1940-2018

Daughter of the remarkable Jeannette (Nee David) Bisson and Claude Cornu; partner and love of the very fortunate Derek L. Holmes; anchor to Sean (Carrie Luetters Holmes) and Kate (Rob Morrow); indulgent Nana to her beloved Matthew, Sam, Andrew, and Harry.

Louise graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce (University of Ottawa) at 20 years of age, and later taught high school in Kemptville, where she met and married Derek. The two ran off to Europe for several years, there cementing their life-long friendship and respect for each other. On their return, and after Sean and Kate were born, Louise navigated successful careers: first as a high-school English teacher (Notre-Dame, Canterbury, Champlain); and then as a public servant (one of the first employees of Status of Women Canada; and later at the Public Service Commission and Employment and Immigration Canada). She leant her professional expertise and common sense as a volunteer (Visiting Homemakers, MATCH International Women’s Fund, RA Centre), had a quick wit and a quiet way in friendships, was fiercely proud of her Franco-Ontarian heritage and family, and was a mentor to a number of young women.

An intensely private person, Louise fulfilled these many roles with great satisfaction for many years. Alas, her confidence and person were deeply affected by dementia over the past decade. But in her own way and under her own will, she departed us on Monday, 15 October, just as discussed, the day prior. Louise, you are safe, and you are loved. And you are deeply missed. Always.

Friends are invited to come share their stories of Louise at a reception at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 315 McLeod Street, (at O’Connor) Ottawa on Friday, October 19, 2018 from 4-6 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations gratefully appreciated to the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health (designate: Geriatric Psychiatry), Garry J Armstrong Long Term Care Home, or the charity of your choice supporting women.