Colleagues, we were all saddened to hear the news of the passing of Aline Chrétien on Saturday, September 12, 2020, after a long and remarkable life.

Born in 1936 and the eldest of a large working-class family, she left school at 16 but never gave up her love of continuous learning and education. She spoke four languages and later in life, during international meetings, she would often surprise other delegates by giving speeches in Spanish or Italian.

Continuing her lifelong support of education, she became Chancellor of Laurentian University in Sudbury in 2010, serving until 2013.

In her fifties, she began taking piano lessons and, later, was so talented that she would perform at public recitals.

A private person by nature, Madame Chrétien was thrust into the public spotlight and became well known to Canadians for her dignified presence and poise.

In private, at dinners held at 24 Sussex Drive, or in public at state dinners, she treated everyone with great respect and courtesy, and she was a role model for so many people. Out of the spotlight, she personally supported and advised countless others on a wide range of subjects and problems.

She served Canada well during her lifetime, and we all owe her a debt of gratitude. A grandmother, a mother, a spouse, she passed away at the summer home she designed overlooking the lake in Quebec with her beloved husband Jean and family members present. For all of us who had the pleasure of knowing her, we were enriched by the experience. She was a wonderful person. May you rest in peace, Madame Chrétien.