FRANCOISE BELAIR

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FRANCOISE BELAIR Françoise Belair, born November 5, 1918 in Sacred-Heart parish in Winnipeg, passed away peacefully at Foyer Valade on May 27, 2012. She was predeceased by her father, Edouard, her mother Berthe (L'Heureux), her brothers Denis, Marcel and Roland, and her sister Jeanne (Léveillé). She has left to mourn ten nephews and nieces and their partners, and 13 grand-nephews / nieces. Françoise Belair was educated in French and English in Sacré Coeur parish in Winnipeg. In 1942 she enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force and was discharged in 1945 with the rank of Flight Sergeant. She then studied at Queen's University where she obtained a Bachelor of Commerce and subsequently worked in Montréal for ten years. Thereafter she travelled throughout Europe and was employed by the OECD in Paris and the American Embassy in London. She went on to study Spanish in Spain and taught the language for a number of years upon her return to Winnipeg. She returned to reside with and care for her elderly parents. At the age of 50 she obtained a Teacher's Certificate from the University of Manitoba and taught for two years before continuing her education and obtaining a Bachelor of Education and becoming a teacher-librarian. Françoise took early retirement and did volunteer work for a number of organizations, amongst which the Manitoba Historical Society where she set up the library. She served as secretary for the Cercle Molière and did volunteer work for the Précieux-Sang parish. In later years when she moved to Catherine Place, she acted as secretary-treasurer of the Tenants Association and did much other volunteer work for them. She resided for the last few years at Foyer Valade. Françoise's hobbies were reading and travelling and she toured many countries in various continents. She loved to help others and will be remembered by the many persons she loved and touched with her kindness. Funeral mass will take place on Monday, June 18 at 2:00 p.m. at Eglise du Précieux-Sang, 200 Kenny Street. Interment will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Françoise would appreciate donations to Foyer Valade.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 16, 2012