Obituary of Mrs. Marie-Lou Riopel

1932 - 2021

Marie-Lou Riopel (née Breckon) passed away peacefully at home in Stouffville in her 89^th year, on January 16th 2021.  She will be greatly missed by her son Charles, her daughter-in-law, Anne Marie and grandsons Robert and Andrew. 

Born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan April 6^th, 1932 the daughter of the late Robert Hopkins & Bertha Elizabeth (née LaCroix).   Marie-Lou was predeceased by her husband of 44 years, Jean Paul, in 2002 and her half-brother, RCAF Flight Lieutenant Andrew J. Smith in 1942.

Marie-Lou was an Alumni of the University of Saskatchewan, Class of 1953, as well as a Graduate of the Royal Conservatory of Music of Toronto for Piano & Singing.

Her fondest memories include sailing to Europe on the Empress of England Liner in 1957, driving from Edmonton to Quebec City, newly married, in an MG Sports Car in early winter, EXPO 67 in Montreal, working for the Independent Order of Foresters until her retirement in 1997, and the lifelong friendships that came from 34 years in Scarborough before moving to her final home in Stouffville.

Mom lived a full life, with modest tastes, a glass of red wine, good food, family and good friends were all she needed to enjoy any occasion.  Marie-Lou touched the lives of many and will be sorely missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Marie-Lou’s honour would be welcome at Parkview Village Retirement Community Association of York Region, Covenant House Toronto, MS Society of Canada, or World Wildlife Foundation Canada.