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Stephanie Fadous, a distinguished member of Manulife Financial Corporation’s executive team who served as Chief Actuary, has died, prompting an outpouring of sadness among colleagues and members of the actuarial and financial communities.

Fadous was remembered for her extensive expertise, professional integrity and leadership during her time with Manulife, where she occupied a senior role responsible for helping guide some of the complex actuarial work supporting the company’s financial operations.

As Chief Actuary, Fadous worked at the intersection of mathematics, statistics, risk management and financial strategy. The role required careful analysis of long-term risks and financial obligations, as well as a deep understanding of changing market conditions. Her work contributed to the broader decision-making processes that underpin insurance products and the company’s ability to meet commitments to its customers.

Colleagues described her professional approach as one grounded in precision, accountability and a willingness to look beyond immediate challenges. Her career at Manulife was also marked by a commitment to developing other professionals and sharing her knowledge with those entering the actuarial field.

Fadous was said to have placed considerable importance on collaboration. Rather than treating actuarial work solely as a technical discipline, she encouraged communication between teams and supported an environment in which complex problems could be examined from different perspectives.

Her leadership came during a period when the financial and insurance industries faced increasingly complicated economic conditions, changing customer expectations and rapidly evolving technology. The actuarial profession plays an important role in helping insurers understand uncertainty and prepare for long-term financial responsibilities, making senior actuarial leadership particularly significant.

Away from the technical demands of her position, Fadous was remembered for her warmth and approachable personality. Those who worked with her recalled a colleague who valued trust and respect and who encouraged people around her to contribute ideas and challenge assumptions constructively.

Her passing represents a significant loss to those who knew her personally and professionally. Friends, family members and former colleagues are now left to remember a woman whose career was defined not only by professional achievement but also by the relationships she built throughout her working life.

At Manulife’s Toronto operations, where she became closely associated with the company’s actuarial leadership, her influence extended beyond the responsibilities attached to her title. The knowledge she shared with colleagues and the professionals she mentored form part of a legacy that will continue through the people she helped develop.

The broader actuarial profession also reflects the importance of leaders such as Fadous, whose work often takes place behind the scenes but has a direct bearing on the long-term stability of financial institutions and the products they provide.

As tributes continue, Stephanie Fadous is being remembered for her dedication, analytical discipline and commitment to professional excellence. For those who worked alongside her, her absence will be felt not only in the workplace but in the many personal and professional relationships she formed over the years.

She leaves behind a legacy of service, leadership and knowledge, and will be deeply missed by her family, friends, colleagues and the many people whose lives she touched throughout her career.