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.
