Rachel Claire Cooligan

Rachel will be profoundly missed by her children: Michael (Jackie), Roxanne (Stuart), Andrée (Jaana), and Noëlle (Sean); her grandchildren, Fiona (Brandon), Benjamin, Sara, Colin and Michael; and her great-granddaughter, Rayna. She is also lovingly remembered by her sisters, Véronique Bonnick and Marcelle Lapointe; her nieces, Natalie Chin-Sim and Diane Lamoureux; and her many nephews, nieces and friends.

Rachel was predeceased by her beloved husband, Garret (Garry) Joseph Cooligan (2018); her firstborn, Daniel Cooligan (2022); her siblings, Térèse Lapointe (1927), Rita (Lapointe) Lamoureux (1990), Jean-Louis Lapointe (1997), and Raymond Lapointe (2011); and her parents, Gracia (née Lamirande) Lapointe (2000) and William Thomas Lapointe (1969).

Born on October 26, 1935, in Breckenridge, Quebec, Rachel lived a life rich in family, friendship, and curiosity. Raised on a farm, she developed close ties with her siblings, a lasting affection for animals, and a gift for classic Québécois cooking that later anchored many family gatherings. She also held fond memories of her school years at Le Couvent Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci in Aylmer (1942–1951).

As a young woman, Rachel commuted from the farm to Rideau Street in Ottawa, where she began her working life as a bookkeeper. It was during her daily commute that she met her future husband, Garry, who was immediately smitten and proposed within weeks. Their marriage grew into a partnership of more than 60 years, marked by devotion to family, shared work—Rachel served as bookkeeper for Garry’s growing law practice for many years—and common passions, including golf, bridge, and world travel.

Rachel’s greatest pride and joy was her family. She created a happy, welcoming and safe home for five busy kids (and all their friends) and an ever-changing cast of pets. We were lucky to have spent winters skiing at Camp Fortune and Grey Rocks, and to have enjoyed summers around the pool. The house was always full of laughter. We were given invaluable opportunities, including university educations. Together with Garry, Rachel taught us humour, humility, generosity, and an appreciation for life’s simple joys. She was most content knowing we were independent, fulfilled, and surrounded by love in our own lives.

An avid golfer, Rachel was a long-time member of The Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club, where she was active in the women’s league. She enjoyed many memorable rounds of golf and bridge with Garry, her sister Véronique, and their best friends, Marg and Pat Devine. She was especially proud of her three trophy wins at the Hunt and her time serving on the Ladies Committee and Executive. In bridge, Rachel achieved the rank of Bronze Life Master and, together with Garry, competed in international tournaments. They also ran the Alta Vista Bridge Club for many years. Travel remained a keen interest throughout their lives, and in later years Rachel enjoyed multiple cruises, including two recent trips with her three daughters, affectionately known as The Triplets.

Rachel held diverse interests, but was especially fond of music (and musicals), along with games, world history, good food, good books, and a dry martini—or a diet Pepsi! She also had an unapologetic fondness for ice cream. A competitor at heart, she was gracious in both victory and defeat. Rachel found great enjoyment at the bingo hall with her sister and daughters including some legendary “monster bingo” road trips.

Following Garry’s passing in 2018, Rachel shared her home with her sisters, Véronique and Marcelle. She treasured their companionship and the close relationship they had.

Rachel was known for her sharp wit, intelligence, compassion, quiet strength, and the generosity she extended to all who knew her. Ever young at heart, she remained keenly attuned to popular culture and world events. Despite various health challenges, she loved life deeply and lived it fully, meeting adversity with resilience, determination and humility.

Rachel had a natural sense of style and grace. She celebrated her 90th birthday in true form—elegantly dressed, surrounded by loved ones, enjoying a wonderful meal, photographs spanning her life, and stories shared with abundant laughter. This celebration reflected the many gatherings she so effortlessly brought together over the years.

Rachel will be forever remembered by all who loved her.

A funeral service will be held at McEvoy-Shields, 1411 Hunt Club Road, Ottawa, Ontario, on Monday, January 19, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. Refreshments will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rachel’s memory may be made to The War Amps of Canada or to a charity of your choice.