It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mrs. Hélène Simard, on August 6, 2025, in Ottawa.
She is mourned by her daughters Marie-Josée Houle and Magalie-France Houle, her granddaughter Léah Lafond, her siblings Joceline, Yvon (Françoise), the late Louise (Éric), Marie (Benoît), François, Dominic (Léo), Chantale (Christian), as well as her nieces and nephews: Frédéric (Marie-Josée), Jean-Philippe (Debbie), Maxime (Kareen), Stéphanie (Sebastien), Pierre-Luc (Neda), and Pierre-Olivier (Mélanie). Many other relatives and friends also grieve her loss.
Marie Lucille Hélène Simard was born on December 14, 1950, in Quebec City, daughter of Thérèse Gagné and Édouard Simard. After studying at the Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, she married Richard Houle, an officer in the Royal Canadian Navy, which led her to move to Victoria, Halifax, Kingston, and Ottawa. She worked as a nurse for over 35 years, most of them at Montfort Hospital. Hélène had a deep love for her daughters, granddaughter, and family. She was a cherished friend to many.
Family, friends, and former colleagues are invited to a visitation to be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 22, at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa. A second visitation will take place on Saturday, August 23, starting at noon. A celebration of life will follow in the Sacred Space of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre at 1:00 p.m., along with a reception.
Her daughters wish to thank the family, friends, and neighbors who supported her in recent months, as well as the emergency services, doctors, and hospital staff at Montfort Hospital. Expressions of sympathy may be made through a donation to the foundation or organization of your choice. Hélène regularly donated to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Ottawa Humane Society, the Canadian Wildlife Federation, the Salvation Army, the Ottawa Mission, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, and the Canadian Cancer Society.
Digital Guestbook
Ann Chartrand
Marilyn Roussel (Hébert)
Mes sincères sympathies à la famille. J’ai eu la chance de travailler en partenariat avec Hélène pendant quelques années à l’hôpital Montfort. Je garde de très bons souvenirs et moments précieux.
Caroline Gagné
Mes sincères condoléances à toute la famille. Ce fut un bonheur de passer du temps avec Hélène à Québec.
Lorraine D. Trottier
Mes sincères condoléances à toute ta famille. Grande tristesse pour le départ d'une collègue très appréciée pour tous ceux et celles qui l'ont côtoyés. Nous avons été choyés. Repose en paix Hélène 🕊
Mariame Ouattara
Mes sincères condoléances à toute la famille. Ce fut agréable de travailler avec celle que j’appelais affectueusement ma compatriote du quebec à l’hôpital Montfort.
Marie-France Cuerrier
Chère Hélène,
Je garde d'excellents souvenirs de toi et de nos moments à travailler ensemble au 4A quand j'étais physio. Tu étais souriante et professionnelle. Les patients reçevaient des traitements cinq étoiles avec toi. Repose en paix.
France Farley
Quelle triste nouvelle. Je suis certaine que tu continues à bien soigner les gens là-haut Hélène. Mes sympathies à la famille. Bon courage!
Mariane Beaudin
Chères Marie-Josée et Magalie,
Toutes mes condoléances. Vous êtes dans mes pensées pendant ces moments difficiles. Xoxo
Amy Lavergne
Ce fut un honneur de te connaitre, Hélène . Repose en paix. Mes sincères condoléances à toute la famille.
Murielle Tremblay
Mes plus sincères sympathies à toute la famille
My sympathies to Helene's family. I remember the first day I worked with Helene; she warned me that she always had difficult situations with her patients, like bad luck. She was right! I think it was because of these difficult situations that made her a great nurse and wonderful person. I will remember you.