Obituary of Dagmar Maret Leclerc

Born in Estonia, October 16, 1932 – Passed away in Toronto, September 16, 2025

With deep love and gratitude for a life well-lived, we announce the passing of Dagmar Leclerc, at the age of 92.

Dagmar was an only child who fled with her family to Sweden during the war at the age of nine. She spent her formative years in Sweden, but at 20, set out for what was meant to be a one-year visit to Toronto, Canada — a visit that turned into a lifelong journey.

She attended the Ontario College of Art (OCA), where she met fellow student Paul Leclerc. Together, they welcomed a daughter, Monique, on April 7, 1959. Though their paths eventually diverged, Dagmar and Monique began a new chapter in Don Mills.

In the mid-1960s, she began a career as an Interior Designer with the Ontario Government. One of her proudest professional achievements was designing the Judge’s Chambers in the historic Osgoode Hall.

In 1969, she met Alan Cottrell, a Quantity Surveyor from England, who would become her beloved husband and life partner. They shared decades of travel, tennis, summers in Muskoka, and elegant adventures in Paris and England.

After retiring, Dagmar and Alan opened The Oriental Carpet Exchange, a Persian rug gallery in Yorkville that reflected their shared love for art, craftsmanship, and culture.

Alan passed away in 2022. In 2024, Dagmar moved into Ewart Angus, where she spent her final chapter with grace and resilience.

She will be remembered for her creativity, independence, impeccable taste, and unwavering devotion to her daughter Monique, who survives her.