July 16, 1933 Quebec City, QC – March 3, 2022 Toronto, ON

Peacefully, at home, enjoying a penthouse view of Lake Ontario and the Toronto skyline until the end, Michelle was predeceased by her beloved husband, Gord, of 61 years. Left to mourn are her three McIntyre daughters, Dr. Lucy Lynn (Dr. Jim Wright), Sally Sue (Louis Dumont P.Eng.), Julie Elizabeth (Bruce Hamilton), and grand-daughter Holly. Other immediate family members include brother Pierre (Colette Belzile), sister-in-law Micheline Laliberté, and devoted nieces, nephews, and cousins dispersed across Canada and the United States. She will be sadly missed by many dear friends.

From 1967 to 2013, Michelle operated Torbec Kennels, in partnership with Gord, which enjoyed international recognition for its American and Canadian purebred champion Brittany Spaniels and Standard Poodles. An early adopter of website marketing, and full-page colour advertisements, Torbec produced well over 200 Black and Apricot Standard Poodle champions and claimed well over 1000 happy customers from across five continents. In 2017, the Canadian Kennel Club recognized Michelle with a 50-year achievement award.

Michelle was known for her legendary wardrobe which she wore with style, her must-attend social gatherings, her wit, and her unique pronunciation of English words learned after attending Brescia College at Western University , where she met Gord, as a unilingual francophone. As the eldest daughter of Omer Couture and Ida Savignac, Michelle served as the family matriarch, convening in October 2021, a reunion of the Coutures and Savignacs for a safe COVID gathering in Quebec City.

Cremation has taken place and there will be no service—both in accordance with her wishes. Condolences and memories may be sent through Turner & Porter Butler Chapel on-line guest book. Inurnment will occur at the Cimetière St-Ignace-de-Loyola, Quebec City at a later date. Michelle believed in helping family first but donations, if wished, may be made to a heart disease organization of your choice.

“If you will, remember me occasionally - I would like that; but no mourning, please, death in old age is a solution, not a tragedy.” Author unknown