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
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Rene Bibeau
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Jean Carriere Il y a plusieurs annees..Mme Alarie est venu offrir ses condoleances a mon grand ami Pierre Archambault.. lors du deces de son partenaire Brent Penner..Il y avait une foule de monde…je suis venu de la Floride pour le support moral de Pierre…
Pierre est decede pas loin par apres…
Maintenant ils sont tous ensemble….
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Dorothy-Jean Lloyd A special thank you to Pierrette and Léopold for wonderful summers of music making in Victoria. The experience was unforgettable and I have many fond memories of your parents – Isabelle and Chantal.
I can only imagine how profound your loss is but your mother and father touched so many lives in ways that are paying it forward in musical circles all over the world.
Pierrette was a stylish, gracious, talented and strong woman. I will remember her always and with love.
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Seán Ó Briain To all the members of the Alarie-Simoneau family.
Belated sympathy on the passing of a great soprano. You don’t know me. I just love the voices of Pierrette Alarie and Leopold Simoneau…I have collected many of their CDs. I wanted to offer my condolences
I checked details of Pierrette Alarie just today on google…and was saddened to find that she had passed on.
Seán Ó Briain,
Dalkey, Co. Dublin. Ireland.
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Benoit Boutet Cheres Isabelle et Cantal,
je m’excuse d’avoir pris tant de temps a vous ecrire. L’annonce du deces de votre maman m’a beaucoup attriste. J’ai un peu perdu une maman des chanteurs en la perdant. Elle etait toujours a mon ecoute, pleine d’affection et de conseils, une confidante de premier ordre.
Il n’y avait pas si longtemps encore , on s’etait parle au telephone lors des deces de mon papa et de mon frere. Elle avait ete remplie d’affection et de sympathies a mon egard!
Je n’oublierai jamais tous ces bons moments partages en sa compagnie soi dans le contexte d’Opera Piccola, ou a la maison en tant qu’amis. Elle a connu toutes les etapes de ma carriere et de ma vie depuis 1982.
Elle me manquera enormement!
Mes sympathies et mon amour vous accompagnent, en esperant vous revoir dans un futur rapproche.
Je vous prie de garder contact!
Je vous embrasse toutes les deux.
Et je garde le souvenir de ses yeux, sonsourire et de son grand coeur profondement grave dans mon coeur!
Un vieil ami!
Benoit Boutet
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Aline Kutan Dear Isabelle, My condoleances to you and your family. Your mom was a geat lady with such a glorious voice. I grew up listening to her and always admired her for her high notes, her coloratura and fabulous staccato!! It was such an honor to sing for her at the Governer General Awards in Ottawa years ago and so nice to have seen you back then too. May she rest in peace and
may she enjoy duetting with your dad again and singing higher than the angels!
Sincerely,
Aline Kutan
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Tom Oliver and Branislav Kalanj Dear dear Sa and Chantal,
We are deeply saddened learning the news of Maman’s passing. I will never forget meeting Pierrette at Banff, staging “The Telephone” for which I was the understudy and then years later sang it for the Canadian Opera co. as a representative at Expo in Vancouver, (that you Isabelle managed) . A thrill of a my life.
Leopold and Pierrette have never left my memory as being the adopted parents of this “L’enfant prodigue”…. Leopold’s label for this tormented baritone.
Together they shaped my passion for voice and set my mind and talents in the solid foundation of loving my career as a singing teacher. For this I am eternally grateful.
All our Love to your family and sincerest condolences. God bless you all.
Tom Oliver 905.544.7765
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Lena Toneff LenTo Isabelle and Chantal and husbands , I was deeply saddened by the news of Pierrette ‘s passing .We volunteered together at the Eric Martin Hospital and became good friends . I visited her several times at Somerset House and saw her last at the Odeon Theater for an opera performance beamed in from New York . She always sat at the very front and was surrounded by several friends . I am so sad that I didn’t know of her illness and would have liked to visit her before her passing . That is a regret I have to live with. She was such an example of graciousness and generosity , there are not many like her . With deeply felt sympathy , Lena Toneff
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Caroline Luce Dear Chantal and Isabelle:
Please accept my condolences on the death of your mother, Pierrette. I had been meaning to write to your mother since last autumn. I’m sorry that I did not. I wanted to share a memory that resurfaced after I saw the Lincoln Centre’s production of South Pacific – why now? I don’t know. It goes like this: my grandmother – Hattie, who knew your mother, maybe they attended the same church, in Montreal, or perhaps your mother was an invited guest periodically – my grandmother was a church organist and choral singer. My grandmother had been given me voice lessons for a year or so (I was 14) and she asked your mother if she could give an opinion on my voice. I remembered being introduced to your mother, I see her, sitting on the edge of the sofa, in the living room – she listened and gave her opinion:’.. nice voice .. but .. small, emphasis on small.’ She also suggested that I not be given formal training until I’m seventeen. Well, I’ve started those lessons – forty years later. I would also have told her that I have fallen in love with operas and the voices.
Caroline Luce (Toronto)
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Gisele Robichaud Mes plus sinceres synpathies pour le deces de votre mere.
J’etais une des infirmieres de votre pere a la dialyse renale a Victoria.
Je demeure a Moncton au N.B. maintenant. C’est une de mes amie de Vancouver qui madonner la nouvelle.
Gisele
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Marcel Allard Mes plus sincères sympathies à la famille Alarie. J’ai toujours admiré la gentillesse, le professionnalisme et l’aspect humain de cette grande dame avec laquelle j’ai étudié la mise en scène d’opéra au Conservatoire de Musique de Montréal, et également avec Léoplod Simoneau pour la technique vocale et l’interprétation des oeuvres musicales. Pierrette Alarie et Léopold Simoneau furent en particulier de très célèbres mozartiens. Fort heureusement nous pouvons encore les entendre par leurs enregistrements. Merci pour la beauté que vous avez offerte aux auditeurs à travers le monde.
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alarie claude mes plus sinceres condoleances a vous tous votre mere étais la cousine de mon pere pierre alarie,fils de la famille donat omer alarie.bonne chance
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David Romano Dear Chantal and Isabelle,
I was so very sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved Maman!
You know how much she and your late father meant to me for the almost 40 years I knew them. They were both a great influence on my life and career!
Their photos are hanging on my office walls and the many scores they gave me are on my library shelves. At least once a day I have Pierrette and/or Léopold singing on my computer or iPod.I remember the first time I met you both when you moved to Tiburon!
How many times do I remember them telling me how proud of both of you they were.They both belong to the immortals of great singing and they will always be with us forever!
Love to both of you. David
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George Cuppage What a wonderful lady, Pierrette will be missed by all who knew her.
Love to both of you,
George
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Patricia Sinnott 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
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alexandra browning moore 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.
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Jean Villemur 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.
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Caroline Guay 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…
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hugh sinnott 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
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Dorothy Wing 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
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Marcus Handman 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!
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Kolina 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
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Jeunesses Musicales du Canada 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.
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Judith Pelletier 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.
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Fay and Phillip Russell Dear Isabelle and Chantal,
Please accept my most sincere condolences on the loss of your dear mother.
My many evenings of driving Pierrette to the Oak Bay Art Club, our chuckles together and the unique femme fatal approach to life that exuded from Pierrete will remain with me.
I shall miss seeing her graceful elegance and her smile at the opera.
Good bye dear friend.
Fay
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INGENBLEEK-LANOIX Chères Chantal et Isabelle et toute la famille,
Nous avons appris avec beaucoup de tristesse le décès de Pierrette.Nos conversations téléphoniques avec elle étaient toujours pleines de vie,de chaleur et de sympathie et nous garderons d’elle et de Léopold un très bon souvenir lors
de notre visite à Victoria,Edouard et Jean Michel
Strasbourg,France
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Kristine Letson Very sad to hear the news. Your mother and father gave me one of my very first professional opportunities, both as a choreographer and a teacher. Their passion for the world of opera has influenced my life and work in countless ways. Pierrette opened my eyes to the need for excellence, the beauty of doing one’s best and the joy of following one’s heart. I am hugely grateful for the trust and challenges she put in my path. She will be remembered in many hearts, in many ways.
My deepest sympathies to you all.
Sincerely, Kristine Letson
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Mac Gollert Your mother “introduced” me to classical music! As a 17 year old high school student in Owen Sound,Ontario, I was part of a high school group who volunteered at local Community Concert Presentations. Your mother and father came, performed at a local Church. It was probably 1950. I will long remember such glorious voices. I was “hooked” on opera, and have been ever since.
Sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. She will long be remembered, by many.sincerely,
Mac Gollert, St. Catharines, Ontario
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Wilma Greig Dear Isabelle,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. May happy memories heal your heart.
Sincere condolences to you & your family
Wilma & Gillie
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Richard Alarie Mes plus sincères condoléances à sa famille.
J’ai eu la chance il y a plusieurs années de la rencontrer lors d’une rencontre familiale. Elle était une très grande dame.
Que Dieu la protège.
Richard
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Giovanni CAPPATO Cheres Isabelle et Chantal très touchée pour la disparition de Tante Pierrette recevez aussi de la part de mon mari mes sincères condoleances.Je vous embrasse.Huguette.
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Gustave P Triste d’apprendre la mort de Mme Alarie, elle n’a jamais été oubliée.
Condoléances à la famille.g.r.p.
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Duncan Forbes My sincerest condolences to Pierrette’s family on the passing away of their mother.
We will all miss her in our own ways, but can take comfort in that she lives on in our memories.
I treasure the operatic recordings that she did with her husband; and also her art which she shared with us through the Oak Bay Art Club.
Farewell to a truly great lady, from
Duncan
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Micheline René Isabelle et Chantal, mes plus sincères condoléances pour la perte d’une chère maman qu’était la vôtre. Elle m’a enseigné la mise en scène alors que j’étudiais à l’école de musique Vincent d’Indy. Toute ma vie, j’ai répété à mes élèves les conseils de scène reçus de cette grande dame. Elle avait un sourire chaleureux et communicatif. J’ai toujours été très fière de cette grande chanteuse internationale. Elle nous représentait bien par le courage et la ténacité de réussir une vie artistique! Qu’elle repose en paix!
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Christine Lemelin Une grande dame, que Pierrette!
Je n’oublierai jamais sa générosité à mon égard et surtout de m’avoir accueillie, sans jugement, dans son école.
Sympathies et salutations particulières à Isabelle.
Merci.
Christine Lemelin
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René Une grande dame, une grande artiste, une belle voix que les Anges vont écouter avec tout le respect qu’elle mérite.
Vous avez toutes ma sympathie
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Glen Chanin Pierrette was a gracious and unassuming individual, always pleasant and cordial to meet. A great artist in various fields,she will certainly be missed by many people. My sympathies to Pierrette’s family.
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Sig. B. Peterson I was saddened to learn of Pierette’s passing and will long remember her friendly smile and cheerful personality. A greeting and brief chat with her was always uplifting to one’s spirit. Sincere sympathy on this sad loss.
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Marie Gill My Dear Isabelle. I spoke of you and your Mother just last week with people who attend the Opera.This is a sad time in your life Your Mother was such a beautiful lady and she will be missed. I think about you and I send you my deepest sympathies.
Marie Gill
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Bryan and Betty Stafford-Smith We knew Pierrette in retirement and we shared the pleasure of art and painting since 2000. We were fortunate to enjoy a friendship with such a warm, happy, and talented person and we are richer for that experience.
With condolences to her family
Bryan and Betty
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Brenda Braaten Dear Isabelle and family:
I am sad for you today, upon reading of your mother’s passing. You spoke of both your parents and I know you were close.
With much sympathy,
Brenda
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Benjamin Butterfield With great sadness I heard of Pierrette’s passing only today while away in Toronto. My deepest sympathies go out to Isabel And Chantal. I am so very happy to have known Pierrette as I did. She and Leopold are back together singing Mozart as it was intended and all is right in the world once again.
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Marie Robillard Mes plus sincères condoléances à la famille.
Je garderai toujours un bon souvenir de la douceur et de la gentissesse de Madame Pierrette Alarie.
Marie Robillard
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Richard Hurst Deepest condolences on the passing of this great artist. It was my pleasure to have worked in the Chorus of Montreal Opera Company many years ago and to hear her since Micaela in “Carmen” with Shirley Verrett. A deep loss. Blessings!
Sorry to respond so many years later. We didn’t hear of Aunt Pierrette’s passing until I looked you guys up on the internet. We still wish to express our deepest sympathy to you and your sister. Aunt Jeanne says she, too, is saddened by your loss.