It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Louise LaBerge of Ottawa on Thursday, October 3rd, 2024, at the age of 72 years.
She will be lovingly remembered by her son Philippe Snow, daughter Marianne Snow (Jonathan Latkowcer), and sister Hélène (Alain Ducharme). She will also be dearly missed by her aunt Thérèse Vachon and the many cousins of the Vachon and Nadeau families, members of the Ottawa Valley Weavers’ and Spinners’ Guild, nursing colleagues, travel companions, and other family abroad, friends and neighbours.
She was pre-deceased by her loving husband of 32 years, Peter Snow; brother Denis; and parents: Jérôme and Gisèle (née Vachon).
Louise was an avid reader, traveller, artisan, caregiver, and dedicated mother. She had a yearning for adventure from a young age, travelling to Europe during a summer break to study dance. Graduating cum laude in 1973 from the University of Ottawa, she began her nursing career at the Inuvik General Hospital, Northwest Territories. Following an overland Trans Africa trip in 1975, she worked at the Nairobi Hospital in Kenya, and, in 1976, married Peter, whom she had met during her travels. She later worked in a nursing home in Brighton, England, and returned to Canada, joining Ottawa Public Health. During their lives together, Louise and Peter travelled the world, mostly Africa and Asia. Their son was born in 1984, and their daughter, in 1986, and together they built a strong family. When her husband was diagnosed with cancer in 2006, Louise cared for him at home while continuing to work full-time and being there for their children. Following Peter’s passing in 2008, she maintained the family home and continued her own world travels, including 6 weeks’ backpacking in Southeast Asia. She was diagnosed with cancer in 2019 and faced her illness with bravery and a positive spirit.
A visitation will be held at 11:00am, followed by funeral service at 1:00pm and reception at 2:00pm, on October 25th at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave., Ottawa.
Memorial Donations may be made in Louise’s name to Hospice Care Ottawa’s La Maison de l’Est at www.hospicecareottawa.ca/services/francophone-services-maison-de-lest/
The family wishes to send a special thank you to the Ottawa General Hospital Cancer Centre, specifically to Drs. Nicholas and Fitzgibbon, as well as the doctors, nurses, PSWs and volunteers of La Maison de l’Est.
Digital Guestbook
Colette Côté Baldwin
Nan Lowe
Louise was a wonderful friend for over 50 years-met in nursing school, stayed in touch ever since. Louise's stories of Peru inspired me to travel there. Her suggestions for reading materials kept me busy for hours. Her courage facing cancer kept me going during my brush with the disease.. Her weaving talent was amazing. Her sense of humour was a delight, as was her ability to converse on current events and world cultures. I will miss our Zoom connection. RIP Louise.
Lee Kelly
Louise was so brave during this last illness, always so positive! Thinking of the family at this difficult time. Louise will be miss at our future zoom calls!
Jerry & Bronwyn Venables
I first met Louise and Peter during a trip across Africa many years ago. And have been friends ever since despite our geographical distance apart, Canada and Australia.
Vale Louise, you will be remembered.
Gloria Brumer
I had the good fortune to meet Louise in 1971 when my pregnancy was assignd to her as a case study in one of her courses. With grace and good humour she helped me through a difficult pregnancy. We became friends and remained so ever since. The baby she helped me 'birth' now has grown children of her own.
Rest in peace, Louise. May your memory be for a blessing and may your family know no more sorrow.
Nicole St-Pierre
Graduated with Louise at UO BScN in 1973
Gay McEwan
Dear Louise. What a wonderful wife she was to my funny, smart and beloved brother Peter. I couldn’t have had a better sister-in-law. Always there with her support to four generations of the Snow family in Australia and England. Our family loved her very much and we will miss her greatly.
Clive & Marilyn Slater
For many years we only knew of Louise as the wife of our dear friend Peter. After Peter passed away we became friends during her visits to the UK & we corresponded over several years via email.
Louise was a truly wonderful person with a kind & very generous heart.
We will miss her.
Valérie Nurse
Je garde de beaux souvenirs de votre mère lorsqu’on travaillait ensemble pour SPO. Vous avez vécu beaucoup ensemble Philippe et Marianne. Mes pensées sont avec vous. Mes plus sincères sympathies.
Liliane Courchesne
J’ai eu la chance de rencontrer Louise lors de cours à MIFO. Nous avons eu le plaisir d’échanger et de se connaître. Une très belle personne!
Mes sincères condoléances à la famille. Mes pensées sont avec vous pendant ce temps si difficile. Je me souviens des bons moments passés avec Louise lors de nos cours de Tai Chi. Chaque rencontre était à la fois instructive et amusante. J’entends encore sa voix et son rire pendant nos pratiques. Ce sont ces beaux souvenirs que je vais retenir. Merci Louise pour ton amitié.