It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Raymonde Léa Hanson (née Pelletier) on January 7, 2026 at the age of 81 following a battle with cancer.
Raymonde will be missed by her husband and best friend Stephen, by her daughters Natalie (Jeff Leiper) and Michelle, and her grandchildren, Nicholas Leiper (Ashna Nagar), Simon Léger (Eliana Page), Felix Hanson, and Camille Gauthier. She is also remembered by her brothers Gilles Pelletier (Mary), René Pelletier (Mary Ellen), Jean-Marc Pelletier (Fabienne), and Robert Pelletier (Brenda) and many nieces, nephews.
Born on September 26, 1944 in Edmundston, NB, she was the only daughter of Antoine Pelletier and Eva Pelletier (née Landry.) She is a graduate of the University of New Brunswick (1966) and obtained a Masters Degree from the University of Western, Ontario (1976.)
She is remembered for a remarkable career in post-secondary education, including more than 20 years at Algonquin College, most of those as Vice President, Academic. During this time, she oversaw a period of tremendous growth and acted as an advocate for colleges at all levels of government. Prior to her role at Algonquin, she also worked as Assistant Vice-President of Nursing at the Ottawa General Hospital and as an instructor at the University of Ottawa
Dedicated to her family, she loved to spend her time with her grandchildren, making sure she could attend school events, recitals and plays. Although she had lived in Ottawa since 1977, regular visits to the family cottage in Cap Pelé, kept her close to her roots and connected to her family there. Her retirement in 2008 allowed her to explore her love of photography and travel, having taken many cruises with Stephen by her side. They were regular donors to both the National Arts Centre Donors Circle and the GCTC Director’s Circle, and enjoyed evenings out with dinner and a play. Raymonde also loved to take Learning-in-Retirement courses at Carleton University.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations to the Raymonde Hanson Bursary at the Algonquin College Foundation would be greatly appreciated.
A Celebration of life will be held May 8, 2026 at 1 pm at the Beechwood Cemetery to allow us to commemorate her amongst the spring blooms she loved so much.
Digital Guestbook
Rene Pelletier
MJ
What a full life at the heart of the Ottawa community. My sincere condolences, Stephen.
Gisele Robertson
My sympathy to the family. Many memories from Algonquin.
Kent MacDonald
A truly remarkable woman, leader, and colleague. I had the privilege of witnessing her extraordinary leadership firsthand as she guided Algonquin through a profound period of change with grace, kindness, and unwavering tenacity. I remain deeply grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside Raymonde. Mary-Ellen and I extend our heartfelt condolences to her family during this difficult time.
Robert Gillett
Our deepest condolences Steve. Raymonde was a truly remarkable teacher and leader who contributed so much to AlgonquinCollege and to the dynamic changes that the college went through. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the whole family.
Bob
Christine Sopora
Steve, I am so sorry to hear about your great loss. Sending you and your family my deepest condolences.
Graham L
My deepest condolences, Stephen and family. Sending love and gratitude for all Raymonde contributed to our community.
Jason Levy
I am saddened to learn of the passing of your beloved Raymonde, Steve. My deepest condolences.
Joan Bercovitch
What a beautiful life you two shared, Steve. An inspiration of love, commitment and savoir vivre. My heart is with you and the family. Deepest condolences from me and Ian.
Louise Brunet
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved Raymonde, Steve. What a beautiful life you shared, truly a beautiful love story. My heart is with you and your family during this difficult time. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Hugs,
Louise
My sympathies Steve