Aline Marie Thérèse Girard (née St. Laurent), born in 1938 in Point‑au‑Père in the Gaspé region of Quebec, passed peacefully into the arms of God after receiving the Apostolic Pardon, Holy Communion, and during the prayerful recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Her Catholic faith was the steady center of her life, guiding her through every season with devotion, humility, and love. Surrounded by grace in her final moments, she completed a life marked by service, family, and unwavering trust in God.

Aline began her working life in Ottawa at Ahern & Soper, where she learned English and built the foundation for a long and respected career in administration. In 1969, the family embarked on an adventure abroad, moving with their three young sons—Dennis, Marc, and Michael—to Wimbledon, England.

Professionally, Aline distinguished herself in high‑level administrative roles. As assistant to Ken Smith, Director of Non‑Resident Sports, she helped expand the program from three associations to more than forty, supporting rowing, biking, fencing, badminton, and many others. She later served as executive assistant to Murray Costello at Canadian Amateur Hockey. Murray, now a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame in the Builder category, credited Aline for her indispensable role in keeping the organization running smoothly. She retired in 1996, with Murray following in 1998.

Retirement only deepened Aline’s commitment to service. Beginning in 1998, she devoted herself to Holy Cross Parish, starting simply by helping peel potatoes and quickly becoming a pillar of parish life. She served as Fr. Finlan’s acolyte, then as parish administrator under Fr. Donald Tuori, and eventually as sacristan and Mass coordinator. She led First Friday singing with Fr. Gilles Njobam, began the daily rosary with her dear friend Barbara Costanza, and supported Fr. James Raphael and Fr. Lukose Kochupurackal in their ministries. Living just down the street, she held keys to the church for emergencies and lovingly washed the altar linens each week—quiet acts of devotion that touched countless lives.

Aline’s life was marked by generosity, steadiness, and a deep sense of purpose. Whether supporting national sports organizations, raising three adventurous sons, or serving faithfully at Holy Cross, she brought grace, competence, and warmth to every task.

She is survived by her sons Michael; Dennis and his wife, Angelina; and Marc and his daughter, Rachel, and leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and love—one that will continue to echo through her family, her parish, and all who were blessed to know her.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Cross Parish, 685 Walkley Road, Ottawa on Tuesday, January 27th at 10:30 a.m.