Huguette Koller

August 18, 1941 – July 23, 2025

With a heart full of love and a spirit that never stopped giving, Huguette Koller passed away peacefully on July 23 at the age of 83, surrounded by her beloved family.

Born in Val D’Or, Quebec, to Léa and Ernest Leblanc, Huguette’s early life was grounded in resilience, generosity, and deep familial ties. From modest beginnings, she would go on to shape industries, uplift communities, and touch the lives of countless people across Canada and beyond.

Above all, Huguette was a devoted mother to Sonia (Arief Raun) and Tanya, and a loving grandmother to Natasha (Corey Lecours) and Suria. Her family was her greatest pride and joy. She nurtured them with warmth, strength, and quiet wisdom—teaching them to lead with heart, to speak with courage, and to give without hesitation. She celebrated their dreams, protected their spirits, and passed on a legacy of compassion, boldness, and grace. Her love for her granddaughters filled her life with joy and purpose, and she treasured every moment spent with them.  

She was also the cherished sister to three brothers and three sisters, and a joyful presence in the lives of a large extended family of brothers and sisters in law, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who meant the world to her—both here in Canada and in Switzerland. Every individual family member and friend held a uniquely special place in her heart, and their presence brought immeasurable meaning and joy to her life.

A devoted wife to the late Otto Koller, Huguette and Otto built more than a successful business—they built a legacy. As co-founders of the Otto’s automotive group, they transformed a single gas station into a nationally respected network of dealerships. With sharp intelligence and natural grace, Huguette shattered glass ceilings as one of the first women in Canada to lead major automotive ventures. She proudly forged her own path—leading others in an industry where few women were at the helm.

At Otto’s BMW and Subaru, Huguette’s leadership extended far beyond the boardroom. Her employees weren’t just staff—they were family. She celebrated every milestone with them and offered quiet support during life’s challenges. Her belief in people’s potential, paired with her generosity of spirit, created a culture of care that continues to define the Otto’s family to this day.

Beyond business, Huguette’s legacy shines through decades of philanthropy. A passionate supporter of local food banks, health care, women’s initiatives, and the arts, she gave tirelessly to causes close to her heart. A trained opera singer herself, she found joy in helping musicians, artists, and creators find their voices—supporting talents at home and abroad.

That same spirit of passion carried Huguette around the world—to every continent but Antarctica—where she embraced cultures, gave back, and lived boldly. She travelled to Tanzania to assist doctors serving remote communities, and to Baffin Island with hot air balloonists and base jumpers. She skied the high peaks of Switzerland, Austria, France, and Italy, as well as in Whistler, Colorado, and New Mexico. She played golf in Nepal and sang opera in Monaco and Vienna. Driven by curiosity, generosity, and courage, Huguette embraced the world fully and fearlessly. Her deep love for fast cars and the thrill of driving reflected her approach to life: purposeful, adventurous, and always moving forward. 

Elegant, visionary, and endlessly generous, Huguette believed that kindness, integrity, and optimism could move mountains—and she lived that belief every day.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to one of four charitable groups listed above, in honour of the compassion and care she always extended to others.

A private service will be held for the family. A joyful celebration of Huguette’s life—just as she would have wanted—will take place in September, with details to follow.

Huguette’s legacy is not just in what she built, but in how she made others feel: seen, supported, and loved. She leaves behind a brighter world and a powerful example of what one life—lived fully and with purpose—can achieve.