Marleau's life filled with 'love and hope'

“You sleep very well when you've done your best, and worked with honesty and integrity.”

That's just one of the quotes attributed to former Sudbury MP Diane Marleau in her obituary.

Marleau, who held several federal cabinet portfolios in the 1990s during former Liberal Prime Minister Jean Chretien's time in power, and also served for several years as a Sudbury city councillor, passed away Jan. 30 after a battle with cancer.

She lived a “public and private life filled with family and friends, love and hope, laughter and tears, world leaders and constituents, politics but not partisanship,” her obituary said.

She most wanted to be remembered for fighting the good fight, serving the people of Sudbury well, and for loving her friends and family, her obituary said. She always said: “I've had a good life, and she really meant it.”

Marleau learned from her grandmother that “love can be shown through a home-cooked meal — from Duncan Hines birthday cakes to elaborate soirees, Diane loved to cook for those she loved.”

Marleau is survived by her husband “and sous-chef of 49 years,” Paul, her children, Brigitte, Donald (Carolyn) and Stephane (Natalie), and grandson Julian.

She was the daughter of Yvonne LeBel, who is predeceased. She was born in Kirkland Lake, but had been a “proud resident” of Sudbury for almost 50 years.

A celebration of Marleau's life will take place Feb. 2 at 2 p.m. at St. Andrew's Place. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to Maison Vale Hospice.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Co-operative Funeral Home in Sudbury.