OWEN, Colette Suzanne
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Colette Suzanne Eugenie OWEN, who passed peacefully with her loved ones by her side on March 28th, 2024, at Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital in Toronto. She rejoins her beloved late husband Wynne (2014).
Beloved aunt to her many nieces, nephews, and their families in both Canada and France.
Colette was born in Paris, France on April 23rd, 1928. She had an extraordinary life journey. Educated in an American boarding school in India, lived and worked in China, Pakistan, and the United Kingdom. Returning to Paris in 1955, she started her professional career with the biggest names in perfumery and cosmetics. In 1967, her career brought her to Canada where she met the love of her life, Wynne.
Colette was involved in multiple associations, political and social organizations in Toronto, working tirelessly to help her French compatriots and represented them in the Senate during her mandate of the Assembly of French Abroad, among other things. She was awarded the Order of Merit in 1993 and received the Medal of Knight of the Legion of Honor in 2006 by Daniel Jouanneau, Ambassador of France to Canada, in gratitude for her tireless contribution to serving the interests of France in Toronto and to promote the French-Canadian friendship.
One cannot talk about her achievements without talking about the person she was, an incomparable elegance, a unique distinction in her writing both in English and French, her well though out speeches, a great sense of duty, an insatiable curiosity towards people their journey of life, their experiences, and their cultures. She was a wonderful hostess with amazing culinary skills. Colette and Wynne enjoyed entertaining at their cottage on High Lake. While at the cottage Colette was able to spoil her many wildlife friends, birds, chipmunks and raccoons; which gave her much joy.
She was a very great lady, a dear aunt, and a wonderful friend, for whom we had much love, admiration, esteem and affection.
As per Colette and her family’s wishes visitation, funeral and internment information are private.
Colette requested in lieu of flowers donations to her charities of choice: Covenant House – Toronto, 20 Gerard St. E, Toronto, Ontario, OntarioWildlifeRescue.ca, or Speaking of Wildlife.