It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother and grandmother Élizabeth (née Bisson), on February 20, 2025, at the age of 83. She was the wife of the late Jean-Claude Allard.
She is survived by her three children: Elizabeth (Paul Dupuis), Patrick (Bonnie O'Bier) and Hélène (André Cyr), as well as her grandchildren Sophie, Maya, Gabrielle, Marisol, Stéphanie and Simon, and her great-grandchildren Caleb and Hugo.
She was the sister of the late Rita (late Marcel Bourgault), the late Maurice and the late Gertrude (late Marcel Dubé). She is also survived by her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces, cousins, and many friends.
Throughout her life, respect and love for the French language and French-Canadian culture were at the heart of her career and personal life. Élizabeth began her career in 1961 as a Canadian Army officer in the Canadian Women's Army Corps. In 1975, she joined the Canadian Army Regular Force as a Logistics Officer. In 1993, she embarked on a new civilian career to become Director of Official Languages at the Department of National Defence, where she worked until her retirement in 2003.
After her retirement, Élizabeth became fully involved in the Francophonie of Ontario and Canada. She was President of the Fédération des aînés et retraités francophones de l'Ontario, and then President of the Fédération des aînés et aînées francophones du Canada until 2021.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of the Willowbend Residence for their compassionate care of Elizabeth.
Family and friends are invited to gather at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, on Friday, May 9 from 12 p.m. A religious ceremony will be celebrated at 1 p.m., followed by the interment and a reception.
Digital Guestbook
Joanne Sabourin-Paul
Alton Legault
Mes plus sincères condoléances à tous les membres de la famille. Perdre ses deux parents en si peu de temps est une lourde épreuve que seul le souvenir de leur généreuse contribution à la la qualité de vie de leurs concitoyens et concitoyennes peut apaiser.
En plus de tous ses engagements bien connus, Élizabeth a aussi été membre de la Société franco-ontarienne du patrimoine et de l'histoire d'Orléans (SFOPHO) et a travaillé au sein du comité sur l'amélioration de la place des noms francophones à Orléans (CAPNOF) dirigé par Louis V. Patry. Nous lui en sommes profondément reconnaissants. Que son âme repose en paix.
Marcel and Susan Charlebois
Our sincerest condolences to all the family.
Louise et Antoine Dubois
Elizabeth a ete une grande amie de nous deux ainsi que Jean Claude. A toute la famille nous offrons nos plus sinceres codoleances.
Michael Petrou
My colleagues and I at the Canadian War Museum are very sorry to learn of Elizabeth's passing. We are very grateful that Elizabeth shared her memories and reflections on her military service with us. We are thinking of her family and hope you will accept our condolences.
Mes sincères condoléances à toute la famille et aux amis. Mes pensées sincères sont avec vous tous.