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
Sandie and Phil Chrimes
Jan Laycock
I have many happy memories of Louise and Peter on our great African overland adventure in 1975. I have kept in touch with Louise over the years with our annual Christmas Greetings and messages.
My thoughts are with the family at this sad time. Remembering a very brave lady whom I'm sure will be greatly missed.
Alex Richards
To Marianne and Jonathan. My deepest sympathies. Through knowing you both I know how important and special Louise was to each of you. Her life reads like an incredible adventure.
Randy Brown and family
Please accept our deepest condolences at this difficult time.
May Louise's soul rest in peace and her family find comfort in memories of their times together.
Julia Aers
Dear Marianne and Philippe. Your Mum was a wonderful neighbour, friend, walking partner and hostess. We will never forget her kindness. Our thoughts are with you. Rest in peace Louise.
I first met Louise (& Peter) on an African trip back in the 1970s. We corresponded for almost 50 years and they visited us in Australia before either of us had our children, and then later after Peter had passes away. Louise loved her travels, was a dedicated nurse (attending to us on our African adventure), a talented weaver, and a wonderful Mother, and grew the best Peonies I have ever seen. Rest in peace Louise. We have wonderful and lasting memories of our times together.