It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Louise LaBerge of Ottawa on Thursday, October 3rd, 2024, at the age of 72 years.
She will be lovingly remembered by her son Philippe Snow, daughter Marianne Snow (Jonathan Latkowcer), and sister Hélène (Alain Ducharme). She will also be dearly missed by her aunt Thérèse Vachon and the many cousins of the Vachon and Nadeau families, members of the Ottawa Valley Weavers’ and Spinners’ Guild, nursing colleagues, travel companions, and other family abroad, friends and neighbours.
She was pre-deceased by her loving husband of 32 years, Peter Snow; brother Denis; and parents: Jérôme and Gisèle (née Vachon).
Louise was an avid reader, traveller, artisan, caregiver, and dedicated mother. She had a yearning for adventure from a young age, travelling to Europe during a summer break to study dance. Graduating cum laude in 1973 from the University of Ottawa, she began her nursing career at the Inuvik General Hospital, Northwest Territories. Following an overland Trans Africa trip in 1975, she worked at the Nairobi Hospital in Kenya, and, in 1976, married Peter, whom she had met during her travels. She later worked in a nursing home in Brighton, England, and returned to Canada, joining Ottawa Public Health. During their lives together, Louise and Peter travelled the world, mostly Africa and Asia. Their son was born in 1984, and their daughter, in 1986, and together they built a strong family. When her husband was diagnosed with cancer in 2006, Louise cared for him at home while continuing to work full-time and being there for their children. Following Peter’s passing in 2008, she maintained the family home and continued her own world travels, including 6 weeks’ backpacking in Southeast Asia. She was diagnosed with cancer in 2019 and faced her illness with bravery and a positive spirit.
A visitation will be held at 11:00am, followed by funeral service at 1:00pm and reception at 2:00pm, on October 25th at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave., Ottawa.
Memorial Donations may be made in Louise’s name to Hospice Care Ottawa’s La Maison de l’Est at www.hospicecareottawa.ca/services/francophone-services-maison-de-lest/
The family wishes to send a special thank you to the Ottawa General Hospital Cancer Centre, specifically to Drs. Nicholas and Fitzgibbon, as well as the doctors, nurses, PSWs and volunteers of La Maison de l’Est.
Digital Guestbook
Anna Renaud-Gray
Margaret Graham
I met Louise after I married her Uncle Pierre Vachon in 2011, but we quickly became friends. I only saw her at family gatherings and visits when I was in Ottawa, but we exchanged messages and chatted on the phone from time to time. I admired her adventurous spirit and her bravery in facing her cancer. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all the family in the loss of a kind, gracious and beautiful person.
Genevieve Proulx
Mes plus sincères condoléances à la famille, et tout spécialement à Philippe et Marianne. La perte d’une maman est un moment très difficile. Je vous souhaite de trouver force, courage et réconfort auprès de vos êtres chers et vous envoie mes pensées les plus chaleureuses de soutien en cette période éprouvante.
Joline Saumure
Mes condoléances à la famille et amis(es) de Louise. J’ai connu Louise lors d’un voyage, elle était sympathique et toujours calme et souriante.
Kim Conlan
Louise was our family's dear friend and neighbor for 25 years. We feel so lucky to have enjoyed her delightful company for such a long time. Whether sharing a "cuppa", catching up on the front lawn, or celebrating special occasions with Louise and her lovely family, we were always made to feel so very welcome.
Louise was a very kind and compassionate friend, who provided tremendous support to us through the ups and downs of life. Indeed, Louise was always so positive and thoughtful that she must have been a tremendous nurse. Our family will miss Louise dearly, but we feel very honored to have been a part of her life, and we will always remember her with love.
Rest easy now Louise. I am sure that you have already found Peter and that you are on your next adventure together.
Sophie Terrasse
J'ai eu le privilège de connaitre Louise pendant plusieurs années ; je garde précieusement dans mon cœur son sourire, sa bienveillance, son humanité et sa grandeur d'âme . Mes sincères condoléances à sa famille et plus particulièrement à ses chers enfants Philippe et Marianne.
Nicole Michel
J’ai connu Louise en prenant des cours au MIFO.
Mes plus sincères sympathies! Repose en paix Louise!
Andrée Jean
J'ai eu le plaisir de travailler avec Louise en santé publique. Nous avons partagé de bons moments en tant que collègues et jeunes mamans. Quel beau sourire et attitude positive!
Marie-Reine Fournier
Hommage à Louise LaBerge
De la part des membres du club de lecture Les Bouquineuses. Claire Choquette, Nicole Henderson, Céline Burnford, Julie Vincent, Martine Jean, Marie-Reine Fournier
Notre groupe du club de lecture Les Bouquineuses se joint à la famille et aux amis de Louise pour souligner la peine que nous a causé son décès et le vide qu’elle laisse autour d’elle. Elle a été membre de notre club pendant 26 ans.
Louise était positive et souriante. Elle savait exprimer son opinion sans blesser personne. Elle faisait preuve d’une grande ouverture d’esprit. Elle a acquis une bonne expérience de la vie grâce à son éducation, son travail et ses voyages. Elle était une fière franco-ontarienne.
Elle a été brave durant les dernières années qu’a duré sa maladie, avec ses hauts et ses bas.
Sa famille était tout pour elle. Nous prions pour son repos et nous sommes assurées qu’elle veillera sur vous. Elle nous manquera beaucoup.
Julie & Ghislain St-Jacques
Chers Philippe, Marianne et Hélène,
Comme c'est triste de savoir que Louise nous a tous quittés vers de meilleurs cieux. Louise aura marqué son passage en ce monde de bien des façons. Notons en particulier, son sens de l'aventure. Elle adorait beaucoup lire sur toutes sortes de sujet, ce qui rendait nos conversations avec elle très fascinantes. Elle était intéressée à tout et avait le don à s’intéresser aux autres. Son talent artistique et son appréciation de l'art en général était touchant.
Comment ne pas se rappeler de tous les bons moments passés tous ensemble en sa compagnie pendant 17 ans en vacances d’été au Lac Blue Sea.
Nous garderons d'excellents souvenirs de Louise.
Que la douce mémoire de Louise sache vous apporter un baume de réconfort face à son absence.
Elle est maintenant en paix.
Marianne et Philippe,
Your mom was such a wonderful, caring person who will no doubt be remembered so fondly by all that knew her.
She was always so sweet to me, my son and my husband. I knew I could always count on her for some solid advice or support. She even attended my wedding to represent the Snow family when Marianne was halfway across the world living her best life! I’m honoured that I had the privilege of knowing such a wonderful soul.
Marianne - your mom truly gave me one of the best gifts when it comes to you. I will forever be grateful.
Repose en paix Louise et mes condoléances à toute la famille.