Community Mourns Loss of Beloved Public Health Nurse and Hockey Volunteer Isabelle Dagenais
Russell, ON – The community of Eastern Ontario is mourning the unexpected passing of Isabelle Dagenais, a devoted public health nurse and longtime volunteer in local youth hockey, who died last Sunday at the age of 46.
Dagenais, a resident of Russell and mother, was remembered by her family and community as a woman whose energy, kindness, and dedication left a deep imprint wherever she served. Her father, Jeannot Dagenais, shared the news of her passing with heartfelt words: “We’ve lost one of our daughters… so full of energy and helping out everywhere. She will be sadly missed.”
Professionally, Isabelle worked as a public health nurse with the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU), where she played a vital role in community wellness and preventative health programs. A graduate of the University of Ottawa’s School of Nursing and an alumna of Embrun High School, Isabelle combined clinical knowledge with a natural compassion that earned her respect across the region.
Outside her healthcare duties, Dagenais was widely known in the regional hockey community. The Rideau District Girls Hockey Association (RDGHA) expressed their grief, calling her “a cherished member of our hockey family.” For years, she served as a trainer and volunteer, offering a safe and supportive environment for young athletes. “Her presence behind the bench made a lasting impact on everyone she worked with,” the association stated.
Former colleagues and fellow volunteers describe her as the “heartbeat of the team,” always showing up with warmth and good humour. “Isabelle had that rare ability to make people feel seen and cared for,” said a fellow trainer from the RDGHA. “She didn’t just tape up injuries—she lifted spirits.”
Her passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes online, where friends, colleagues, and parents have shared stories of her tireless volunteerism and caring nature. Local officials and public health advocates also acknowledged her years of service, noting how crucial community-based nurses like Dagenais are to the fabric of rural healthcare.
As Eastern Ontario reflects on her life, Isabelle Dagenais is being remembered not only for what she did, but how she did it—with love, laughter, and a fierce commitment to helping others.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been publicly announced. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this difficult time.
