Yolande Élizabeth Crépeau

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mrs. Yolande Élizabeth Crépeau (née DeCelles), which occurred on Sunday, November 9, 2025, in Ottawa, at the age of 92.

Born in Quebec City on July 28, 1933, she was the daughter of Maurice Duclos DeCelles and Clara McSweeney. She pursued her classical studies - humanities and rhetoric - at the Maria Institute of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, where she developed a lifelong passion for classical Greek and singing.

Like her sister Margot, she worked for Bell Canada. After marrying André Crépeau in 1955, she followed him to the United States, living in Michigan and California, before they settled in Ottawa. A committed and generous woman, she actively contributed to political life at both the national and provincial levels, notably within the Liberal Party. She also served on the board of directors of the National Arts Centre and was one of the founders of the Friends of the Hospital. This organisation enabled the acquisition of specialised equipment for the Ottawa General Hospital. She was involved with several other charitable foundations.

Curious, cultured, and passionate about the arts, politics, and international affairs, Yolande always remained engaged with the world. Reading played a central role in her life: every day, she devoured The Globe and Mail, The Ottawa Citizen, and La Presse.

An enthusiastic traveller, she made many friends in France and Florida, where she and André spent their winters. Together, they shared a deep affection for their grandson Vincent, their greatest treasure.

She is survived by her two sons, Françoys (husband of Xuong Tran and father of Vincent) and Yves, as well as her living siblings, Pauline and Léandre (Andrée), and her deceased siblings, Guy, Margot, and Jean-Eudes.

The funeral will be held at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services, located at 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 19, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and on Saturday, December 20, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A Catholic memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 20, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., officiated by Father Jean Muakadi in the Sacred Space at Beechwood. The reception will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Beechwood’s Borden Fleming Suite.

The interment of the ashes will take place at Notre-Dame Cemetery in the spring of 2026.

If you wish to donate in Yolande's memory, her favourite charity is the Snowsuit Fund / Fonds Habineige, whose goal is to ensure that all children can play outside without feeling cold.

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