It is with broken hearts that the family of Courtney Lynn Gardiner announces her sudden passing on August 21, 2024. Born on April 22, 1992 in Ottawa, Ontario, she is the precious daughter of Karen Vallevand and the late Jeffrey Gardiner and stepdaughter of Michel Bélec. She is also the cherished granddaughter of William Vallevand and the late Janet Vallevand, the late Winfield and late Betty Gardiner and the late Ovide and late Yolande Bélec. She is greatly missed and will forever be remembered by her sisters Jenna Gardiner and Kelly Gardiner, her brother, Nicolas Bélec, and numerous Aunts, Uncles, cousins and friends.
Courtney touched everyone who knew her. She lit up a room with her smile and infectious laughter. She had a heart of pure gold and cared deeply for her family and friends. She was fiercely independent and very hardworking, most recently as a screening officer at the Calgary airport and for 12 years before that she was a talented hair stylist who loved working at Suite 13 salon. She was always up for fun adventures like hikes in the Gatineau Park and in the Alberta Rocky Mountains and going for long runs - she was so proud to have run a half marathon as a tribute to her Dad on Father’s Day, having trained and run all by herself in 2020. Some of her favourite times were spent at her family cottage on Wolfe Island, trips with her sisters and friends to Las Vegas and kicking up her heels at the Calgary Stampede. Courtney was a joy to be around, had a soft spot for animals, and she gave the best hugs.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Courtney’s life at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 1:00 pm. A reception will follow. For those who wish, donations may be made in her memory to Diabetes Canada, Ottawa Humane Society, or the charity of your choice.
“Grief is the last act of love we have to give to those we loved. Where there is deep grief, there was great love.”
Digital Guestbook
Susan Thaw Greenberg
Catherine Vanderzwan
Kelly and Family, I hope you find some comfort in the memories you shared and the love that surrounds you. My heartfelt condolences to you.
Max Pate
I am truly sorry that I won't have the opportunity to continue to get to know you better. You've been a dear friend and my best hair dresser to date. We will all be missing you immensely. My deepest condolences go out to your family... Love and miss you Courtney.
Erin McGrath Varley
My heart and thoughts are with you during this incredibly difficult time. May your memories with your beautiful daughter carry you through these times. 🤍
Justin Murray
She brought a smile to anyone she was around. Kind soul and beautiful person.
Ania, Nick, Alina, and Nolan Throop
Our family got to know Courtney when she worked in Ottawa. We were quite attached to her and will miss her dearly. She touched many lives. Sending all our deepest condolences. We are so sorry for this tragic loss.
Dani Srour
Nos sincères condoléances à toute la famille. Nos pensées et prières sont avec vous en ces moments difficiles.
Nancy Dicken
I am one of the fortunate ones who had the opportunity to meet Courtney in Calgary. Prior to a recent trip, Courtney made Ken and I feel special with her beautiful smile and personal escort through the line at the airport. There may be few words; but truly sorry are two of them.
Alexa Shaw
I am deeply saddened to hear of Courtney's passing. I only had the opportunity to meet her a couple of times but I could tell that she was a beacon of beauty and light, touching everyone around her with her grace and kindness. Her spirit was truly remarkable, and her warmth will be profoundly missed, I am sure. My heartfelt prayers are with you all during this difficult time, hoping they find comfort and strength in the cherished memories of Courtney's loving presence. May her light continue to shine brightly.
Roger and Teryle Simpson
Our deepest condolences on the loss of your daughter, sister, cousin and niece. She was a beautiful person and will be missed by all. Our thoughts are with your family at this difficult time.
Karen and family, So very sorry for your devastating loss. Sending love and extra hugs during this very sad and difficult time.