ELISA DESHARNAIS (MARTIN)

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ELISA DESHARNAIS (nee MARTIN) Surrounded by family and nursing staff, Elisa Desharnais serenely passed away at Foyer Valade on May 1, 2002, at the age of 100 years and 10 months. When she was only four years old, Elisas family left Saint-Alexis de Matapedia, QC, to settle in Laurier, MB and then in Transcona. Elisa married Ovila Desharnais in 1919 and moved to Saint-Pierre-Jolys where they lived on a farm in Carey and raised their five children. Elisa was predeceased by her husband in 1979, by a daughter Lucille (Soeur Joseph-Armand) in 1962, by a son Henri in November 2001, as well as by her parents and 10 brothers and sisters. She will be sadly missed by her daughters, Irene, Petite Soeur de la Sainte-Famille, from Sherbrooke, QC, and Amanda, Sister of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, Winnipeg; by her son Armand (Claire) from Saint-Pierre-Jolys and daughter-in-law Gertrude from St. Vital. She also leaves to mourn her passing 15 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren, as well as many nephews and nieces, two of whom remain special because they spent time living with the Desharnais, Edouard Martin and Yvette Carriere. A woman of deep faith and aware of the needs of her time, Elisa was deeply committed to her local church and to worthy community causes. She will be remembered as a compassionate woman who took great pleasure in being of service to others. After having raised her family, she devoted a great deal of her time looking after the poor for whom she prepared many boxes of clothing. Her pleasant personality, her cheerfulness, her keen sense of humour, her enthusiasm and positive outlook on life, as well as her love of people brought sunshine into the lives of many. While a resident of Foyer Valade and restricted to her wheelchair, she took to playing her mouth organ again; that, along with her smile, was her way of bringing joy to others, residents and staff alike. The family members wish to thank doctors and nursing staff at Foyer Valade for the tender loving care given to their mother. In lieu of flowers, relatives and friends may wish to make a donation to Foyer Valade, 450 River Rd., Winnipeg, MB R2M 5M4. Prayers will be held at Desjardins Funeral Chapel, 357 Des Meurons St., on Friday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m. The funeral will be at Saint-Pierre-Jolys on Saturday, May 4 at 10:30 a.m., with viewing prior to the celebration. Desjardins Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements, 233-4949, toll free 1-888-233-4949.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 03, 2002