Mavis Hetherington

Mavis Hetherington

Nov. 27, 1926 - July 21, 2023

Renowned child psychologist, scholar, author and teacher E. Mavis Hetherington passed away on July 21, 2023, at the age of age 96.

Born in Ocean Falls, British Columbia, she attended the University of British Columbia, earning a B.A. in English and psychology and an M.A. in psychology, then attended the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a Ph.D. in clinical and developmental psychology.

During 39 years of teaching first at the University of Wisconsin and later at the University of Virginia, she dazzled undergraduates in always-packed introductory courses with humour-filled lectures and she trained generations of psychologists who now occupy positions in academia, private practice, and government service. She enjoyed collaborating with and mentoring her students and was passionate about research. Best known for her studies of the impact of parental divorce on children, she published widely, co-writing or editing more than ten books.

She was elected president of the international Society for Research in Child Development, and edited its flagship journal for seven years. She also received numerous awards, including the American Psychological Association (APA) Award for Distinguished Scientific Contributions to Psychology, the APA Award for Lifetime Contributions to Psychology, the Thomas Jefferson Award - the top award for scholarship at the University of Virginia - and many others.

Personally, she did not suffer fools gladly; she expected those around her to be respectful of others, to think critically, and to strive to do their best. She was an adored, adoring and compassionate spouse, and a loving mother and grandmother. She enjoyed gardening, playing bridge, traveling with her husband of 49 years (John), and spending summers on Georgian Bay, in Canada.

Predeceased by her husband; she is survived by her three married sons: Grant (Monique), Eric (Mary) and Jason (Debbie); and five grandchildren: Teya, Rachel, David, Logan and Keary. She leaves behind close friends and colleagues all of whom helped to make her life joyous and fulfilling.

The family would like to thank all of the care givers who gave her comfort during her final years.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Compassion & Choices or a local hospice organisation.

No memorial service is planned.