Louise Portelance, 57, died Friday, Dec. 29. She served as a Valley East councillor for one term and later was elected to the City of Greater Sudbury’s first council, and appointed deputy mayor in 2003.
Portelance ran unsuccessfully for mayor of Greater Sudbury in 2003. The business owner ran as the federal Liberal candidate in Nickel Belt in 2008 but was defeated by Claude Gravelle.
A number of local politicians have released messages of condolence on Portelance's passing, including Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger.
"I would like to express my sincere condolences on behalf of the residents of Greater Sudbury on the passing of Louise Portelance: business owner, community leader, city councillor and former Deputy Mayor of Greater Sudbury," Bigger said in the Jan. 2 statement.
"Louise led a very successful life both in the private sector and through her public service. Whether it was in her official duties as a member of Council or through her numerous roles with various organizations across our community, Louise was well respected, a fine example for those seeking to make a positive impact in our community and will certainly be missed by many.
"At this time and on behalf of city council and the residents of Greater Sudbury, I would like to extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family, friends and loved ones of Louise."
Former Greater Sudbury Mayor Jim Gordon spoke of Portelance's time as a councillor, remembering her as someone who was always fair and respectful.
"She was a very generous spirit and was very well-liked on council," said Gordon. "She was always respectful and was a good listener and always gave a balanced point of view. Sometimes things can get personal during heated debates in council but that wasn't something Louise ever did. It's a real loss."
Portelance served on a number of boards, including the Sudbury and District Health Unit, Earthcare Sudbury and the airport committee.
She also served as president of several organizations, including the Association of French Municipalities of Ontario, the Children's Community Network and the Children's Services Co-operative.
She is survived by her husband Denis, two children, a foster child and several grandchildren.
A memorial mass will be held at Ste. Marguerite D'Youville Church in Val Therese on Saturday, Jan. 6. (Friends may gather at the church after 10:30 a.m. Saturday)
A Celebration of Life will be held following the mass at the Caruso Club (upstairs) from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with words of remembrance at 2 p.m.
