Charlotte Gow (née Gillespie), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026, at the age of 84, at the family cottage in St. Adolphe d’Howard, Quebec.
Born in Ottawa on September 20, 1941, Charlotte spent most of her life in Kanata, Ontario, where she and her husband Gordon lovingly raised their family.
A dedicated school teacher for many years, Charlotte inspired countless students with her patience, enthusiasm, and kindness. She was a woman of many talents — an exceptional chef whose meals brought people together, a skilled quilter whose beautiful creations warmed both homes and hearts, and an avid golfer and curler. She especially cherished friendly competition and was particularly proud of winning a Mother-Daughter Ottawa District championship with her daughter Heather.
Above all, Charlotte’s greatest joy was her family. She treasured summers and holidays at the family cottage on Lac St. Joseph, where multiple generations gathered each Christmas. She delighted in lively games of Spoons with the grandchildren, filling the cottage with laughter that lasted late into the night and created memories that will be cherished forever.
Charlotte is survived by her devoted husband, Gordon Gow; her children, David Gow (Monica) and Heather Risi (Paul); her grandchildren, Ben, Thomas, Jamie, David, Caroline, Joseph, and Anne. She also leaves her sister, Lois Grubb (she was predeceased by her brother-in-law, Frank Grubb). She also leaves behind her dear cousin and best friend, Eleanor, and her husband, Robert Feldkircher.
Charlotte will be remembered for her warm smile, generous spirit, love of life, and the special way she made every gathering feel like home.
A celebration of life will be held in July with close family. In lieu of flowers, donations in Charlotte’s memory may be made to Wake Up Narcolepsy, the charity founded after one of her grandchildren who was diagnosed with narcolepsy.
The Brunet Funeral Cooperative at 36 Saint-Bruno Street, in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, offers its sincere condolences to the grieving family.
Messages de sympathie
Gordon
Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of Charlotte. May she rest in peace.
Que mon soutien réchauffe votre coeur
- Katya Laviolette and François Morrison , le
26 mai 2026
In memory of your outstanding wit and influence on my life
Un arbre est planté à la mémoire du défunt
- Ben, le
27 mai 2026
I got to know Charlotte in a different era but her smile will stay with me for a long time!
Thank you for letting be there for you!
Que mon soutien réchauffe votre coeur
- Marie Julie (MJ), le
28 mai 2026
It was a pleasure for me to assist and take care of your dear Charlotte through this journey . I pray every day that the Lord may offer you comfort and a light in the darkness. In time, may you find peace and joy again. 🙏🏼
Que mon soutien réchauffe votre coeur
- Maryse Pilotte, le
28 mai 2026
A very dear friend, deeply missed—but we were so blessed to have known her for so many decades. We were lucky to call her our TO mom, and all of us were welcomed into her warmth over the years.
Lucky for us, she shared so many master classes:
· Master class in teaching — her natural, gentle way with those kiddies;
· Master class in cooking — endless Martha and Ina treats, always made with love;
· Master class in quilting — an eye for creating stunning heirlooms;
· Master class in animal love — always appreciating the joy from all the cats and dogs that surrounded her life;
· Master class in being the best wife, mother, nana and friend — forever sharing love, laughter, and smiles with those lucky to call her family and friend.
She'll be forever in our hearts.
Love,
Peter, Harry, Frank & Edie
- Peter Grubb, le
29 mai 2026
In this sorrowful time, I would like to extend to you and your family my heartfelt condolences.
It was such a privilege for me to take care of the beautiful Charlotte at the most difficult path of her life.
May Lord bless and comfort you and yours during this time of grief.
God rest her in peace.
- Alexandra Stathoulopoulou, le
2 juin 2026
To our beautiful Charlotte,
You were never just a client to us.
You became family. For more than two years, we had the privilege of sharing moments, conversations, laughter, and kindness with you.
I always called you my little sunshine, because no matter the day, you had a way of bringing warmth, light, and happiness into the lives of the people around you.
Your departure leaves an enormous void in our hearts, and the home you filled with your presence will never feel quite the same. We will forever be grateful for the trust, love, and memories you gave us.
You will always hold a very special place in our hearts.
With all our love,
Caroline & Mélissa
Que mon soutien réchauffe votre coeur
- Caroline et Melissa, le
7 juin 2026
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