In Celebration of

Andrée Steel

May 12, 1961 -  August 30, 2016

After a multi-year tango with cancer following a wonderful life, I closed my eyes a final time to move on to my next adventure. The hardest part of my new journey is leaving behind my wonderful husband and soul-mate Don Adams and beloved family members including Aunts, Pat Steel (late Robert Moyer) and Yolande Huot (late Robert Huot), cousins, Carle Steel, Manon Barré, Pierre Simard (Sue Grant), Jacques Simard (Kristi) and Pierette Simard (John Shipley), Gaëtan Huot (Kathleen Hudon) & Richard Huot, Gilles Huot (Myriam Tremblay), Francine Huot (Jurica Čapkun), Marc Stones (Deborah Wallace), Carol Stones and Kelly Bradshaw (Rod Swanson). I lost my parents, Jim and Raymonde (née Simard) Steel so many years ago, but my family life has been full of love and laughter thanks to the best in-laws anyone could hope for, including Sharon Adams and (Jim Lott), Jim and Marilyn (née MacIntosh) Adams, Miriam Adams (Laurie Preston), Val (née Adams) and Jeff Marus, Marlene (née Adams) Roberts and their amazing children – my wonderful nieces and nephews whom I love dearly. To my extended family of colleagues at The Royal where I served for 12 years with joy, it has been a privilege and honour to work with you, and finally to my dearest friends (you know who you are) – I love you - keep living life fully with no regrets and never stop dancing with joy.

The family would like to thank the staff of Mount Sinai Hospital of Toronto, Dr. Derek Jonker and all the staff of the Ottawa General Hospital for their excellent care as well the staff of the May Court Hospice who took care of Andrée during her last days.

Please join my Husband Don, my family and friends at a “Celebration of Life” on Monday September 12, 2016 from 12:00 to 3:30 pm (presentation at 1:15 pm) at The Great Canadian Theatre Company 1227 Wellington Street West, Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y 0G7. No flowers please – if you are so inclined please make a donation to The Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health at: http://www.theroyal.ca/foundation
Tributes may be sent via Lifetimes at www.beechwoodottawa.ca

Guestbook 

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Dean McCuaig (Work colleague)

Entered September 2, 2016 from Ottawa

Andree, we worked together only briefly on two projects but the moment I met you, I knew you were a kind and impactfull woman who was changing the world. There was a light and a joy about you, but also strength and I think people were drawn to that. I knew you were special from the moment we met. Thank you for the care and kindness you extended to all who you met. You did, you changed the world. I am so sorry you had to leave early.

Lisa Vaters (Friend and colleague)

Entered September 2, 2016 from Ottawa

Meeting and getting to know Andree was a highlight as our paths crossed many times in our support of our military community globally. Her stories about her fanily, about Don, were touching. Her stories about her work inspiring. It was an honour to have known her. My condolences to her family and her friends.

Jennifer MacLeod (Friend)

Entered September 3, 2016 from Bedford, Nova Scotia

Don and family
Please accept my condolences on your loss. Andrée was an exceptional woman with a great capacity for kindness, courage, strength, caring, leadership and friendship. She hired me at Ottawa Tourism and I was then, and remain now, in awe of her. Never was there a more beautiful person - inside and out. She taught me so much and will forever hold a special place in my heart. You are all in my hearts and thoughts.
Jennifer

Shirley Westeinde (Friend and supporter of Royal Ottawa)

Entered September 4, 2016 from Ottawa

Dear Don:
John and I were aware this possibility, but we too had hope for her to have a little more time.. No one fought harder than she di. She was such a kind caring person and SUCH a professional with her fundraising and soooo dedicated.
We will miss her.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
John & Shirley Westeinde

Glain Roberts-McCabe (Colleague)

Entered September 4, 2016 from toronto

To Don and Andrée's family and friends, my deepest condolences go to each of you at this time. It is difficult to navigate the void that is left when a loved one leaves us. Especially someone with the fierce energy that is Andrée.

Andrée and I met in 1994 on our first day as coworkers at Ottawa Tourism. We were the new kids on the block...as termed by Andrée and she was determined that we would make a mark. Her ambition and deep desire to make a difference was clear. It was no surprise to me that years later she would find herself at the Royal. How fortunate for them that she brought her talents and energy to such a crucial cause. I couldn't imagine a better place for her talents.

Andrée and I didn't work together for long but she left a strong and lasting impression. I was always impressed with her ability to work a room. She was a natural salesperson. Her genine interest in people and natural charm was something to behold. I thought I'd share my favourite memory.

One night after work, we hit a bar on Bank Street. One of the patrons decided to chat us up. My instinct in these situations is not to engage in any kind of interaction. But not Andrée. She chatted amicably with the inebriated fellow until, growing in confidence, he asked if either of us were single.

With a laugh, Andrée flashed her wedding rings and asked him if he was single to which he responded 'I had a girlfriend until I was stabbed in the heart with a screwdriver.' Immediately Andrée responded with empathy and concern expressing how awful the situation must have been for him. To which he responded 'No. I was stabbed in the heart with a screwdriver.' Once again, Andrée mirrored back his hurt and pain with genuine concern.

Lifting his shirt, he repeated with impatiemce 'I got STABBED in the HEART with a SCREWDRIVER!' Running across his chest was a jagged red scar. He had literally been stabbed in his heart with a screwdriver by a slightly deranged ex girlfriend.

To say that we laughed was an understatement. I think of that night often as Andrée really taught me a lot about taking risks and engaging with others. She was adept at steering conversations...no matter how bizarre! When I later moved into a sales role I found that I had adopted much of her style although I have nowhere near the level of poise or grace that she possessed.

I know Andrée's passing has left a huge hole in the hearts of so many but I hope there is some comfort in knowing that she has left lessons and gifts to so many others that will continue to live on. I feel so glad that I had the opportunity to cross paths with her in this lifetime.

Enjoy your next journey Andrée. I have no doubt that you will making an impact wherever you go next.

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