Rita Morel

MOREL, Marie-Aimee Rita (nee LaRocque) died on July 26, 2011 at the Civic Hospital. Born on Boxing Day, 1911, 99-1/2 years ago in Ottawa, Ontario, she lived a long and fulfilling life. She will be sadly missed by her daughter, Sylvie Morel, and son-in-law, Richard Garner, her nearly grandchildren, Catou and Daniele MacKinnon, her best buddy, Charlot, and her friends. She is predeceased by her parents, Alfred LaRocque and Marie-Aimee Haspeck, her brothers, Aurele, Bertrand and Edward (Marg) and her sister, Phylvia. She started school at 4 (she sneaked in) and was one of the first women to obtain a BA from the University of Ottawa in the early 30s. A proud resident of lower town Ottawa, she worked for the Department of Justice, Statistics Canada and the Turkish Embassy. In the 60s she became a translator and then began her illustrious career as an Interpreter for the House of Commons. This world traveller and curious life-long learner was a lover of books, nature, sunsets, good food, wine, music and the arts. She was a force of nature. Her independence and strength were an inspiration to the women (and the men) around her. Many thanks to the staff of Retire at Home, especially Heather Fairhead, the staff of Valley Stream Manor and the staff of Emergency, D7 and the Palliative Care team of the Civic Hospital for their care and compassion. A reception will be held to celebrate her extraordinary life in the Salon of the National Arts Center from 5:00 to 8:00 on Friday, August 5, 2011. In lieu of flowers, we invite you to make a donation to the National Arts Center Foundation or the charity of your choice.