NEWTON, Lise Newton

It is with heavy hearts, that we, her family, announce the passing of Lise Newton, January 29, 2026 at the age of 61. She drifted off gently, her cherished son, Aleric Newton and her loving husband Jacques Corbeil at her side.

Lise was born August 22, 1964. She spent her early childhood in North Bay, on Fraser Street later moving with her family to Corbeil.

Her summers were spent at the family cottage on Lake Nosbonsing where she discovered her inseparable bond with nature and that creativity has no boundaries. She returned there frequently throughout her life to breathe those memories and live new ones

Lise’s elementary years were spent at École St-Vincent and she graduated from École secondaire Algonquin bringing with her many accolades and ties with lifelong friends.

She attended Ottawa University and made it look effortless as she completed her Honours B.A. in Public Administration and Political Science and Policy Analysis.

Fresh out the door from university, she launched herself into to the political scene applying her charismatic nature to her skills to contribute to policy changes and form lasting friendships

She worked for J.J. Blais as adviser in his political campaign as well as for other candidates in Federal, Provincial and Municipal elections. Her candid stories of working with politicians such as Paul Martin, Jean Chretien, Wayne Easter, and Ralph Goodale reflected her ability not only to relate professionally but to form deep affection and appreciation for what they taught her not only about politics, but lifelong values and what it means to be Canadian

Over the years, she grew an exceptional career that took her from various positions in Ottawa, either as an executive director or manager of communications and government relations for many associations and federal government agencies.

Lise worked as both director and manager of communication and government relations for several agencies such as Canadian Institute of Planner, The Canadian Dental Association, the Chicken Farmers of Canada, The Automobile Industry Association of Canada, Senior Manager Advocacy for the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada, and Manager of Communications and Outreach for the Brockville General Hospital.

In each position, Lise was driven by her deep concerns and interests in pursuing just and fair outcomes for the people served by these associations.

While with Chicken Farmers of Canada, Lise was recognized by MacLean’s Magazine as one of Canada’s top 10 in-House lobbyists.

In her time with The Automobile Industry Association of Canada, she implemented and managed AIA’s first official Public Affairs Program and Government Relations Program.

Her concern for women’s’ health issues inspired her to become the Senior Manager of corporate services Advocacy for the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada, Manager of Communications and corporate services and Outreach for the Brockville General Hospital. Her efforts resulted in increased government awareness of women’s health issues.

Lise also worked several years for Revenue Canada where she advised DGs, the Commissioner’s Office, and the Minister’s Office on strategic communications. She also assisted the Commissioner’s Office with interdepartmental strategies. For all her hard work and perseverance, she was the recipient of the CRA’s 2011 Award of Excellence for work on the GST/ HST Program.

Lise considered her time with Seeds Canada as the culmination of the skills and experiences gained with her previous positions. It was her final career move and she felt so welcomed her co-workers became like her extended family.

As Director of Communications and Government Relations, Lise was a key member of the Seeds Canada staff. She was a thoughtful and strategic leader as well as a cherished friend and respected teammate performing as the driving force behind the success of their Lobby Days. Above all, the management and staff say that Lise was kind. She always made time to listen, offer guidance and generous in sharing her support.

Always looking to expand her skills and experience, Lise explored her creative side with energy in film becoming Directors Guild of Canada member contributing her talents across Ontario with such films as Neil Blomkamps ZYGOTE, Firestarter, and Ozmanthus earning the Best Production Design shared award for Awakening the Zodiac.

Despite her active professional life, Lise always found time advocating and lending a hand as a passionate, generous volunteer. She was involved in the

Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario/Kids cancer research, the Run for the Cure/Breast cancer research, and advocated for, Elder Abuse prevention and Palliative Care/Community Hospitals.

When Lise took time for herself, she avidly engaged in marathon running, sailing, travelling, hiking, flower arranging, felting, writing and reading.

She loved her family fiercely and spent as much time with them as possible. Lise took the time to know each one individually, reveling in their unique personalities and always there to lend a hand, help solve problems, or simply listen without judgement.

The jewel in her crown is her son Aleric who was constantly there with her through all the years. Their dedication and love for each other leaves us greatly inspired.

She met Jacques, her husband of twelve years, at a birthday party for a mutual friend, when they both had stopped looking for love. So of course, they found it as kindred spirits often do. Their love grew over the years as they shared adventure and travel.

Life was Lise’s tapestry where she lived with passion, humour, selflessness, and humility.  She excelled professionally, was that helping heart in our dark moments and she didn’t expect praise…but a reflective, well-deserved pat on the back was always appreciated.

Some brilliant people change the world simply walking through it, they shine so bright. That’s Lise. And when she worked at it…it wasn’t watch out, but watch closely.

Lise is predeceased by her parents Fernande (née Demers) in 1979 and Norman Newton in 2002.

She will be fondly remembered and mourned by her siblings and their partners. Many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews cherish her memory.

As per Lise’s wishes, there will not be a service. A private celebration of life will be held sometime in the near future. You may wish to remember her with a gift to the Canadian Cancer Society.