Daughter of the late Margaret Cotter and the late Cecil Morrison; wife of the late Reginald Britten Hale; sister of the late Jean Pigott (late Arthur), Gay Cook (late Robert), and the late Lydia Morrison; Aunt to John Pigott (Elizabeth Thackray), David Pigott (Janet Riedel), MJ Pigott (George Kearney), Don Cook (Fiona Murray), Kelly (nee Cook) Kubrick (late Geoff Kubrick), and her many, much loved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews here in Canada and in Britain.
Grete graduated in Journalism from Carleton University in 1954. She joined her father’s business, Morrison Lamothe, where in 1967, she was responsible for the 20-foot cake at Canada's 100th birthday party on Parliament Hill, that was cut by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Grete served as President of Morrison Lamothe from 1978 to 1989 and Board Chair from 1989 to 2005. She served on dozens of corporate and community boards. A respected businesswoman who famously kept an on-time agenda, she was also an active and dedicated volunteer who never hesitated to wade in.
Among the many organizations she served, Grete was President of Beechwood Cemetery and Foundation, where she fought for its very existence for all Canadians; founder of the Friends of the National Library of Canada, and Honorary Life Member of the boards of CANHAVE Children’s Centre and the Community Foundation of Ottawa. She was the recipient of many awards, including the Order of Canada, wearing her pin with great pride. Grete served as the first-ever female Honorary Colonel of the Governor General’s Foot Guards from 2011 to 2013.
She had an immense network of friendships that spanned countries and decades. She took enormous joy in nurturing those relationships through travel and phone calls. She will be missed by all.
Her life was blessed in every respect. She lived life to the fullest in her service to God, community, and country.
Details of Events:
Book of Condolence – There will be a Book of Condolence available to the public the week of Monday, November 21st to Friday November 25th at Beechwood National Memorial Centre (during office hours 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Please come at your leisure if you wish.
Public Visitation – The Beechwood National Memorial Centre on Tuesday, November 22nd from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. and on Thursday, November 24th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.
A Memorial Service - To be held in the Sacred Space of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre on Saturday, November 26th, 2022, beginning at 1 p.m. Followed by a reception.
Virtual Memorial Service - Please pre-register to join us online on November 26th, 2022, beginning at 1pm Eastern Standard Time: Livestream Registration
Donations - Should you wish to honour Grete’s memory, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Ottawa Community Foundation’s Margaret and Cecil Morrison Memorial Fund or Beechwood Cemetery Foundation.
Link: https://www.ocf-fco.ca/funds/en-margaret-and-cecil-morrison-memorial-fund/
Link https://beechwoodottawa.ca/en/foundation/foundation
Photo Credit: Paul Couvrette
Digital Guestbook
Bob and Kati Morrison
Janet Atkinson Des Roches
I will truly miss Grete who was an important and constant part of my life.
As a very young girl Grete was like a big sister to me. I remember her walking me up the flights of stairs to all the treasures in the attic of 40 Fuller. I played there for hours while the rest of the family visited with Aunt Margaret and Uncle Cecil downstairs.
I also remember the day I officially became a cook. My dad had decided my sister Sheila and I needed to learn to cook. Grete and Gay came over to our home for our first cooking lesson; a delicious whitefish in a cream sauce. I was 4 years younger than my sister and was assigned to prepare the red jello for dessert. I was heartbroken when I took it out of the refrigerator; it was a mushy glob. Gay said not to worry, just cover it in whipped cream! What a treat that was for everyone and a great start to a lifetime of cooking!
These are just two moments in a lifetime of loving memories of Grete whose caring and generosity was a hallmark of her life.
We are in Florida and unable to attend the service at Beachwood. Ken joins me in expressing my deepest sympathy to Gay and John, David and all her Family.
Rest In Peace Dear Grete.
With much love,
Janet Atkinson Des Roches (nee Haughton)
Butch Moore
I was but the lowly commissionaire at Cartier Square Drill Hall, during the time of Gretes (which is what she insisted on being called) role as Honorary Colonel of the Governor General Foot Guards. Every time she came through the front door, she would come over to me and say “Hello my friend” and then we would share a hug. She has made me feel very proud to be qualified as her friend. If the purpose of life is to experience it, then Grete gave me the opportunity to express the experience of kindness, friendship, honor, warmth, love and respect. She also gave me that great intangible good feeling, when you see someone you like, but don’t have any words for. I am much richer for having had Grete in my life.
Hazel Self
I knew Grete through her husband's side of the family - Reg's sister was my teacher. One memory was of Grete's generous invitation to have a show of my paintings at 40 Fuller and you can imagine what an auspicious and happy event she created. Her faith was her foundation and I'm sure she has heard the words 'Well done thou good and faithful servant'. My sincere condolences to all her family.
Susan R Rust
Grete accomplished so much and made everyone feel valued. The world is a better place because of her.
Louise Cawthra
Such fond remembrances of our dearest Aunt Grete, Great & Great Great Aunt to our family. Such special memories of an exceptional lady, so full of energy, love of life & people, & interest in everyone. We will miss her visits to UK and ours to Ottawa, but the 'stories' will live for ever & her love always in our hearts.
Peter & Louise Cawthra & family
Mary Ann and Chris Turnbull
Grete was such an inspiration to so many on how to truly care for others, and how to be a generous and loyal friend. Her contributions to communities near and far have left a lasting legacy. She will be dearly missed, but fondly remembered.
Helena Tutcho
We,and he, were SO lucky when my uncle Reg married Grete. She made things happen...;
like a trip to Fort Franklin in 1971 with my mother and Reg (and a side trip to Tuktoyaktuk !)..and julia's 80th in England in 2016..and of course we will all miss her yearly Xmas 'cards' telling her story for the year ....she brought Joy and Laughter into people's lives - MAHSI -aunt Grete
Mary Joan Stollery
Grete was wonderful at keeping in touch with phone calls and visits, both while my godfather, Reg Hale, was alive, and after he died. She was a most generous hostess and I and my family were always given a warm welcome either in Ottawa, or on her visits to Southern Ontario. The last visit with Grete was in Chartwell Rockcliffe Retirement Residence just before Covid hit, and I treasure that memory.
My deepest sympathy to all her family.
Carol Devenny
I feel very privileged to have met Grete over 30 years ago and to have had her in my life since that time. I first met her when I was assigned to conduct due diligence in connection with one of her many rewards - imagine my delight when as a young professional I interviewed this amazing women. We stayed in touch and eventually discovered our families are actually related. Dinners at Blayne House where I listened to all her stories and of course being served rabbit stew are all fond memories. Grete would often call me - just to chat and check on our family. When I was approached to join the Ottawa Community Foundation Board ( where I am current Board Chair) I naturally said yes given Grete was a Life Governor. My thoughts and prayers go our to Grete’s family!
Grete was always a lively, active person, busy helping others, happy to share her enthusiasms. She was determined and adventurous, thoughtful and caring, and grateful for what life gave her. We remember her welcoming us to the neighbourhood and to many special occasions at 40 Fuller. we will miss her.