Renee Orsi

Renée Orsi (née Marie Alice Renée Tremblay) was born on May 17, 1943, in Desbiens, Québec, on the shores of Lac Saint-Jean, to Azarias and Germaine (née Ouellet) Tremblay (both now passed). She was the fourth eldest of 16 brothers and sisters, and the proud aunt of many nieces and nephews.

In 1968, Renée married her beloved husband Rosario at Laval University in Québec City. She joined Rosario in Toronto to start a new life together. Renée quickly adapted to her new home, learning Italian and the regional Italian dialect of Castelpizzuto from Rosario and her loving parents-in-law, Serafina (née Romano) Orsi and Domenico Orsi (both now passed). Renée also learned English just as quickly, and formed lasting relationships with her extended family and friends in Toronto.

Renée earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from York University in 1992, while working full-time and taking care of her young family. Her undergraduate work was recognized with an award for excellence, a testament to her hard work and her commitment to learning.

Not only was Renée a lifelong learner, she was also a lifelong teacher. She shaped the minds of many children both in Québec and in Ontario as an elementary school teacher.

Renée was devoted to God and her Catholic faith. She was a lay member of the Franciscan Order and volunteered frequently to help the community. She was a faithful parishioner at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Toronto until she moved to the Ottawa area in 2007. She was a faithful parishioner at Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Church in Stittsville, Ontario, since then.

Her faith often informed her art. Renée was extraordinarily creative and artistic. Her home is filled with the intricate quilts and needlework she designed and crafted. One of the ways she will be remembered is by the quilts she lovingly made and gifted to her family over the years.

Renée died suddenly at home, on Friday, October 30, 2026.

Her family will deeply and forever miss her.

She was the beloved wife of Rosario (Ross) for 58 (and four months) of marriage, full of all the ups-and-downs of life. Together, they travelled widely to spend time with family, enjoyed many walks in nature, and many games of Scrabble. (Any 50-point score in a game of Scrabble was always a highlight for her!) Renée loved a mean game of cards (especially Dame de Pique), and a challenging puzzle (she never tired of her jigsaws and puzzle books). She loved swimming and tending to her garden.

Renée was the loving mother of Joanne (Markus Muehleisen); Daniela; Liane (Avery Patterson); and Rina (Matt Stewart). She was the beloved grandma of Lucas (Jui Kalgutkar), Alex, and Ben; Ana and Lucia; Matteo and Emma; and Nyah and Maisie.

Her dear husband, her cherished children, and her precious grandchildren are heartbroken by her loss.

Family and friends may send flowers or donations to support Arthritis Research Canada. Family and friends may also visit on Friday November 6, 2026, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Tubman Funeral Homes Carp Chapel, 115 Rivington Street, Carp, Ontario, K0A 1L0.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Church, 1489 Shea Road, Stittsville, Ontario.