Pierrette Lucas

Pierrette Lucas, of Montreal, Quebec, daughter of Léo and Blanche, passed away peacefully on March 5th, 2026 in Victoria BC surrounded by family and friends. A trailblazer in Canadian public life and a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Pierrette lived with style, courage, and conviction—qualities that inspired all who knew her.

Born in Montreal in 1940 Pierrette spent formative summers on Canoe Lake in Algonquin Park, memories she cherished throughout her life. She pursued studies at the Sorbonne and McGill University, and drawn to public service and the life of ideas, started her employment in juvenile court before embarking on a remarkable career in Ottawa at a time when few women occupied senior roles in government.

Across postings that included Treasury Board, Indian and Northern Affairs, and External Affairs, Pierrette rose through the ranks with intelligence, charisma, and an unshakeable work ethic. She later served as Deputy Chief of Protocol and ultimately as Chief of Protocol for Canada, helping welcome world leaders and representing the best of the country she loved. Her diplomatic portfolio continued abroad as Consul General in Philadelphia and Boston, where her energy, elegance, and gift for connection broadened Canada’s ties and friendships. She is hopeful that the diplomatic immunity and “favored traveller” status she enjoyed for much of her adult life will ease her upcoming journey…

Earlier in life, Pierrette called Montreal home—especially Nuns’ Island, where she balanced work, community life, and parenthood, and even tried her hand at politics. Following a few stints in Ottawa, she eventually made her way west to Vancouver and Victoria, bringing her signature warmth, francophone flair, and zest for life to every gathering. In her consulting and fundraising work at Simon Fraser and Concordia University, she championed projects, organizations, and people with the same determination that defined her public service.

Pierrette was the center of countless celebrations and late-night conversations, a connoisseur of good food and good company, and a natural host who never arrived empty-handed. To her grandchildren—Emma, Gabby, Sophie, Nolan, and Lévi—she was the incomparable “Nana,” a playful co-conspirator who encouraged curiosity, independence, and the courage to reach for the high rung, even at the risk of falling.

She is lovingly remembered by her son Philippe (Mary) and granddaughter Sophie; by Emma and Gabby (Nancy), Nolan and Lévi (Amélie); by her brothers Jean and Robert and extended family; and by very special relation Caroline, Alain, Mathieu and Margot La Flèche and a wide circle of friends and colleagues across Canada and the United States whose lives she brightened. Pierrette was predeceased by her son Marc, whose memory she carried every day with grace and devotion.

Pierrette’s family extends heartfelt thanks to the friends, neighbors, and caregivers who supported her in recent months with unwavering kindness. A celebration of life will be held at a later date, and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Victoria Hospice Society.

Pierrette Lucas—boat-rocker, ground-breaker, force of nature, mentor, mother, Nana, and faithful friend—will be remembered for her quick wit, impeccable style, fierce loyalty, and the way she made every room she entered feel so much brighter.