A double funeral is planned Monday for an Ottawa couple who was killed when they were hit by a sports car after going out for dinner and a movie last week.

Family members say Paul and Sherrie Regnier had a relationship that was a true love story cut short by tragedy. They met when they were kids in Cornwall. They later fell in love and got married.

Despite raising three young girls and having a busy life, Paul's brother said the couple always made time for romance.

"He had a standing date with his wife every week, they'd go for a movie and a dinner, and they took time every week for themselves," Ron Lacelle told CTV Ottawa on Tuesday.

It was after one of those dates that Paul and Sherrie were hit by a car as they waited for the bus on Albert Street. Paul was killed instantly. Sherrie died of her injuries in hospital.

Tight-knit family

The couple lived in Ottawa with their three daughters, aged nine, 13 and 15. The girls are now staying with family in Cornwall.

"Them girls will not be separated, they'll be loved, they'll be taken care of," Lacelle said.

"We're all together; we're inseparable right now. We're a family, we're tight."

Lacelle says one of the most difficult things is knowing his nieces will never be able to hug their parents again.

"To know that they'll never see them again, that they'll never be able to hold them again, it's hard for all of us. We love them so much," he said, fighting to control his emotions.

Collecting donations

A funeral for the couple will be held at the M. John Sullivan Funeral Home in Cornwall at 9 a.m. Monday.

A memorial service organized by the Regniers' neighbours will also be held in Ottawa on Sept. 30 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at 3750 North Bowesville Rd.

Neighbours who knew the couple from their co-operative housing community in south Ottawa are also collecting food, drink, flowers and calling card donations. Those who wish to donate can contact organizers at regnierfamilytrust.fund@gmail.com.

Paul's co-workers have also set up a trust fund for the couple's daughters. Donations can be made to the Regnier Girls Trust Fund, account number 24448095809 at any Bank of Montreal location.

With a report from CTV Ottawa's Catherine Lathem