Solar greenhouse built in student's memory

All their lives, the Maisonneuves lived by their own code of sustainability.

They ate organic food. They powered their homes with solar electricity. They even used cotton diapers on their children.

They represented healthy living so that's why it was such a surprise when their eight-year-old daughter Karyne was diagnosed with cancer.

When she died from complications with her treatment in 2006, Carl and his wife Mary Lou knew they wanted to dedicate themselves to the environmental ideals their daughter held so dear.

On Wednesday, the family showed off the culmination of their two-year project -- a new solar-powered greenhouse classroom at Gisele Lalond high school in Orléans, where all four of their children attended.

Entitled Project Karyne, for Mary Lou, the greenhouse is a way to preserve the memory of her daughter.

"After Karyne died, the teachers here at the school asked if they could do a fundraiser," she said.

"And we said that would be alright, but we'd kind of like to do something for the environment."

It first started by selling garden leaf bags to raise funds, then grew to building a wind turbine and finally the greenhouse.

The community rallied behind the project, with dozens of construction companies and volunteers throwing their weight behind the building.

The greenhouse boasts innovative technologies including solar water and air heating systems, a rainwater recovery system and geothermal air conditioning system.

Students helped plant and grow vegetation for the greenhouse's first season as well as build a mosaic stone countertop to work on.

"I'm studying environmental studies, so this really ties it all together and it's been a great experience just to have this amazing project and to talk about it with other people," said Elyse Maisonneuve, who has worked on the project with her family since the beginning.

At the unveiling ceremony, the French public school board thanked the Maisonneuves for their hard work and offered $35,000 to help pay for the rest of the construction to be finished by fall 2012.

"Elyse, Marc and Paul, your little sister shines in our hearts this morning," said French public school board director Edith Dumont.

"Carl and Mary Lou, thanks for everything. Your Karyne touched us, she inspired us, she guided us, and she'll never be forgotten."