Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and Trailblazer in Education.
It is with profound sadness and deep gratitude for a life so beautifully lived that we announce the peaceful passing of Dr. Cecile Somme on June 17, 2025, in her 81st year, surrounded by the love of her family.
Cecile is the beloved wife of Charles Somme, cherished mother to Charlyn (Mark), Cathryn (Kevin), and Christopher (Angela), adored grandmother to Cody, Jacob, Brittny, Courtny, Cassianna, and Adelynn, and loving great-grandmother to Jayden, Harper, Hudson, Callum, Charlie, Ayden and Jaden. Cecile is the sister of David (Cheryle) Lavallee and the late Robert (Fay) Lavallee. She is predeceased by her parents, George and Henriette Lavallee. She is fondly remembered by many close friends.
Cecile's life was a remarkable journey of compassion, dedication, and groundbreaking accomplishments. A lifelong educator, Cecile began her teaching career in a humble one-room schoolhouse, where her passion for learning and heart for her students quickly became evident. Over the decades, she inspired generations of students and colleagues with her wisdom, patience, and unwavering belief in the power of education.
Her love for learning never ceased. Cecile earned a PhD in Educational Administration, along with a Master of Education, Master of Arts, Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Education, and Bachelor of Arts. She also received training internationally in multiple countries—a true testament to her intellectual spirit and tireless determination.
She broke barriers as the first female Director of Education for the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board, leading with integrity, vision, and strength through the challenges of amalgamation. Cecile's leadership left an indelible mark not only on the school board but also on the broader community of educators across the region. After retirement, Cecile continued to share her passion for education by teaching at several universities and later serving as a consultant for various First Nations communities.
Cecile was deeply honoured to receive numerous awards and recognitions for her work in education—far too many to list. Among them, she was nominated for the Influential Women of Northern Ontario Award, recognized as a Special Educator by the Council for Exceptional Children, received the Nipissing University Distinguished Alumni Award and was deeply touched to have a day named in her honour at a school in Flint, Michigan.
Yet, with all her professional achievements, Cecile's heart was always with her family. Her remarkable ability to balance a demanding career while being an ever-present and nurturing force in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren speaks to the depth of her love and the strength of her character. She cherished creating unforgettable experiences, travelling the world with a spirit of wonder, and devoted her life to sharing those adventures with her children and grandchildren, leaving them with memories that will last a lifetime. Every holiday, birthday, and quiet moment was made warmer by her presence, and her legacy lives on in the values and love she passed on to each generation.
Cecile's life reminds us that greatness is not only found in what we accomplish, but in how we care for others along the way. She lived with grace, taught with passion, and loved unconditionally.
A special thank you to the nurses at SAH 3A, especially Laura, Tyson and Alexa as well as the renal unit team, including Dr. Berry and Dr. Shafiee and the many great nurses, especially Taylor. Our sincere thanks to all the wonderful nurses and staff at ARCH Hospice for the care provided.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Cecile’s memory to the Sault Area Hospital Foundation Renal Care Fund or Arch Hospice, causes close to her heart. (payable online https://www.sahfoundation.com/donate https://www.archhospice.ca/donate or by cheque).
A private living ceremony of life was held with family and friends, where Cecile was surrounded by love as stories were told, memories were shared, and cherished home movies brought laughter and tears.
Her brilliance, warmth, and unwavering love will be deeply missed, but her light will continue to shine in every life she touched.
Visit www.osullivanfuneralhome.com to leave condolences for the family. Arrangements entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home (215 St. James St., Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 1P7, 705-759-8456).