AIMEE MCDONALD (SAQUET)

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AIMEE MCDONALD (nee SAQUET) Aimee McDonald, born in Saint-Etienne de Naucoules, Commune of Saint-Affrique, Aveyron, France, June 22, 1903, has been lovingly recalled by her Creator on September 24, 2005, after having been with us for 102 years. Aimee was predeceased by her beloved husband Sidney A. McDonald (July 11, 1966); their son Louis Francois Auguste (April 21, 1950); her father Auguste Dieudonne Saquet (July 5, 1966); her mother Marie Celina Eulalie Roger (July 2, 1959); her brothers, Leon (June 9, 1994), Andre (July 31, 1995); and sisters, Marie Augusta Lucie (September 19, 1901), Jeanne Felicie Saquet (March 24, 1946), Marie Saquet (July 12, 1988) and Lucie Albina (December 23, 1993). She is survived by her daughter Lucy (Fred); granddaughters, Melinda and Dierdre (Trevor); and great-grandchildren, Kyle, Aimee and Bethany. Also left to mourn her passing is one remaining brother Louis (Lili); as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Aimee immigrated to Canada from France in 1906 with her parents, eldest brother Leon and her Aunt Leonie Roger and Uncle Leopold Roger. The family purchased a farm in the Laurier area. Aimee attended school at Ecole Champlain and was at the Convent in Ste. Rose du Lac for some time; however, Aimee's help was required at home in the growing family and she was unable to get beyond grade 8. She remained on the farm helping her family for many years. In May 1940 Aimee married Sid and they moved to Woodlands for some time, but soon moved to the Ste. Rose du Lac area. Sid volunteered for duty in The Second World War and, while he was overseas, she and son Louis moved back to the Saquet farm. Daughter Lucy was born during that time. Upon Sid's return they moved back to the Ste. Rose du Lac area where they remained, sometimes in town, sometimes on the farm, until Sid's death in 1966. During the next few years Aimee spent some time in Montreal and Brandon with her daughter and family but she always returned to Ste. Rose. In 1996 she moved to Winnipeg in order to be closer to her daughter and family. She spent some years at Columbus Manor where she made many friends and celebrated her 100th birthday. She was able to do her own shopping and cooking until she was 96 years old and continued living on her own with the help of wonderful homecare caregivers until November 2003 when she moved to Foyer Valade. Aimee was very active in the Ste. Rose du Lac CWL during the 1950s and part of the 1960s. Although Aimee left school at an early age, she nurtured her love of knowledge by reading voraciously. She became the first Librarian in Ste. Rose du Lac (the Library opened June 3, 1962) after having spent some time in Winnipeg developing the Library's collection under the tutelage of Ms. Clementine Combaz. Throughout her life, Aimee was known for her love of and excellence in gardening, winemaking, pattern making and sewing. In later years she was able to realize her love of nature when invited to go hiking and camping with Lucien and Cecile Lahaie, along with their daughter, Aline. These were probably the happiest years of her life. Special thanks go to the wonderful homecare workers who made it possible for Aimee to live in her own apartment until late 2003, particularly Annette and Judy. Thanks must also go to the management and residents of Columbus Manor who were very kind to her over the years. Father Henrik Laciak of Our Lady of Victory Church was also very kind to her as were the members of the parish. In her later years, it was necessary to transport her in her wheelchair so a big thank you goes to Roger, her kind and compassionate chauffeur. A special thanks must also go to Father Robert Bernardin whom she has known for many years. He has been constant in his pastoral care and was a very good friend to her. The family extends a warm and heartfelt thank you to Foyer Valade: l'Abbe Prescott, the clients, care givers, cleaning and cooking staff, and administrators for the loving care, respect, and kindness shown Aimee. We all appreciate the compassion of the dedicated people who strove so hard to make her last months as easy as possible. Prayers will be said at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 27 at Desjardins Funeral Chapel, 357 Des Meurons St. Funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 29 at Ste. Rose du Lac Roman Catholic Church in Ste. Rose du Lac, MB, with viewing one hour prior to the service. Interment to follow at the St. Rose du Lac Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to Foyer Valade, 450 River Rd., Winnipeg, MB R2M 5M4, or Foyer Gendron, Ste. Rose du Lac, MB. The Desjardins Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements, 233-4949; toll free 1-888-233-4949. Family and friends are invited to sign the book of condolences at www.desjardins-funeral.ca.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 27, 2005