It is with overwhelming sadness that we announce the death of Heather Ann Steele (née McLaine). She was the beloved and loving wife of James Steele and the cherished mother of Jennifer (Frank), Susan and Peter. She was predeceased by her dear brothers Alan (survived by Tudy) and Peter (survived by Janet), and by siblings Donald and Joan, who both died in infancy. Heather was the adoring grandmother of James (Alexandra), Christopher, Elizabeth, Matthew, William, Patrick, and Leonard as well as the proud great-grandmother of Isla. She will be deeply missed by her many nieces and nephews and their families, all of whom she loved immensely.
Heather was the daughter of Leonard S. McLaine and Kathleen Lett McLaine and was born and raised in the Village of Rockcliffe Park (Ottawa). She studied English Language and Literature at the University of Toronto (Trinity College). A dedicated public servant, she worked at the Canada Council, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, and the Canadian Centre for Management Development.
Heather grew up surrounded by music. She was an accomplished pianist and shared the gift of music with all her children and grandchildren. She volunteered for many years at the Ottawa Kiwanis Music Festival. During her retirement, Heather took pleasure in volunteering at Manor Park School, where she helped many young children learn to read.
Heather loved to welcome family and friends into her home and to the cottage on Lake Bernard. Her wit, warmth, and generosity will be dearly missed.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday April 26th at 2 p.m. at the Church of Saint Bartholomew, 125 McKay St., Ottawa. In remembrance of Heather, in lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Ottawa Food Bank https://www.ottawafoodbank.ca/ or The Church of Saint Bartholomew, Ottawa https://www.saintbartholomew.ca/pages/regular-offerings.
Digital Guestbook
Ann Birch
Kristina Eiting
Our lovely Jenn and Frank,
Sending you and your family love and hugs as you move through this time with grace and love in your hearts.
Sandra ( DoDC Sister)
Dear Jennifer and Frank,
There are no words that can truly ease the pain of losing a mother. Please know my heart aches with yours. May her love surround you still, and may you feel held in compassion and tenderness during this time.
John and Suzanne Harwood
John and Suzanne send their love to the Steele Family.
Peter and Andra Buck, Cameron,Innes and Liam
We are all so saddened for your loss. It was lovely to live across the street and see Heather on her comings and goings and chatting with her about life and her many grandchildren. She was so proud of them all. We will all miss her and our thoughts are with your entire family at this time. Take care
Leah Howes & Brian Leslie
Our deepest sympathies to Jim, the Steele family, and to our friends, Heather’s nieces, for such a loss.
Liz & Gary Wright
We will miss her kindness and joyful personality- sending our sincere condolences
Blake Ferris & Jana Clarke
Dear Jim and family. Our sincere condolences on Heather's passing. We especially recall her lovely smile, kindness and open-hearted presence. May this be an enduring source of comfort and strength in the hearts and minds of all of us who were touched by the light of Heather's gentle blessing.
Louise Lettstrom Hannant
Our love and support go out to the entire Steele family. Heather was a loving and kind human to all creatures and other humans. In my capacity as her personal trainer, it was always with joy that I approached our sessions. Heather was brave, and she had a very good sense of humour. I hope your memories of her provide you with comfort in the days ahead.
Louise Lettstrom Hannant
A best friend for many decades, beginning as a roommate at Trinity College, Heather contributed to my happy life, and I am devastated to lose her from it.