With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Madeleine Rose Fortier (Dobranski), who passed away in Cambridge, Ontario, on August 29, 2026, at the age of 82.
She was the mother of Stefan (Kaila McGahan) and Claudia (Marc Lehmann), as well as the proud grandmother (affectionately nicknamed Granana and Nini) of Jessica (Matt Rae), AJ, Jacob (Samantha Duff), Bella, and Sophia. Her heart was further filled by becoming the great-grandmother of Cooper, Stella, and Elouise.
She will be deeply missed by her siblings, Michel (Céline Bouchard), Jacques (Francine Leblond), Nicolas (Johanne Goode), Monique, the late Vincent and Janie (Larry Kanemy), as well as her aunt Louise Gourdeau McNamara, her stepmother Margot Sylvain Fortier and her many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Her family was vast, and her love for them was even greater.
Born and raised in Quebec City, the eldest daughter of the late Isabelle Gourdeau and the late Jean Fortier, Madeleine carried with her throughout her life a love of people, family, and connection. After their marriage, she and her husband Joe Dobranski settled in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec, where they raised their family and where she pursued her career as a nurse. Her caring heart touched many people and made her a loyal friend, always there for those she loved. Her greatest joy, however, was to be surrounded by people, especially her family. Whether the house was full for a family dinner, friends gathered under the Tiki Hut in Deerfield Beach, Florida, or there was an opportunity to celebrate, she was happiest when she was in the heart of it all. Madeleine and Joe eventually moved to Cambridge, Ontario, where they spent the last 19 years together, surrounded by family and close friends.
Madeleine was particularly known for her deep love of travel and adventure. Her life took her to every corner of the world, both through the many places she traveled with Joe for work, and on quiet trips shared with family and close friends. She took every opportunity to discover a new place, experience something different, and most importantly, share these experiences with the people she loved.
May she rest in peace with her beloved Joe, to whom she was married for nearly 57 years. Her life is a beautiful reminder that the greatest joy is found in the people we love and in the moments we share.
A ceremony will be held at Calvary Church (127 Hespeler Rd., Cambridge, ON) on Thursday, September 10 from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. A drop-in “Big Party” (at Madeleine’s request) will follow at her neighborhood “Club 80” (80 Beasley Cres., Cambridge, ON) for friends and family. Another “Big Party” will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa on Saturday, September 12 for family and friends to attend.
For those who wish to do so, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated, and a book of condolences is available on the Beechwood Cemetery website in Ottawa.
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