Hazel "Marie" Burgher

Marie passed away peacefully at St. Patrick’s Home of Ottawa on Saturday February 21, 2026 at the age of 79. Born in the Annapolis Valley, N.S., predeceased by her parents Maynard and Ruth (Starratt) Burgher, her brothers George, Bob and sister-in-law Sylvia. Marie is survived by her loving nieces and nephews Alan (daughters Cory, Kathryn), Karen (Greg MacLellan), Debbie (Aaron MacIntyre, sons Patrick, Matthew), Michael, Carol, Ian, sister-in-law Katy as well as a wide circle of dear friends.

After graduating from high school, Marie started her career in Halifax. Relocating to France for several years in the 1970s she became proudly bilingual and an expert in preparing a fine meal. Marie found great joy in sharing a good meal and conversation with family and friends. Shortly after returning to Halifax, she moved to her beloved Ottawa where she had a successful career with the Dept. of Justice advancing to be the executive assistant to the Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs. Marie was a talented seamstress and crafter who enjoyed sunlight, her garden and a good book. She loved to travel with family and friends, especially to her happy place, “Le Chateau” in France, a shared dream enjoyed with her friend Andrée Delagrave.

The family is sincerely grateful to all of Marie’s friends as well as the staff at St. Patrick’s Nursing Home in Ottawa for their devoted support of Marie in her final years.

Friends and family are invited to a memorial mass followed by a reception at McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home & Chapel, 1411 Hunt Club Road, Ottawa, Ontario on Wednesday March 18th, 2026 at 2:30pm. For those unable to attend, there will be a livestream available on the funeral home website.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Patrick’s Home of Ottawa Foundation or to a charity of your choice in Marie’s memory. Condolences may be left at: McEvoy-Shields.com.