International Opera Singer
It is with great sadness that the family of Pierrette Alarie-Simoneau has to announce that she took her last graceful bow on the stage of life on July 10, 2011. Born on November 9,1921 in Montréal to Amanda and Silva Alarie, she took after her mom (also known as Maman Plouffe in the television series Les Plouffes), and followed in her footsteps. By the age of 9, she was already known in the world of Theatre. After a short career as an actress, she started her now famous path in the world of Opera. She met her husband, Léopold Simoneau (the acclaimed tenor) while studying voice. They were married in 1946. Together they embarked on a great and illustrious international career in the world of Opera and Recitals. She continues to bring joy and passion to the world through the many recordings she made. Among many artistic honours and recognitions, Pierrette Alarie-Simoneau received theOrder of Canada tn 1967, the very first year of the awards and in 1995 was elevated to the rank of Companion of the Order of Canada. She leaves behind 2 very sad daughters, Isabelle and Chantal and together with their respective husbands, Johnny and Bill, wish to express their everlasting gratitude to the staff of Sunrise Senior Living in Victoria, for their dedicated care and deep compassion towards our much loved Maman. She won the heart of everyone she ever met.
At the request of Mme. Alarie there will not be a service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, 2340 Richmond Ave. Victoria, BC, V8R 4R9. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com
44 Responses
Dear Isabelle and Chantal,
Please accept my most sincere condolences on the loss of your dear mother.
My many evenings of driving Pierrette to the Oak Bay Art Club, our chuckles together and the unique femme fatal approach to life that exuded from Pierrete will remain with me.
I shall miss seeing her graceful elegance and her smile at the opera.
Good bye dear friend.
Fay
Chères Chantal et Isabelle et toute la famille,
Nous avons appris avec beaucoup de tristesse le décès de Pierrette.Nos conversations téléphoniques avec elle étaient toujours pleines de vie,de chaleur et de sympathie et nous garderons d’elle et de Léopold un très bon souvenir lors
de notre visite à Victoria,
Edouard et Jean Michel
Strasbourg,France
Very sad to hear the news. Your mother and father gave me one of my very first professional opportunities, both as a choreographer and a teacher. Their passion for the world of opera has influenced my life and work in countless ways. Pierrette opened my eyes to the need for excellence, the beauty of doing one’s best and the joy of following one’s heart. I am hugely grateful for the trust and challenges she put in my path. She will be remembered in many hearts, in many ways.
My deepest sympathies to you all.
Sincerely, Kristine Letson
Your mother “introduced” me to classical music! As a 17 year old high school student in Owen Sound,Ontario, I was part of a high school group who volunteered at local Community Concert Presentations. Your mother and father came, performed at a local Church. It was probably 1950. I will long remember such glorious voices. I was “hooked” on opera, and have been ever since.
Sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. She will long be remembered, by many.
sincerely,
Mac Gollert, St. Catharines, Ontario
Dear Isabelle,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. May happy memories heal your heart.
Sincere condolences to you & your family
Wilma & Gillie
Mes plus sincères condoléances à sa famille.
J’ai eu la chance il y a plusieurs années de la rencontrer lors d’une rencontre familiale. Elle était une très grande dame.
Que Dieu la protège.
Richard
Cheres Isabelle et Chantal très touchée pour la disparition de Tante Pierrette recevez aussi de la part de mon mari mes sincères condoleances.Je vous embrasse.Huguette.
Triste d’apprendre la mort de Mme Alarie, elle n’a jamais été oubliée.
Condoléances à la famille.
g.r.p.
My sincerest condolences to Pierrette’s family on the passing away of their mother.
We will all miss her in our own ways, but can take comfort in that she lives on in our memories.
I treasure the operatic recordings that she did with her husband; and also her art which she shared with us through the Oak Bay Art Club.
Farewell to a truly great lady, from
Duncan
Isabelle et Chantal, mes plus sincères condoléances pour la perte d’une chère maman qu’était la vôtre. Elle m’a enseigné la mise en scène alors que j’étudiais à l’école de musique Vincent d’Indy. Toute ma vie, j’ai répété à mes élèves les conseils de scène reçus de cette grande dame. Elle avait un sourire chaleureux et communicatif. J’ai toujours été très fière de cette grande chanteuse internationale. Elle nous représentait bien par le courage et la ténacité de réussir une vie artistique! Qu’elle repose en paix!