Tribute to Isabelle Dagenais, Public Health Nurse at the EOHU
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our colleague and friend, Isabelle Dagenais, a long-serving public health nurse whose dedication, generosity, and compassion touched many lives over her 23 years with the Eastern Ontario Health Unit.
Isabelle first joined the EOHU as a nursing student during her final year of studies at the University of Ottawa and quickly became a valued member of our team. Over the years, she worked across many programs, including child health, school immunization, Watch Me Grow clinics, cold chain inspections, and more recently, as a leader in our COVID-19 response efforts. She was also a dedicated mentor to nursing students in her role as Nursing Student Academic Liaison.
Isabelle was always willing to take on extra initiatives and support her colleagues and the health unit, often going above and beyond. She was also deeply connected to the community she served—not just through her professional role, but also through her volunteer work and her personal relationships.
As one colleague shared:
“Our colleague and friend Isabelle was an exceptional person fully devoted to her family, her community, and all those who had the good fortune to cross her path. She embodied energy, generosity and joie de vivre. Every occasion became a celebration in her presence. She knew how to transform ordinary moments into precious memories.
Isabelle cared for others with a rare kindness: always ready to lighten the load of her colleagues, to offer her help without hesitation, to ask that simple question that spoke volumes: ‘How are you doing?’ A sincere concern, and a huge heart.
She leaves behind a luminous legacy, an example of dedication, friendship and solidarity.”
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Isabelle’s family, friends, and everyone in our organization and community who is mourning her loss. We are grateful for the time we shared with her, and we honour her life of service and care. She will be deeply missed.
