In Memory of Claudette Wigfull

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Claudette Françoise Juliette Wigfull (née  Doucet) on October 4, 2023. Claudette was born in Paris, France on March 28, 1940 to Robert and Gabrielle and grew up in Avallon, Yonne, Burgundy. A bright student, she was an avid reader and accomplished pianist who loved literature and the music of the Romantics. Claudette attended the Université de Dijon, graduating with a degree in English and American literature. Her third year was spent as a French teaching assistant in Derbyshire, England where she met her husband, Peter. They were married in 1963 in Avallon and settled in Derby where Claudette taught French to secondary school students. Claudette and Peter’s two children were born in the UK and the family immigrated to Canada in 1977, living in Kincardine, Ontario for several years before moving to Ottawa in 1986. Claudette spent many years volunteering for several organizations including her church, the food bank, Meals on Wheels, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Society and the Canadian Children’s Museum. She was an avid gardener and loved nature and animals, especially her own dogs and cats. Most of all, Claudette was a compassionate person, known for her empathy, kindness and generosity. She will be greatly missed by her husband Peter, daughter Elizabeth (Michel Kinasz), son Patrick (Anna Wodtka), brother Henri Doucet (Yamina), and her brother and sisters-in-law and many nephews and nieces.

A celebration of life service will be held at St. Helen’s Anglican Church, 1234 Prestone Blvd, Orleans on Tuesday, October 17 (11 AM visitation and 12 PM service with reception to follow). Livestreaming will be available. Flowers can be delivered to the church on October 17 only between 9:30 and 11:00 AM. Or donations in Claudette’s memory can be made to the Ottawa Humane Society.