Claire Elaine Belanger (née Ladouceur)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Claire Elaine Belanger (née Ladouceur) on January 29, 2026, at the age of 79, after a long and courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis. True to her spirit, Claire fought until the very end and passed away peacefully with her family by her bedside.

Born in Pembroke, Ontario, Claire was the beloved daughter of the late Alfred Ladouceur and the late Matilda Winnifred Ladouceur (née Boon). She spent her early years surrounded by family and the beauty of the countryside, where her curious, adventurous, and free-spirited nature began to blossom. In her early twenties, her independent spirit led her to the bustling city of Ottawa, where she built a life filled with family, friendship, and purpose.

In 1966, she married Pierre Bélanger (deceased April 2009). On May 7, 1967, she became a proud mother with the birth of her daughter, Lisa Ann Belanger, and later welcomed her son, Michael William Belanger, on September 30, 1970. As a hardworking single mother in the years that followed, Claire navigated life with resilience and determination, dedicating herself fully to raising her children and building a stable foundation for her family.

Claire began her career in hospitality at the Ottawa Holiday Inn Centre on Kent Street in downtown Ottawa. Over the years, as the hotel transitioned to the Radisson and later the Marriott Ottawa, Claire remained a devoted and respected employee recognized with numerous awards for her dedication, warmth, and exceptional service. After 34 years of commitment and hard work, she retired in 2011, leaving behind not just a career, but a legacy of professionalism and kindness.

Claire leaves behind her loving children, Lisa Ann Belanger (Dave Gouchie) and Michael William Belanger (Myriam Paquin); and her cherished grandchildren, Sabrina Trisha Gouchie (Jeff Groulx), Chloe-Anne Belanger (Chris Garbeau), and Kaylie Belanger (Jack Draper). She also held dearly in her heart her beloved partner, Philip (Peter) Labrosse (deceased June 2023), who was a significant and loving presence in her life and in the lives of her entire family.

To know Claire was to know kindness. She loved swimming, scenic car drives, window shopping, lunches and coffee dates filled with laughter and the latest stories. She enjoyed knitting, listening to her beloved oldies playlist, cooking and baking her annual Christmas goodies, and simply having a long chat with a friend. Above all, she treasured her children and grandchildren — whether spending time with them or proudly sharing their accomplishments with others. Her love for her family and friends was unwavering and evident in every conversation.

Claire touched countless hearts with her generosity and humanity. She always extended a helping hand, even when facing her own challenges. Her compassion, warmth, and quiet strength will never be forgotten.

Though our hearts wished for more time, we knew — as did she — that it was her time. She leaves behind a lifetime of memories that we will carry forward in our own journeys.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the nurses, doctors, and staff at The Ottawa Hospital General Campus, St. Vincent’s Hospital, and the Civic Hospital for the dignity, compassion, and respect shown to Claire and our family throughout her care.

She found peace in life’s simple pleasures — sitting by the water on a sunny afternoon, breathing in the fresh air, watching the birds and listening to their mesmerizing songs, and good tune playing softly as she quietly took it all in.

We love you, and we will miss you always.

Memorial Service will be held on Friday, March 6th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Hope Cemetery Chapel, 4660 Bank Street, Ottawa, Ontario.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ottawa Civic Hospital.