Audra BENNETT

Audra BENNETT obituary, ORLEANS, ON

Audra BENNETT

Audra BENNETT Obituary

Published by Ottawa Citizen from May 16 to May 17, 2018.
BENNETT, Audra (nee Cote) Unexpectedly on May 13, 2018 at age 45. Very loving wife of Mike. Beloved and cherished daughter of Jim Merson and the late Leonna Merson of Ottawa. Survived by her brother Wesley Cote (Shelley Warren) of Toronto and sister Kristy Merson (of London, England) who both loved and treasured her, as well as father, Wilson Cote, sisters, Ashley Cote and Amy Cote, all of Toronto. Audra perennially enjoyed living life with and for her family. Whether it was far away on a vacation cruising in the Caribbean, or as near as her family room, family was always first. She loved people, especially the children she cared so much about in her Child Protection legal matters. No matter who Audra touched, she always brought them joy with her compassion, wit and "joie de vive"; her wisdom was infinite; many looked to her for guidance and insight into problems they felt were insurmountable. Her vibrant persona permeated everyone and everywhere she went, especially her devoted staff and colleagues. To her husband Mike, she was his Soulmate, a true wife, lover and best friend! She will be sorely missed by everyone. Friends may pay respects at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 315 McLeod Street (at O'Connor) on Friday, May 18 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Memorial Service will be held in the Chapel on Sunday, May 20 at 1 p.m., followed by a reception. In memoriam donations to Chrysalis House (www.wocrc.ca/get-involved/donate) or a Children's Charity of your choosing, would be appreciated. Condolences / Tributes / Donations Hulse, Playfair & McGarry www.hpmcgarry.ca 613-233-1143

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June 17, 2020

Tom Wieland posted to the memorial.

July 27, 2019

Ginette Dominique posted to the memorial.

February 27, 2019

Scott Lanouette posted to the memorial.

34 Entries

Tom Wieland

June 17, 2020

Audra represented me in 2009, I searched her today to help me with representation. Audra fought so hard and believed in me when others did not, her empathy really set her apart. I was left with such an impression that a decade later her name popped into my head on legal matter and here I am. I only knew her as a client, but she was a good person. You could see it in her words and actions. Powerful woman.

Ginette Dominique

July 27, 2019

I had Audra represent me back in 2009, i was looking briefly to find her to possibly help out my son in a custody case and i came upon this sad Obituary of her passing last year, i am shocked and very saddend, what a wonderful person she was and an exceptional kind compassionate lawyer, so young.. my heartfelt condolences goes out to her family, and her husband.

Scott Lanouette

February 27, 2019

OMG I'm so so sorry to hear about her passing. Audra got my kids back for me and was such a loving woman couldn't have asked for a better lawyer. My deepest condolences

Robin Kelly

January 27, 2019

Me and my family were shocked to hear of this sad and unfortunate saddening news.
Audra was a support for our family through the toughest times and helped us see things through to the end. I admired her determination and tenacity as she was an amazing inspiration to those who were lucky to have known her.
We are so sorry for your loss and send our prayers.

Janice Daniel

July 10, 2018

I will miss you Audra. My condolences to the family.

Amanda

July 3, 2018

I am so sorry to hear of her passing. I had her as a lawyer and she was always so kind and full of fire. She was so passionate about her work. She will be truly missed.

Suzanne Beauvais

June 15, 2018

To Family and Friends, my deepest Condolences. I just heard of Audra's passing today June 15. My heart is so filled with sadness. She was the best Lawyer anyone could ever have. Her passion for her work shined and made a huge impact on many. Another angel gone to soon. Audra will be truly missed in the work place by clients and colleagues. She brought so much energy, compassion and straight forward suggestions. Until we meet again and share some laughs.

Gene

May 25, 2018

This is a very horrible and sad thing. Audra was a genius and a beautiful women. She protected me and my children and I will forever keep her in my memories and prayers xo

Margaret Barry

May 20, 2018

Audra helped shape who I am today. I will forever be in debt to her for all the kindness and generosity she has shown me throughout the years. I will never forget her laugh, her wit and her willingness to always put others first.

Lisa D

May 20, 2018

I met Audra very briefly through work. A few years later after she left for private practice, I met her father through my second job. He was very proud of his daughter. I only knew Audra briefly, but she was kind and hard working.
My sincere condolences to her family. In reading many of the comments it is clear she made a definite difference in the lives of many and had a caring heart. I hope that brings you comfort in this difficult time.

Barb White

May 20, 2018

Dear Audra,
You were a friend, a colleague and an amazing advocate for those in need. It was a pleasure to work with you and an honour to call you a friend. I remember many times we laughed and shared stories both funny and ones that brought us to tears. We always think there will be time for more, but sadly you left too soon. I know you will continue to bring joy and happiness in the memories that we all share with you. To your family I send my deepest and most heartfelt condolences. As I say goodbye, it's only until I see you again. You will be missed. Love.... Barb

Michelle Ten Oever

May 19, 2018

I am so sad to hear that you have left us.
I first met Audra when she represented me at court the day I got custody of my girls. Audra noticed that I had a law book with me and when I told her I was taking Paralegal in school, she took me under her wing and I did my practicum with her.
There is no way I would be where I am and as happy as we have been without Audra.
Audra, I will always listen to that little voice and trust it, and that is thanks to you drilling that in me.
Condolences to family and friends. We have lost a truly amazing woman.

Tara Irvine

May 18, 2018

I'm still reeling from the news of Audra's passing...7 years ago she helped me change my life and her frank, classy, sassy ways won my heart in more ways than one. She's a legend, affectionately dubbed the Dragon Lady likely due to her red hair and fiery personality and passion for all that she accomplished. R.I.P. Audra, heaven has claimed another angel. My sincerest condolences to her family and our community in Ottawa who will miss her sorely for all she did. Xoxx

Jeff Wingeat

May 18, 2018

I first met Audra in January 2017. She helped me when no one else would and I am FOREVER indebted to her. Before meeting Audra, I had given up hope and desire to continue on. A therapist passed along a brochure from the Law Society Referral Service, I called and fatefully ended up being contacted by Audra's office. While not taking on new clients at the time, she was sympathetic to my situation and was determined to assist me (even if I couldn't afford). Audra was amazing on so many levels and always trying to bring out positives to every situation. Her moral compass always seemed to be on the right path in helping those who needed it.

My sincerest and deepest sympathies to friends, family, co-workers and all who knew Audra. She will be forever missed.

April Donovan

May 18, 2018

I'm sorry . I knew her briefly , she was my lawyer. My heart goes out to her friends and family .

Vivianne Lecompte

May 18, 2018

My deepest condolences to Audra's family,I was one of her clients. Audra was a strong caring and unique individual who everyday stood up for women and children who needed her help their she was. She was my savior.

Heidi Elekes

May 18, 2018

Audra enriched the lives of everyone she met, her intelligence and strength were offset only by her grace and generous heart. We are crushed by her loss, and I wish her loved ones solace through this difficult time.

May 18, 2018

My deepest condolences to the Merson and Bennett family
May the memories you have of Audra warm your hearts and ease your pain.

Judy Cleiman Ottawa

David Gray

May 17, 2018

We never met in person but she and I spoke about professional matters more than once. A more polite, well-mannered, well-meaning, professional and sincere colleague is very hard to find. Deepest condolences to Audra's surviving family and close friends. What a shocking and sad loss this is. We were blessed that we knew her.

Maria Ilie-Draga

May 17, 2018

My deepest condolences to Audra's family. Having worked with her a few years ago at her Family Law office as a student volunteer, I can say she was a very caring and compassionate advocate for her clients and everyone in her life. My condolences and may she rest in peace.

amy baker

May 17, 2018

To the family and colleagues my deepest condolences.

LF

May 17, 2018

To the family, my condolences on your loss. May the God of all comfort sustain you during this difficult time and beyond.

Bruce Bercovitch

May 17, 2018

Jim and Mike and family. My deepest condolences to you during this most difficult time.

Suzy Kiwan

May 16, 2018

My deepest condolences to Audra's husband, family and to all that knew Audra, I'm so very sorry and thoughts and prayers to you all. I had the honour of knowing Audra since 2013. I was a client of hers and she was definitely more than just my lawyer, I respected and liked her so much. Audra was super talented, very intelligent, genuine, compassionate, very caring, so funny, strong, full of life, most beautiful voice to ever hear and one of the best lawyers around! She went above and beyond for her clients, she cared deeply for us. She touched many lives and was such a pleasure to be around. She worked hard for me and I appreciate everything she has done for me. We are all so devastated with many broken hearts. Gone way too young and we will miss you so very much. I always loved visiting Audra at her office and seeing her very pleasent staff and colleagues all whom loved her dearly and respected her a lot. I recently just sat with Audra at her office and spoke about my Father's recent passing and she spoke about when her Mother passed away in 2015. We shared amazing stories and shed a lot of tears. Audra believed that she would see her mother again and that we all be with our loved ones again and I too believe in that and know that she is with her Mother now. I know my Father already introduced himself to you and he's cooking up a feast for you :) God always has a plan for each of us and he needed you now Audra. I will miss your positive attitude, your genuine hugs, all your great advice, your laughter, I will miss everything about you. I was so blessed to have known you and have you represent me. I thank you for everything. You will never be forgotten, greatly missed and always in our hearts. There will never be another quite like you Audra. Rest now beautiful Audra in Paradise where you will have eternal life. Till we all meet again. God Bless your beautiful Soul.

With all love,
Suzy Kiwan ♥

Sam and Carol Fleming

May 16, 2018

So very sorry to hear of your loss! We send our most sincere sympathies .Sam and Carol Fleming

Wendy Byrne

May 16, 2018

My heartfelt condolences to Audra's family. I had the opportunity to work with Audra on several files and she always impressed me as a caring and dedicated representative of her clients. She was such a lovely and bright person. She will be sorely missed.

Jennifer Desrochers

May 16, 2018

To all of Audra's family, especially her husband, I am so sorry for your loss. The world has lost an advocate, a warrior, a defender of children and women, a kind and loving soul. Audra Bennett was much more than just my lawyer and I don't know where my daughters and I would be right now without her, I honestly don't. My heart is broken. This picture is from the day I shared my story of getting out of an abusive marriage, and Audra came to freely offer some help and advice from a legal perspective. She is a big part of my story and she helped me through some of the toughest, darkest times. She was so understanding and compassionate, offering hugs and laughs and tears. I know she has helped so many women who were going through situations like mine. I am so thankful that I had the honour of knowing her. I know that God sent her my way to help me and my girls.

Phoebe Moodie

May 16, 2018

My prayers and sympathies go out to the family and friends. I was Audra's client for 6 years in legal matters and she really helped me. She will be missed. Thank you for your help Audra when I needed it. I will remember the spunk you had! It was always pleasant!

Joanne Roulston

May 16, 2018

Please accept my sympathies. Audra was a passionate advocate for women and children, and she will be missed

Vivienne Filiatreault

May 16, 2018

I am so utterly saddened that such an amazing advocate for women has been taken from us so suddenly! I am a Registered Psychotherapist, who referred many clients to her over the years. She was one of the kindest, most understanding Family lawyers in Ottawa, who also had a great grasp of the Letter of the Law. She would often do Pro Bono work on the 'phone with clients, who could not afford to spend much on legal expenses.
To all of her family and friends, may all the wonderful memories we have of her be our Blessings.

Roxann and James Van Oers

May 16, 2018

We lost another angel

Our deepest sympathies to Mike and the family

Roxann and James Van Oers family

Valerie & Wally Geekie

May 16, 2018

Please accept our deepest sympathies

Eric Weisbloom

May 16, 2018

Jim and family, Joy and I are very sorry for your loss.

Linda Smith

May 16, 2018

I first met Audra when she started her articling year. I always enjoyed seeing her and recommended her without reservation. We were perpetually supposed to go out for a drink or meal but somehow never quite found the time. I regret this so much.

To all her extended family, colleagues, clients and all she touched, my heartfelt condolences on our loss. She is and shall be missed, but will live large in our hearts and memories.

Linda Smith

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Hulse, Playfair & McGarry - Central Chapel

315 McLeod Street, Ottawa, ON K2P 1A2

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Sign Audra BENNETT's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 17, 2020

Tom Wieland posted to the memorial.

July 27, 2019

Ginette Dominique posted to the memorial.

February 27, 2019

Scott Lanouette posted to the memorial.