Doris Wionzek: "C" is for Calligraphy
by Sally Hansen
In grade three Doris Wionzek won a prize at the Beachburg Fall Fair (near Pembroke) for her sample of hand lettering. In 2005 Almonte calligrapher Doris Wionzek was chosen by the Canadian Heraldic Authority to inscribe the legal text on the Letters Patent of the Personal Coat of Arms of the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada. Wionzek was chosen from a long list of calligraphers registered with the Authority.
Her selection was a singular honour since the Governor General is the authority empowered “to exercise or provide for the exercise of all powers and authorities lawfully belonging to Us as Queen of Canada in respect of the granting of armorial bearings in Canada”. An image of the Letters Patent granting armorial bearings to Michaëlle Jean is available here.