Adele Kathleen Dion

Adele was a dear friend and wonderful colleague. I deeply admired her immense common sense, and her determination to do right by other people. She made a major contribution to advancing Canada’s commitment to international human rights as the Deputy Director, then Director and ultimately Director General responsible for human rights in the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. She mentored a generation of younger foreign service officers who went to make their mark on Canadian diplomacy. She will be sorely missed. My sincere condolences to Andy and to her family.

So very sorry to hear of Adele’s passing. We worked closely on so many issues at Global Affairs through the 90s and 20s and were neighbours for a time on Dunbarton. She followed me as High Commissioner to South Africa. May her memory be a blessing.

Adele’s passing is such sad news; my condolences to her husband and extended family. We worked together at DFAIT in the mid-2000s, a time of many challenges and for me, fond memories of Adele — a reserved, astute and determined colleague.

I remember Adele as a powerhouse in advancing human rights and equality not just around the world on behalf of Canada, but at home in the Department of Foreign Affairs as well. She was extremely generous in sharing her wisdom with other women in the department and mentored many young officers. She will be sorely missed by her friends and former colleagues. Deepest condolences to her family and other loved ones.

I worked for Adele at Foreign Affairs and travelled with her to Australia. She was a great manager – I appreciated her sense of humour and willingness to empower her team members. Sincere condolences for your loss.

Sincère condolences to Andy and family on Adele’s passing. I worked with,and for, Adèle in several assignments and always appreciated her positive and cheerful outlook no matter how difficult a situation we were facing. She will be missed by many colleagues.

Sincère condolences to Andy and family on Adele’s passing. I worked with,and for, Adèle in several assignments and always appreciated her positive and cheerful outlook no matter how difficult a situation we were facing.

Adele was my second Head of Mission in South Africa. I admired her determination to do her job as thoroughly, fairly and competently as she could. I very much enjoyed her quiet personal warmth and humour.

. My condolences to her beloved Andy.

I am very sad to read this news. Adele was a wonderful person, cherished and respected by many. Trudy and I extend our sincere condolences to the family and especially Andy. Trudy and Dan

I am grateful to Adele for her innumerable contributions to the advancement of rights and understanding. Sincere condolences to her friends, family and former colleagues. Blessings on her journey.

It is with sadness to learn of Adele’s passing. We were on post in London at the same time (1977) and I had known both her and Andy throughout my career.
My deepest condolences to both the Dion and Nimmo families.

I will always remember Adele as a vibrant and motivating colleague. She co-opted me to work on a Women issues Conference where we work side-by-side to advance women’s role in democracy and related institutions. Later on, we served in Africa at the same time. At one point she had to inform our son of his grandmother’s passing while he traveling to take up his posting in her Mission. Then we retired the same year at the end of our posting.
Our deepest condolences and most sincere sympathy to her family and friends. Rest in Peace dear Adele.

I will always remember Adele as a vibrant and motivating colleague. She co-opted me to work on a Women issues Conference where we work side-by-side to advance women’s role in democracy and related institutions.
Later on, we served in Africa at the same time. At one point she had to inform our son of his grandmother’s passing while he traveling to take up his posting in her Mission. Then we retired the same year at the end of our posting.
Our deepest condolences and most sincere sympathy to her family and friends. Rest in Peace dear Adele.

I will always remember Adele as a vibrant and motivating colleague. She co-opted me to work on a Women issues Conference where we work side-by-side to advance women’s role in democracy and related institutions.
Later on, we served in Africa at the same time. During that last posting, she had to inform our youngest son, on his first day at the Mission, that his grandmother had passed away while he was traveling to take up his posting.
Then we retired the same year.
Our deepest condolences and most sincere sympathy to her family and friends. Rest in Peace dear Adele.

I was saddened to read that Adele had died. My sincere condolences to Andy and Adele’s family. Adele and I were neighbours in Washington. Adele was taking a cooking class at night school and I got to benefit from many lovely meals she cooked. Her Mum was visiting one time and I still have the slippers she crocheted for me. Adele asked me to be the delegation secretary at the UN meetings in Geneva one year. I valued her friendship over the years. Rest in peace my friend.

Mentor, role model, friend. She left her mark on me, and many other colleagues & friends, by her compassion, pragmatism, aspirations for women and humanity, sense of humour and insights. My condolences to her family.

An incredible public servant who was one of my first bosses in government and left an incredible mark on those of us who had the opportunity to work with her. She was always wise counsel at work and outside work I learned just as many lessons from her from hosting a fabulous dinner party to the importance of good shoes for self esteem. Thoughts and prayers to those who loved her. Thank you for sharing her with us in the public service.

Vanessa and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Adele, a close and cherished colleague over some twenty years. With her clear-headed judgment, her work ethic second to none, her devotion to public service and to those who served with her, Adele was one of the department’s genuine all-stars — and an even better friend and person to boot. Andy and family can take great pride in Adele’s character and her achievements. And we are all the richer for having known her.

She was a wonderful colleague. Condolences to her family.