Louise Breadner

Some knew her as Weezie, Lou, or Louise. Those fortunate enough to have crossed her path remembered this vibrant woman as kind, articulate, intelligent, opinionated, passionate and above all, compassionate.

Louise Marie Florence Breadner (nee Langlois) was born on June 8, 1946, in Montmartre, Saskatchewan, to her loving parents Emile and Nora Langlois.

She lived her life as a proud, fiercely independent woman. As a corporate nurse, she quickly climbed the ranks, impressing the organizations she worked for. Balancing a demanding career with raising two daughters on her own left others in awe of her strength and resilience. Over the years, she forged lasting friendships while advancing her career from Saskatoon, SK to London, ON and eventually, to Calgary, AB where she retired.

After unforgettable and life-changing safari trips to Africa in 1999 & 2001, she fell in love with the country and dedicated herself to volunteering with several organizations. Always a woman of action, she quickly earned the respect and admiration of the groups she supported, forming deep friendships along the way. Louise’s volunteer work included contributions to The Stephen Lewis Foundation, Ujama Grandmas, Poverty Relief Africa and helping new immigrant families settle in Calgary, among others.

Louise had a deep love for travel and a curiosity for the world that took her to many different Countries, creating many memories with friends along the way. She embraced each journey with enthusiasm, connecting with people and their cultures and leaving behind stories of adventure that her friends will treasure forever. Once she was unable to travel, she found joy in exploring Calgary’s many pathways and the riverbed, often walking with friends and creating cherished memories along the way.

She remained fully independent until December 2023, when she moved into the Colonel Belcher independent living residence due to the challenges of Inclusion Body Myositis. Even in this new chapter, she continued to build meaningful relationships with both staff and residents.

Whether you knew her for decades or just a year and whether you were near or far, Louise had a remarkable way of making you feel special. She asked thoughtful questions, listened intently, challenged you and always offered the best advice. Her quick laugh, whether shared with you or at her own expense created an ease that made being around her a true joy.

The world lost one of its truly good people on November 30, 2024, at 5 a.m. True to her nature, Louise was out enjoying a Pink Floyd light show with a close friend shortly before her passing.

Surrounded by family, she passed away at the age of 78 at Foothills Hospital in Calgary. Her beautiful life will forever be cherished and honored by her daughters; Michelle (Dan) and Sara (Dave), and her adored grandchildren; Amy, Mia, and Cal. She will also be deeply missed by her extended family and the many friends she made over the years.

To give family and friends time to process, grieve and enjoy the holidays, the family will hold a Celebration of Life in the spring of 2025.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Stephen Lewis Foundation to honor her legacy, https://stephenlewisfoundation.org/ or Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan https://righttolearn.ca/