November 10, 2006

“It is with great sadness that we have learned of the sudden passing of our colleague and friend Mary Percy, as the result of a heart attack on November 7, 2006.

We all carry the heavy burden of this very sad news. Even in retirement, Mary contributed immensely to the success of our institution. Her enlightening presence, her natural elegance and her boundless generosity will be deeply missed.”

Mary de Bellefeuille-Percy worked with five governors general over a period of 18 years. She began as Director of Communications in 1988 under former Governor General Jeanne Sauvé. In 1998, she became Director of Honours at the Chancellery until her retirement in July 2006. She may be best remembered for her exceptional devotion to duty during all these years. She served on numerous honours advisory committees and oversaw the awarding of Honours to thousands of Canadians. Mary, who was our Master of Ceremonies at countless Honours investitures, was affectionately known as the "voice of Rideau Hall”.

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Information
Marie-Paule Thorn
Honours Information Officer
1-800-465-6890
613-993-2569