image indicates that, as someone who has worked in the public sphere, within government and directly for the Governor General as Secretary, Ms. Cook continues the commitment of several members of her family, past and present, who have served their countries and society as a whole. The hourglass emphasizes the place of Ms. Cook within her family line and embodies her wish to inspire and pass on these cherished values to her descendants.

Crest

The elm tree (orme in French) represents Ms. Cook’s birth name, Delorme, and thus her family heritage. This tree is also for her a symbol of rootedness and growth, of cyclical renewal and blossoming.

Supporters

Dragonflies are graceful and lively creatures that are always quick to react. They symbolize Ms. Cook’s vivacity and spirit of adventure.

Motto

Meaning “To serve and celebrate one's country”, this phrase alludes to the commitment of Ms. Cook and the members of her family to their respective countries throughout their careers. This motto also reminds us of how important it is to appreciate and celebrate the history, the natural beauty, and the great achievements of one’s country.

Differenced Arms for Christopher William Cook, son of Sheila-Marie Suzanne Cook

The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.

Differenced Arms for Michelle Evelyn Cook, daughter of Sheila-Marie Suzanne Cook

The pattern of upright rectangular shapes on the disc refers to pages and printing types, and thus to her background in journalism and literature.

Differenced Arms for Nicole Carlita Cook, daughter of Sheila-Marie Suzanne Cook

The disc set with narrow vertical and horizontal lines refers to latitude and longitude, and thus to her background in geography.


Background

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 8, 2008, in Volume 142, page 551 of the Canada Gazette.


Artist Information

Creator(s)
Original concept of Claire Boudreau, Deputy Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.

Painter
Cathy Bursey-Sabourin

Calligrapher
Shirley Mangione


Recipient Information

Individual

View all Letters Patent for Sheila-Marie Suzanne Cook