It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Arlene Harrison at the age of 84. She died peacefully in bed with family by her side at the Montfort Hospital in Vanier. She leaves behind her husband of 60 years, Robert Harrison, her daughters, Bettina and Kate (Alexandre French) who miss her so deeply, and grandchildren, Cléothilde and Simon French who miss their cherished NaiNai.
September 3, 1938, Mary Alice Arlene Windsor was born in Kirkland Lake. The adored daughter of the late Gordon Windsor and Mamie Windsor (Longpré). Her older brother Keith Windsor(Anne) in New Liskeard and Garry Windsor in Timmins. She graduated KLCVI ‘56 (honours); University of Toronto B.A. ‘57; Teacher’s College ’60; University of Ottawa, MEd. Linguistics ‘87. She was a dynamic and committed teacher of Geography and ESL for over 30yrs, most of them at Laurentian HS. In 1958 Arlene was one of the first stewardesses for Colonial Coach Lines Ottawa-Toronto-Montreal. August 27, 1959, The G&M article features Arlene Windsor, her accolades, humour, work ethics, conscientiousness and, with uncanny perspicuity, her future. In 1962, her first teaching job in Iroquois Falls, she met her beloved partner in life. This was to set the course of the 60yrs that formed and shaped a beautiful family and a strong community of friends. Combining their love to teach with Arlene’s fierce passion for travel this would take them around the world to Malawi, Africa; Hanoi, Vietnam; Harbin/Beijing, China… +55countries.
Through all these years, Arlene’s first, and lifelong passion, was dance. She literally danced and performed her whole life and all over the world. She taught children to dance when she operated the studio her beloved dance teacher bequeathed her. As acrobat and majorette, Arlene twirled her baton in many parades, opened games for the Toronto Argonauts, danced at the National Ballet of Canada and tap-danced into her seventies with the Happy Tappers in Ottawa.
Arlene lived to learn, loved to laugh and made friends everywhere she went. There are few people who can match the energy and passion Arlene devoted to learning everyone’s world. Her eagerness, honesty, her faith with the United Church of Canada and her belief in the goodness in others was rare and special.
Arlene was a philologist, a scholar, a career woman, a dancer
Friends and family are invited to gather for a Celebration of Life in the Sacred Space of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa) on Saturday September 16, after 12 noon. A Memorial Service officiated by Rev. Bailey will be held at 1pm, followed by a reception. Those wishing to attend the Memorial Service virtually via livestream please register here.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be in her name to the Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County.
Digital Guestbook
Ron and Dorothy Doll
Liisa Heikkila
Bob and family,
I'm so sorry to hear of Arlene's passing. She was a devoted and treasured friend of my mom's for so many years. I know Mom felt so lucky to have met Arlene while teaching with her at Laurentian HS. I think of them both anytime I attend a dance performance at the NAC - a tradition they enjoyed together celebrating their love for dance and culture. I think Arlene even convinced my mom to try line-dancing at one point! Arlene always added happiness and energy wherever she went. She will be missed dearly. My condolences to you all. Please know I am thinking of you during this difficult time.
Pat Black
I am so sorry to hear of Arlene’s passing, she was a lovely lady and a beautiful dancer and an amazing person with a fantastic sense of humour. The Happy Tappers were even more happy when Arlene joined us, she was a wonderful addition. My deepest condolences to Bob and her family.
Jennifer Christopher. (Hill)
To Mr Harrison, Kate and Bettina. I am so very sorry for the loss of Mrs Harrison. She had a big impact on my formative years. She was someone I admired greatly and I am so very thankful for her kindness, sense of humour and always welcoming me when I needed a place to be. My thoughts are with your family.
Alberta Dickson
More to come as the days pass—Arlene was ESL department head, friend, and wonderful colleague in the 80’s and 90’s at Laurentian High School in the days when there was so much support from the Board of Ed. ESL was new, and there was the best of the best. And Arlene thrived on it, and the rest of us benefitted from her compassionate example.
She was delightful too—funny! you couldn’t spend more than a 1/2 hour with her before her ‘spoonerisms’ started spouting.
Again, many more of her gifts will be voiced as I remember her.
Jim Brookes
Our deepest sympathy to your family on the passing of your wife, mother and grandmother. I never got to know you guys well, but remember when you let me park at your place so my friends wouldn't see my car when I got married. Well it wasn't hidden from you and you got me good. Good times were had back then. Arlene is waiting in Heaven for you.
Take care Bob
Jim Brookes
Norma Pike
I feel profound sadness for you, her family. I had the pleasure to know Arlene through the CFUW book club. She always brought a very positive vibe to our meetings. She was such a joyous soul. I will also miss meeting her at the NAG for docent tours. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Earlene Elizabeth Sutton
I want to send my deepest condolences to the family of my first year University roommate. Her early cheerfulness will be missed by many. She was a very accomplished person who shared her capabilities with many. So sorry.
Shelly Sullivan
Uncle Bob, Bettina, Kate and family,
Sending you our deepest sympathies on the loss of dear Aunt Arlene. She is fondly remembered by our family for her vivacity, humour, dancing and beautiful smile. Sharing in your sorrow and grief and keeping you in our thoughts.
Shelly and Blair
Amy ness
I had rhe honour of spending some time with bob and arlene when they attended bettina's parc mindfulness group. She was an effevesent lively intelligent lady and im glad i got to know her and the harrisons. She will be missed.
Best
Amy Ness rac rcrt reflexologist peer mad artist advocate.
Our sincere condolences, Bob, to you and your family.