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
Isabelle, I heard this afternoon on CBC Radio of your mother’s death. My prayers are with you and your family and I will tell Philip when he returns from the UK, I know he will want to know. Blessings, Pat
Dear Isabelle and family
Heartfelt condolences on your loss. I adored your mom..she was such a great role model in how to remain gracious and elegant in life as she aged. She was so proud of you both..it shined in her face whenever she spoke of you. It has been a privilege to have known both your parents as singers and as warm and generous people away from the spotlight.
A la famille de Pierrette Alarie-Simoneau
Nous participons à la peine ressentie au décès de cette chanteuse à l’immense talent.
Veullez accepter nos plus sincères condoléances.
Nous sommes touchés de savoir que vous devez une GRATITUDE ÉTERNELLE au personnel du Sunrise Senior Living de Victoria, B.C.. Leur profonde humanité mérite félicitations.
Des passionnés de musique,
Jean Villemur et Ghislaine Chamard de Montréal, Qué.
Bonjour !
Je conserverai toujours un merveilleux souvenir de Madame Alarie que j’ai eu le privilège de connaître alors que j’étudiais l’art vocal à l’école Vincent d’Indy pendant les années soixante. Elle dispensait alors des cours d’opéra une fois par semaine. Elle venait, accompagnée de ses deux petites filles qui demeuraient bien sages et silencieuses tout au long de la séance. Madame Alarie, c’était un symbole de perfectionnisme, de raffinement, d’élégance et de beauté. Ses yeux brillaient comme des saphirs et nous souhaitions toutes, secrètement, pouvoir lui ressembler un peu. Elle a maintenant rejoint la galaxie où elle brillera toujours.
Veuillez accepter mes condoléances.
Caroline Guay
P.-S.: J’ai déploré qu’on ne présente pas un résumé de sa carrière à la télévision française de Radio-Canada…
Isabelle my condolances for your loss.It was a great pleasure knowing your mother and father for the few years I did and I hope you find comfort from knowing that they, together ,brought so much pleasure and enrichment to this world for many years and their legacy of beautiful singing will live on for ever.Hugh
I had forgotten Pierette was related to ‘Maman Plouffe’, a show I always listened to growing up in Montreal. A rich heritage.
Pienatte was simply a lovely person, sharing of her talents and time, and always gracious.
My very best wishes to you both.
Sincerely,
Dorothy Wing
Isabelle – Please accept my condolences. I particularly liked the phrase above about how she will continue to bring joy and passion to the world through the many recordings she made. Indeed!
Isabelle – I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m thinking of you and your family in this difficult time. Though I never met your mother, I loved your stories about her. What a remarkable woman and what a full life!
love,
Kolina
C’est avec regret que nous avons appris le décès de Mme Alarie-Simoneau. Comme le souhaite la famille, un don à l’INCA a été fait en sa mémoire. C’est une grande perte pour le milieu de la musique; une salution particulière de la part de l’un de ses anciens collègues de chant lyrique soit M. Joseph Rouleau qui garde le souvenir d’une très grande dame. Toutes nos condoléances à la famille et aux proches.
Le président M. Joseph Rouleau, C.C., G.O.Q. et toute l’équipe des Jeunesses Musicales du Canada tiennent à exprimer leurs sincères condoléances aux membres de la famille et aux proches de Pierrette Alarie-Simoneau en ces journées de deuil.
La brillante carrière internationale de Mme Alarie-Simoneau a inspiré de nombreux jeunes artistes canadiens, en plus d’être une source de fierté pour tout le milieu musical.
Elle restera à jamais en nos cœurs.