Montreal politician and actress Sonya Biddle dies after cancer diagnosis
Sonya Biddle, the Montreal politician, actress, and daughter of prominent jazz bassist Charlie Biddle, has died after being diagnosed with cancer.
The news of Biddle’s passing was shared by her longtime partner, Allan Patrick, on Facebook Thursday afternoon.
“My heart is broken,” he wrote. “She was always the sunshine, the light, the laughter and the love in my life.”
Biddle served on city council as a member of Vision Montreal for the Decarie district from 1998 to 2001 and ran for borough mayor of Cote-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grace in 2005.
Some who knew her expressed messages of condolences on social media after learning about her passing, calling her a "true community builder" who had a "big heart."
"In my many interactions with her on the 2005 Montreal election trail, although we represented different sides, her commitment, passion and humour were obvious," wrote Jeff Itcush on Facebook.
"She was such a sweet and fun-loving person," wrote Anthony Sherwood on Facebook. "My memories of Sonya was she enjoyed playing jokes on people and loved to laugh. She loved her family, music and her community. We will miss you Sonya. Rest in Power my sister."
Before entering politics, she appeared in films such as The Bone Collector (1999) and Sweet Killing (1993). She was active in the Montreal theatre scene and is honourary member of the Montreal Black Theatre Workshop.
Biddle’s father, Charlie, co-founded the jazz venue Biddle’s Jazz Ribs in 1981. The club, later renamed House of Jazz by Oliver Jones, closed in 2020 as a result of the pandemic.
In his post to social media, Biddle’s partner called her a “super nova,” adding that “the light and warmth that she generated will light our paths forever.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
BREAKING Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Poilievre-led government 'would never' use notwithstanding clause on abortion, his office says
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
BREAKING 1 dead in rollover crash in Sharbot Lake, Ont.; 5 others injured
Ontario Provincial Police confirm one person has died after a single-vehicle rollover crash in Sharbot Lake, Ont. that seriously injured five others.
Cyclist strikes child crossing the street to catch school bus in Montreal
A video circulating on social media of a young girl being hit by a bike has some calling for better safety and more caution when designing bike lanes in the city. The video shows a four-year-old girl crossing Jeanne-Mance Street in Montreal's Plateau neighbourhood to get on a school bus stopped on the opposite side of the street