Denise Rackus, whose remarkable life journey began on the eve of the Second World War, passed away peacefully at the age of 85 in Ottawa. Denise is predeceased by her parents Dénes and Katalin (née Belak) Moritz, sister Madeleine Cloutier (née Moritz) and husband George Rackus. She leaves behind her sons David (Danute) and Philip (Stephanie), her grandchildren Linas, Darius (Christe), Justin and Paige, and great grandchildren Enoch, Ambrose and Winifred, as well as sister-in-law Illa, nephews and nieces George, Virginia, Albert, Ariane and Michelle.
Born in Hungary in 1939, she experienced the turmoil of war firsthand, spending her early years in Hungary during that turbulent time in history. Alongside her sister Madelaine, Denise found refuge in Switzerland after being evacuated from Hungary by the Red Cross, where they spent several formative years in a boarding school in Fribourg.
In the 1950’s, Denise and her family embarked on a new chapter in Canada, settling in the Ottawa area. It was there that Denise graduated from the University of Ottawa in 1959. Undeterred by the challenges she faced early in life, Denise's thirst for knowledge and passion for learning led her to earn two Masters degrees, first at Brock University and then at McMaster University.
Denise pursued a fulfilling career in education. She began teaching in Toronto before moving to the Haldimand Board of Education. She taught History and French in Caledonia, Cayuga and Dunnville where she left an indelible mark on countless young lives that remember her to this day.
Upon retirement, Denise's adventurous spirit only grew stronger. She embraced the opportunity to travel extensively, often accompanied by her beloved grandchildren, exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Canada, the history of Europe and countries of Latin America. Her passion for education knew no bounds, as evidenced by her time teaching English at the University of Brno in the Czech Republic and later learning Spanish.
Her zest for life, boundless curiosity, concern for the environment, engagement in civic matters and unwavering spirit has served as an inspiration to all who knew her. Denise Rackus will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her remarkable life, her unwavering dedication to education and her immeasurable love for her family and friends.
Friends and family are invited to join us in honouring Denise’s memory at a public visitation to be held at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa on Friday, May 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 1 at 2 p.m. in Beechwood’s Sacred Space, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Indspire.ca, the Heart and Stoke Foundation of Canada or by planting a tree.
Digital Guestbook
Sylvie Pospisilova
Dawn and Denis Smith
We feel privileged and grateful to have known Denise as a neighbour and friend.ever since we moved to Dunbarton Court in 2004. She was a generous and stimulating person and the world has lost a bright light with her passing.
Kim Dickie
Your mom and grandmother was my academic and educational mentor. I am forever grateful for her encouragement, interest, example and inspiration in my life. She exemplified lifelong learning and was clearly born to be a teacher.
I will miss our visits and I am thankful to have been a part of some of your family celebrations. Great memories.
Justin, your childhood friend Thomas is getting married in August and thus the reason that I am unable to be at your grandma's service. There is a Stag and Doe at the Kohler hall on June 1; not far from where your dad and Uncle Philip grew up outside of Cayuga.
I am heartbroken that I am unable to see you all tomorrow and say good bye to your dear mom and grandma.
With my sincere condolences, Kim and family
michelle marie hamilton
I have many fond memories in childhood visiting Cayuga on many occasions. Our families were rather close for a long time. There was a period of time where I disconnected with the family because of difficult personal issues, but finally decided to reach out to Denise a few years back. She was very supportive and we reconnected, which I am so happy about. Denise is a very strong woman, incredibly knowledgeable and intelligent. I am just so sorry that I won't be able to spend more time with her. Rest in peace! Love you!
Jeanne Matte et Michel Matte
Une voisine impliquée dans la comunauté
Randall Mileski
Denise invested time and energy into me personally both inside and outside the classroom. She lit a fire inside me for travel that has changed my course in life. I am forever in her debt and honour her memory.
Bryan Gloyd
Denise and I shared a most unusual friendship. In 1964 I entered Grade 10 at Cayuga Secondary - my chance to learn French started with Mrs Rackus. As a farm-boy from the country I wanted to experience the world and I thought French was beautiful language to learn. And I was in love from what I knew of the country (still am). So, for me Mrs Rackus was just the coolest person I'd ever met. Spoke French beautifully and casually, dressed very well (usually in black), had travelled and knew Europe. Wow. We even heard she smoked in the staff room! So cool!! I spent 3 years with Denise as my teacher - I wanted to be like her. When I was Student Council President and in charge of the yearbook, she offered a print from her husband George which we used as the cover. After she and I left Cayuga we kept in touch. I would write letters on that flimsy blue airmail paper each Christmas and mail to her in Belgium when she was there. And she would write back in that beautiful handwriting. She told me later that she always looked forward to my 'cheery' letters, usually received at a time when she was questioning what she was doing. It felt good just to stay in touch.
And so it goes. We kept in touch by letters, (airmail, regular and later e-mail) all these years. I have a copy of her book she wrote. I visited her a couple of times in Ottawa and she seemed happy there. When she wrote this year saying she was going elsewhere for some respite I was concerned. The followups from her were short with no real explanation. Her last note in early May invited me up to Ottawa to celebrate her 85th. I was searching for a time to do that this summer when David wrote that she had passed.
We had a great friendship over the years. I will miss that a lot. Losing someone so genuine and constant kicks another leg from under the stool of life, if I can phrase it that way. But I'm happy for those years of friendship. Life moves on. She lived a remarkable life.
And finally, this is an example of how a teacher can influence a student. I still love French and I've travelled the world. She made me consider what is possible in life.
Thanks for all this, Denise. You are a remarkable woman.
You will always be in my memories, Denise. Love you. Sylvie