Charlotte Beamish

Charlotte Beamish, née Houde, born September 12, 1928, passed on November 24, 2024.

Daughter of Charles (d.) and Alphonsia (d.) Houde, predeceased in 2004 by Louis, loving husband of 57 years, and in 2022 by beloved youngest son Stephen (Tracey) of Halifax, and brother Georges and sister Lily.

Survived by

Children:  Joanne (Guy Fortier), Robert (Dolores Griffin), Carol, Patricia (Doug Robinson, dec.), and Michael (Carol).

Grandchildren in order of appearance:  Stephanie and Sarah (Cochrane), Lysa (Fortier), Stacey, Christine (Marshall), Greg, Michelle, David, Katie (Robinson), Justine (Fortier), Paul, Emma (Robinson), Scott, Megan and Abby; and, 

Nine great grandchildren:  Sydney, Wyatt, Alexander, Pearl, Elizabeth, Owen, Kayla, Addisyn and Elodie.

Born and raised in Montreal, then Quebec City, she left school early to look after her siblings to allow her Mom to work in the war efforts of WWII.

She met Louis during this time, while he was training to go overseas and they corresponded throughout the remainder of the war.  Upon his return to Canada, they then married and settled in his home town of Saint John, N.B., where their first child, Joan, was born.  After moving to Ottawa to find work, Bob was born, then Carol.  A move to Aylmer was followed by the arrival of Pat, Mike and then Steve.

Following retirement, Mom and Dad moved to East LaHave, Nova Scotia, then to Hunter River, PEI, where they renovated an older home and ran the Hillside B&B.  They moved back to Ottawa for medical care for Dad.  After his passing, Mom remained in Ottawa, living independently.

She was an exceptional woman who drew people to her to spend time over tea.  Honorary mother to more people than can be counted, she had an impact on everyone who met her.  More times than not, the first thing out of any friend or acquaintance’s mouth after hello was, How’s your Mom?

She absolutely and unequivocally loved her children, grandchildren and her great grandchildren.  To the very end, the sound of a baby nearby made her face light up with a smile.

She lived 96 years and experienced incredible changes in the world and at home, and through it all, continued to weave the strong ties that held the family together over years and distances.

We were blessed to have her for the time we did and are sorrowful for the days to come without her.  She would be surprised by the outpouring of grief.  She didn’t see the impact she had on so many people.  That’s what will help us to carry on without her, knowing her memory and her strengths will continue in all of us.

A funeral Mass will be held at Holy Cross Church, 685 Walkley Road, Ottawa, on Tuesday December 3, 2024 at 11:00 am.  A Reception at the church will follow.

A private burial will take place later that day at Beechwood Cemetery where Mom will rest with Dad in the Veterans Section of the National Military Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mom’s name to the Ottawa Heart Institute or the charity of your choice are welcome.