Early evening, on September 10, 2023, Marie-Claire went to join the late Raymond Roy, her husband of 63 years. An exceptional woman has left us, leaving a huge void in the hearts of her children, Dominique (David), Stéphanie (Annie-Claude) and Alexis; her grandchildren, Cédric, Danièle (David) and Nicolas; her nephews and nieces, Pierre-François, Hubert, Christine, Emmanuelle, Geoffroy and Amélie; and her many friends; not forgetting her dog Figaro!
Born in Charleroi, Belgium, the daughter of Marcel Laterre and Elisabeth Dehavay, Marie-Claire married Raymond Roy, a career diplomat based in Brussels, in 1959. Accompanying her husband on his various appointments, notably to Venezuela as First Secretary, Algiers as Canadian Ambassador and Berlin as Consul, Marie-Claire dedicated her life to her children. She surrounded her family with love and kindness and, despite the many moves, was able to create a place that we could always call 'home'. As an ambassador’s wife, acting as Canada's unofficial representative abroad, she was Raymond's unwavering steward, brilliantly orchestrating all the logistics to support our father in his professional duties.
An elegant woman of integrity and generosity, she was unfailingly optimistic. Although she did not pursue a career of her own choosing, she dabbled as an interior decorator, master chef and landscape architect. An avid reader and traveler, with a love of nature and dogs, she was always surrounded by music and opera, often sitting down at her piano to play Chopin, Dvorak or Schubert, or to improvise on well-known songs.
Most of all, we will remember Marie-Claire for her extraordinary smile, which could brighten even the saddest of days.
In accordance with her wishes, she will be cremated and buried in the strictest privacy. A memorial service will be held in the Sacred Space at Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Road, Ottawa, on October 5, 2023 at 2 p.m. (the service will be followed by a reception).
In lieu of flowers, the family thanks you for considering a donation in her memory to The Kidney Foundation of Canada (Make a Gift to the Kidney Foundation - Make a Gift to the Kidney Foundation (akaraisin.com)) or to the Ottawa Humane Society (Donate - Ottawa Humane Society).
Digital Guestbook
Andrew and Victoria Norgaard
Nancy McDonald
I will always remember Marie-Claire as a loving, kind and devoted mother and wife. She is deeply missed by all she touched.
Norman Collette and Huguette St Jean Paquette
C'est avec une grande tristesse que nous disons aurevoir à Marie-Claire (et Raymond). Marie-Claire et Raymond seront toujours dans nos pensées et dans nos coeurs. Les deux étaiemt de bons amis. Nous les manqueront beaucoup et surtout le ver de bon vin chaque deux semaines avec Marie -Claire et Huguette. Marie-Claire a donnée le goüt de la bonne musique à Norman. Nous alllons les manqués. A Stéphanie, Dominique et Alexis nos sincères condonléances.
Peg Herbert
We all admired your Mom - she was a talented, gracious neighbour and friend to many. We wish you comfort in this time of loss.
Sylvie Guibert
Marie-Claire fût une des premières résidentes que j’ai rencontré et qui m’a souhaité la bienvenue. Son sourire me manquera. Mes plus sincères sympathies à toute la famille.
Marcus Brady and Sandy Wooley
What an incredible pleasure for Marcus to be reacquainted with Marie-Claire after 40 years. We’ll miss our visits and chats with Marie-Claire and Figaro.
Always a smile.
Jocelyne TourangeauRutledge
J’ai rencontré Marie-Claire ici au Waterbrooke. Elle était la responsable du jardin et ce jardin n’a jamais été aussi splendide. Bon voyage
Mes sincères condoléances à sa famille
Mathieu Jean
J’ai eu la chance et le privilège de connaître cette grande dame, de partager de beaux moments d’intimité. Elle était attentionnée, à l’écoute, généreuse, intègre, honnête. Je la respectais et l’admirais énormément. Elle aura été une étoile sur mon parcours.
Merci et au revoir belle belle-maman
Kristina Wittfooth
Marie-Claire, my former neighbour of many years, was a lovely person, intelligent, charming and very, very talented in so many ways, and she had a wonderful sense of humour. We had an important connection, our love for dogs. I shall miss her.
Lorraine Duquette
Stéphanie,
C’est beaucoup en peu de temps, la perte de ton papa (Raymond) et maintenant ta maman (Marie-Claire).
Stéphanie qui a toujours eu un lien très particulier avec ta maman, je veux te dire que je suis de tout coeur avec toi. Mes condoléances aussi à Dominique et Alexis . Marie-Claire a toujours maintenu la famille soudée (une rassembleuse) il faut donc garder ce à quoi elle tenait le plus, que ses enfants continus la tradition avec le même amour.
Ton amie, Lorraine
Marie-Claire (and Raymond) were ideal upstairs neighbours. Their absence is deeply felt. Wishing comfort to those who miss them most.