In memory of

Colette Suzanne Eugenie Owen

April 23, 1928 -  March 28, 2024

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.

Guestbook 

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Sylvie et Franck Bonnotte (Dear friend)

Entered April 7, 2024 from Toronto

Au Revoir ma chère amie Colette,
Nous avons passé de bons moments ensemble, en voiture pour se rendre aux activités organisées par Toronto Accueil, lors de petits dîners dans votre restaurant indien préféré, de déjeuners à la maison et tellement d'autres souvenirs...Vous resterez toujours dans mon coeur et dans mes pensées

De castro Paulo et Nadine 

Entered April 8, 2024 from Belgique et France

De très bons moments Colette était toujours gentille et très classe .
Toutes nos condoléances a la famille
Repose en paix auprès de ton mari

Beclin (Toronto accueil)

Entered April 8, 2024 from Aix en Provence

Nous avons appris la triste nouvelle par des amis de Toronto. Colette était une femme brillante, raffinée et tellement altruiste ! Condoléances à toute la famille. Francoise et Thierry Beclin

ANDRE DE BUSSY (Friend)

Entered April 8, 2024 from PARIS FRANCE


I had the privilege to know Colette and Wynne when I lived in Toronto from 2002 until 2006. I was then a French diplomat, Director of Alliance française. Colette was very involved with the French community as an elected counsellor. She was always of great support and advise. When I informed her that I was going to be posted in Pakistan in 1996 she told me about her education in a college there and also her life in Shanghai. I was very impressed. We became close friends. She was a very liberal person.

Annie Krikorian (Friend)

Entered April 18, 2024 from Toronto

Colette a toujours été présente auprès de nos compatriotes lors de son mandat en temps que conseillère des Français de l’Etranger.
Toujours souriante aimable et serviable elle nous a quitté dans la dignité pour rejoindre son cher époux Wynne.
Nous garderons d’elle un excellent souvenir.
Repose en paix chère Colette
.

Photos 

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