It is with profound sadness that we share the loss of Jeanne Sabourin, daughter, sister, teacher, actress, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother and friend. She played many roles for many people, both on and off the stage.
She joins her beloved husband, Henri, brother François, brother-in-law Jean and Jacques, sister-in-law Pat and nephew Paul dancing the Charleston in heaven.
Jeanne was born in Ottawa, Ontario on October 4, 1930 to Polydore and Marie Louise (Landriau) Berthiaume. She grew up in Ottawa, ON but spent her summers at the family cottage in Pointe-au-Chêne, QC surrounded by her extended family. She passed away on June 22, 2026 at 95 with her son, François by her side, no doubt breathing a sigh of relief that she could rest now.
Beloved mother of Julie (Paul Champigny), Claire (Art Niemi) and Jean-François. Adored grandmother of Alexandre, Caroline (Bill Bovair), Nicholas (Natalie Urbanski) and Lucas (Brianne Nelson). Dear sister to Guy Berthiaume. Predeceased by her sister-in-law Pat and her brother François. Dear aunt to Lynn(Michel), Anne, Paul (deceased)and Marc (Tina Lyons). She will be remembered fondly by her sister-in-law, Nicole Joly of Aylmer.
Jeanne attended the Congrégation de Notre Dame Convent in Ottawa before attending the University of Ottawa. She went on to attend Teachers College in Toronto before starting her teaching career at Eastview High School in Ottawa. She taught Physical Education and Drama. She also taught Drama at École secondaire Champlain. She was a founding member of Les Trouvères and L’Atelier theatre companies, as well as Théâtre Action.
Her career continued with the Dominion Drama Festival organizing the yearly Multicultural Theatre Festival. She ran the Women's Centre at the University of Ottawa until she was recruited to become Responsable du bureau Franco-Ontarien at the Ontario Arts Council. After retirement, she was equally busy participating in committees, juries and Board of directors for many organizations such as Salon du livre de Toronto, Théâtre français de Toronto, Centre francophone de Toronto, Fondation Franco-ontarienne, L’Entente Canada-communautés Ontario, Société d’histoire de Toronto, and many more.
Throughout her theatrical life, Jeanne played roles with la Compagnie des Trouvères, la Comédie des Deux Rives, The Ottawa Little Theatre, L’Atelier, Théàtre de l’Île, National Arts Center, Théâtre français de Toronto, La Tangente. She also participated in television and had a small role in Atom Egoyan’s Family Viewing.
It takes a village to support someone who lived with Alzheimer’s for 19 years. Instrumental in those years were a number of friends and caregivers. For 13 years, Cindy helped to keep Jeanne walking (without getting lost), pedalling, talking, reading and playing while Kirsten kept Jeanne doing Pilates twice a week for over 20 years. Jeanne never lost her ability to enjoy life’s small daily pleasures: time outside in the sunshine; a well-loved song; a poem; listening and smiling at stories told in the company of family and friends.
Special thanks to the wonderful staff at Lakeside Long-Term Care facility who gave her such good care and surrounded her with love and attention. Our 3rd floor PSWs, nurses and recreation staff became our family over the course of Jeanne’s last 6.5 years. Special thanks to the personnel at Chartwell Grenadier who helped us navigate the first 7 years in a retirement and assisted living environment. In remembrance of Jeanne, donations can be made to Théâtre Action or Théâtre français de Toronto, Fonds Richard Vaillancourt.
Arrangements and cremation were entrusted to Turner Porter Yorke Chapel. A Celebration of Life was held on August 23, 2026 at The Boulevard Club Ballroom, 1491 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto from 1-4:30 pm, Banquet Entrance.
Internment and Celebration of Life will also be held in Hawkesbury, ON on September 26, 2026 at 11am at St-Alphonse Cemetery. A reception will follow immediately at Cité Golf Club Funeral arrangements have been entrusted Berthiaume Family Funeral Home. RSVP jscelebration2026@gmail.com