Vera Anita Charlebois

Vera Charlebois was born on April 24, 1930, in Smiths Falls, Ontario and passed away at her home on August 13, 2023, surrounded by family and friends. She is survived by her sons Owen (Virginia) Charlebois of Columbia Maryland, and Dennis (Colleen) Charlebois of San Jose California, as well as her grandsons Matthew Charlebois and Riley Charlebois, her brother Shane Donaldson and his wife Linda of Ajax Ontario, numerous nieces and nephews, and her second extended family who she loved dearly – Janet and Brian Mackintosh, Nicholas Mackintosh, Alex Ibrahim and her great-great grandson Christian Ibrahim, who called her “GG”.

Vera was predeceased by her parents Edward and Rose Ellen Donaldson, her husband Arthur “Pete” Charlebois, her sister Colleen Fath, her brother Richard Donaldson and her second life partner Lionel Davis.

Vera had an amazing life, full of energy, friends, laughter, love, and accomplishment. Humble by nature, she was a person of great integrity, honesty, and trust. She would often be the person her friends and family sought for advice. Smart as a whip, she had incredible judgment, guided by a strong moral compass. 

Vera grew up in the 1930s, during the Great Depression. She attended Central and Johnson Public Schools in Smiths Falls, and Smiths Falls High School later.

The incredible challenges of growing up poor molded her into the strong, confident (and frugal) person that she turned out to be.

Vera had many interests, but her greatest accomplishments were in golf. She was Chaudière Ladies Club Champion for 22 years from 1967 to 1994, winner of the Ottawa and District Ladies’ Championship 4 times (1970, 1975, 1976 and 1977), winner of the 1975 International tournament in Massena NY, and winner of the 1975 Cataraqui Eastern Golf Championship in Kingston Ontario. In the early to mid 1980s her golf accomplishments soared … she was the Quebec Provincial Senior Champion in 1982 and 1983, she was a member of the Quebec Provincial Senior team 4 times (1982, 1983, 1984 and 1994) representing Quebec at the Canadian Senior Championship. In 1984 she led the Canadian Seniors tournament after two days, and finished 3rd overall. In 1982 Vera was ranked 7th best Senior in Canada, in 1983 that ranking improved to 5th overall, then to 3rd best Senior in Canada in 1984.

And there many other golf tournament wins, course records, and other accomplishments too numerous to single out. Suffice to say she had one of the finest amateur golf careers of anyone in her day.

But that wasn’t enough. At the age of 65 she began a career as a teaching pro at Emerald Links Golf Club in Ottawa, qualifying through the USGA Teaching Pro program. She loved teaching golf and inspiring and mentoring her students and did so for over 10 years.

People often ask themselves “Did my life make a difference? Will I be remembered?” In Vera’s case the answer is a huge YES. She was an accomplished sports figure, a dear friend to many, a cherished family member, and an incredible caring, loving person. Vera lived a wonderful life and touched so many along the way. She will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made in Vera’s name to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.