Carlyn Ann Cote

It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Carlyn Ann Cote (née Van Ness), passed away peacefully at the age of 77, on Saturday February 24 in hospice care, following a long, courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Ottawa to the late Richard Bernard Van Ness and Yolande (née Rolland). Carlyn is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Benoit Cote. her brother Rick Van Ness (Cathy), nieces Vanessa Savage, Lisa and Nicole Summers-Van Ness, great nephews Jacob, William and Thomas and great niece Leah. Carlyn is predeceased by her beloved sister Donna Savage (Bruce).  

Many thanks go out to close friends and extended family who rallied to show their love to Carlyn in person and from afar while she was at the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice in Kanata. The compassion and excellent care provided by medical staff and volunteers at the hospice was the best anyone could hope for. 

Carlyn grew up in the Hintonburg neighbourhood of Ottawa where she attended school in the French Catholic board, meeting her husband at a dance in the local church hall.  

Carlyn dedicated over 35 years to the Federal Government of Canada, retiring from Health Canada where she made many strong and lasting personal relationships.

She was creative, loved to paint and started up a small business with her sister Donna. For almost a decade they delighted customers at dog shows across eastern Ontario & western Quebec with their hand-crafted and breed-specific merchandise. Carlyn enjoyed swimming, doing jigsaw puzzles and spending leisure time at the cottage & with family. She had many four-legged companions over the years to whom she devoted a great deal of time and loving care. During her retirement she travelled the world with her sweetheart, Ben, sharing many adventures. She gave herself generously to family and friends, leaving us with many fond memories and words of wisdom to live by.  

A celebration of Carlyn's life will be held on March 16 at 7305 Campeau Drive, Kanata, at 3:00 p.m.  Please note that the first hour is reserved for relatives of and close friends of the deceased.  Others wishing to pay respects, please come from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.  Signage will be posted with directions to the lower-level event room.   Please use visitor parking spaces.

In memory of Carlyn, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Care Ottawa, the Ottawa Humane Society, or any charity of your choosing.