It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Louise Riffou, who left us peacefully in her sleep at the Saint Louis Residence on June 13, 2025.
Louise was the beloved mother of six children: Marie-Josée (Rick Purcell), Lucie (Brian Weir), François (Francine Gaulin), Simon (Kim Riffou), Charles (Christina Brind’Amour), and Martine (Guy Lacroix). She was a cherished grand-maman to 12 grandchildren: Ēmilie Gauthier (Justin Gauthier), Natalie Purcell, Alex Hay, Andréanne Gaulin-Riffou (Jean Philippe Fortier), Mélisande Gaulin-Riffou (Félix Bisson-Audet), Marjorie Gaulin-Riffou (Lucas Aubin), Louis-Philip Riffou (Alison Riffou), Justin Riffou, Gabriel Brind’Amour-Riffou, Camélia Brind’Amour-Riffou, Alexa Brind’Amour-Riffou, and Dominic Lacroix (Larisa Lacroix). She was also blessed with 9 great-grandchildren: Stella, Sydnee, Eliott, Théo, Arnaud, Margot, Benjamin, Elizabeth, and Chloé.
Louise was predeceased by her parents, Paul Brunet and Germaine Clément, her brothers George, Pierre, and Paul, as well as her beloved husband, Brigadier-General Jean B. Riffou.
Louise was born and raised in Quebec city where she enjoyed a vibrant social life. After graduating from high school, she pursued secretarial studies and developed a lifelong passion for travel and golf. In 1955 she married her beloved Jean.
As a military family, Louise and Jean shared many happy years, raising their children, frequently moving from city to city. She was a model of poise, grace and elegance, who took pride in every aspect of her family life. Her faith was important to her.
She was also known to have a competitive edge enjoying tennis, golf, dominos and bridge. She expressed her creativity through sewing, knitting and cooking.
We would like to convey our deepest appreciation to the staff of Bruyère Village and Saint Louis Residence, and to Cris, her personal helper, for their care and compassion during Louise’s final years.
A celebration of life will be held at Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave., Ottawa, ON K1L 8E2, on Friday, June 27th. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM, followed by a service at 12:00 PM, and a reception from 1:00 - 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute or the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.
Digital Guestbook
Liz O’Shea
Craig MacKinnon
I just wanted to express my condolences to the Riffou family during this sad time. I have so many fond memories of Louise’s kind hospitality. When we were kids, your home was like a second home for me. Whether I was there for dinner, a glass of ice tea after playing sports with Simon, or just lounging on the red chairs in the basement; Louise always made me feel welcome. I am sorry I will not be there with you, but your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
ralph kilbride
Mes sympathies à toute la famille.
Your Mom was beautiful, elegant and smart. She was also strong and unafraid, travelling wherever Jean needed to go, raising 6 strong and gifted children across both French and English Canada. And she was a great cook and homemaker through all that. My favourite memory of your Maman was her kitchen drawer of sweets - her little gift to herself! I know you are all missing her already. You are all in my heart.❤️ Hugs to all of you.