It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Toni Deneige Duguay on September 1, 2022, at the age of 51 following a courageous battle with cancer.
Toni is survived by her parents, Charlette and Léo Duguay, her sister Tari Duguay (Jason Ng), her nephews Gradon and Rhys, her uncles and aunts (Robert and Joanne, Gerald and Diane, Henri), as well as her many cousins and extended family.
She was born in St. Boniface, Manitoba and later moved to Ottawa with her family and attended the University of Ottawa. In 1997, Toni earned her Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Studies and her Masters of Science in Space Studies from the University of North Dakota, while also obtaining her commercial pilot’s license and her instructor’s certification.
Upon graduation, Toni was employed by CAE in the flight simulator industry in Montreal. Following that, she worked for 17 years with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), during which time she served in Afghanistan.
She was an avid globe trotter, having travelled to Japan, Lebanon, Bali, India, Dubai, Morocco, a great deal of Europe and much of North America. It is with sadness she will not be joining her friends on their celebratory trip to France this month.
Toni was a committed athlete who enjoyed golf and hockey, as well as team handball in her younger years, where she met some of her dearest friends. Last season, she was a billet mom for one of the Ottawa 67s players and enjoyed a wonderful year with him and their amazing organization.
She was a devoted aunt to her two nephews, never missing a hockey game, a school activity or an opportunity to spend time with them.
Her family wishes to thank the Ottawa Cancer Centre and the Home and Community Care Support Services, whose assistance was invaluable in her time of need.
Friends, colleagues and relatives are invited to gather at the Sacred Space of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave. in Ottawa, on Friday, September 9th after 9 a.m. A celebration of Toni’s life will be held at 10 a.m. followed by a reception in her honour. In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations may be made to the Ottawa Hospital Foundation for Cancer Research.
Digital Guestbook
Sharon and Steven Zurcher
Chelsey
My deepest sympathies. Toni was an incredibly beautiful friend through our high school years. Proud and touched to see all she accomplished in her adulthood. Camion Rouge Toni !
Wil Côté
Mes sincères condoléances à Léo et Charlette, C'est triste et difficile de subir la perte d'une personne chère et aussi jeune et dynamique. Bon courage.
Wilfrid
Ottawa
Céline Brazeau Fraser
Dear Léo and Charlette,
I was very saddened to hear of the passing of your beautiful daughter, Toni. I know how proud you both were of her and remember great stories of her accomplishments, you shared with us, Léo.
Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Céline and Mark
Alana
Toni and I started working closely together in Toronto around the same time. It was a pleasure to know her and experience her intelligence, her sense of humour and genuine kindness. I was deeply saddened to hear of her passing. I will remember her fondly. My deepest condolences go out to her family at this time. Please know that Toni affected every one she met with positivity and left a lasting impression on all who had the good fortune to work with her. (Prank war champions with the foiling of Alex's desk!).
Tracey Trudel and Marc Laurin
Our deepest condolences to Toni’s family.
Marc and I both have fond memories of growing up with Toni in St Boniface. Especially during our high school and handball years.
We have thought about Toni often over the years.
Marc Laurin and Tracey Trudel
Alain Pilon
Charlette et Léo,
Les mots ne suffisent pas à exprimer notre tristesse. Nous sommes présents à vos côtés en cette période douloureuse.
Amicalement et tendrement.
Renate & Alain Pilon
Denise C
My sincere condolences to Toni's family and dear friends near and far. Toni was an incredibly positive and thoughtful woman. She was always calm and kind and offered a sound, developed and intelligent opinion if you needed one. Even in these last few years she was constantly brave, a true inspiration. She is gone far too soon. She will be deeply missed by so many, including me. Thank you Toni for being your genuine self always. Rest peacefully.
Sumitha Ramachandran
I feel fortunate to have cared for Toni; she was kind, brave, and positive. I learned a great deal from her tenacity in the face of critical illness. Charlette, Leo, and Tari, you should feel so proud of her courage. My deepest condolences to you all. She will be dearly missed. May her soul attain blissful heights.
Shannon
My sincere condolences to Toni’s family. I had the pleasure of working with Toni. She was tough as nails, but never lost her female empathetic nature. A very fine line to walk in our profession, but she did it with class and her signature smile. She was a dedicated colleague and friend and she will be dearly missed.
Charlette, Leo, Tari -- Both Sharon and I are at a total loss for words to convey the deep felt hurt for your family. Toni was a joy and I have fond memories of that post meal walk in Ottawa with your beautiful family. Take care of each other.