Jacqueline Fanchette Clotilde Clay was born on April 29, 1923, in Vendin-le-Vieil, Pas de Calais, France.

[1] The family was poor and lived in a disadvantaged neighborhood, with unpaved roads, boarded sidewalks, and no indoor plumbing.

[4][5][6] In 1947 she applied for a job as secretary to Morris C. Shumiatcher, Q.C., legal counsel to Premier of Saskatchewan Tommy Douglas.

[3] After leaving this position, she continued to assist Shumiatcher in overseeing his affairs while he was out of town and setting up his law office when he returned.

[5][7] In October 1981 the Norman Mackenzie Art Gallery mounted an exhibition of 96 sculptures and 23 prints, representing about one-quarter of their collection at that time.

[16][17] Shumiatcher was a past chair of the National Conference of Canadian Clubs and the legal committee of the Regina Council of Women.

[13] She has served on the board of governors of the Dominion Drama Festival and the Regina Symphony Orchestra, and was a former executive member of the Women's Business and Professional Association.

[13] She was named an honorary member of the Canadian Actors' Equity Association in recognition of her contribution to theatre and the performing arts in Canada.

[6][7] In honour of her 80th birthday in 2003, the Regina Symphony Orchestra presented a concert of big band music, including compositions by Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, and Duke Ellington.