Dealer Huguette Koller of Otto’s BMW & Otto’s Subaru, who was also known as an automotive trailblazer, philanthropist, and arts patron, died on July 23. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family.
A private invitation-only “Celebration of Life” will be held in her honour on September 5 at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, Ontario. The memorandum said members of the automotive industry are welcome to attend the event.
“Over the course of six decades, she (Huguette) redefined what was possible for women in business, leading with compassion, vision, and an unwavering belief that excellence and grace can walk hand in hand.”
In the early 1960s, her husband Otto operated the White Rose gas station on Carling Avenue. Huguette was said to give up every lunch hour to pump gas — often in a dress and heels. Her husband eventually led operations in Ottawa, while Huguette oversaw more of the dealerships in Gatineau.
Together, they built a remarkable enterprise representing brands including BMW, Saab, Datsun, Lada, Hyundai, Subaru, and Land Rover,” reads the obituary. “In the early 1980s, Huguette shattered another glass ceiling by becoming the first woman in Canada to lead a Chrysler dealership, launching Kollbec Chrysler in Gatineau.”
She later operated a Honda dealership with her husband, further strengthening their impact across Ontario and Quebec’s automotive markets.
“Huguette’s contributions reached far beyond business. A lifelong philanthropist, she supported countless charitable groups across the region and around the globe — causes that championed food security, education, the arts, healthcare, and community well-being.”
In lieu of flowers, the family said donations may be made to one of four charitable groups listed at www.huguettekoller.ca, in honour of the compassion and care Huguette extended to others.
