IRENE RUTH BOURGEAULT (TRAPP)

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IRENE RUTH BOURGEAULT (TRAPP) It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Irene Bourgeault, aged 74, at the Health Sciences Centre, on March 19, 2007. Irene was born on July 7, 1932 in Stoughton, Saskatchewan. Her early years were spent on the family's various farms: first in Lampman, Saskatchewan and then in St. Peter's and Brokenhead, Manitoba. Irene spent many summers on the banks of the Brokenhead River, making hay, and trying to share one bicycle with her five siblings. In winter, she went tobogganing and ice skating, and passed many an hour playing homemade instruments with her brother and sisters. At the age of 16, Irene left home to attend Normal School in Winnipeg. This lead to her first job as a school teacher, in Grand Marais, Manitoba. When the family moved from the farm to Beausejour, Irene began working as a waitress in her parents' restaurant, the Clariss Tearoom. Even then, Irene had a talent for winning the friendship and admiration of those around her, and, during her time in Beausejour, was given the title of Carnival Queen. The next family move was to Winnipeg, where Irene found work as a clerk at Shopeasy. Taking a page from their childhood days as broom and shovel players in the family band, Irene and her siblings spent their evenings gathered around the organ singing hymns like Whispering Hope. In 1953 Irene married William (Bill) Bourgeault. During their 53 years together, Irene and Bill's numerous moves took them to every province from Quebec to British Columbia. Wherever they went, they made many lasting friendships, including their special friendship with Pam and George Munro and their family. In 1964, Irene and Bill moved to Winnipeg, and Irene began her career with Sears. Irene was an active member of the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs joining, with Bill, in July of 1956, in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. In 1964, Irene transferred to St. James Rebekah Lodge; and in 1966 she joined Fort Garry Canton No. 1. During her more than 50 years of service, Irene held many offices of distinction with the Rebekah organization. Irene was predeceased by her husband Bill; in August of 2006, as well as by her parents and parents-in-law, William and Lydia Trapp, and Louis and Florence Bourgeault. She is survived by her brother Alvin (Erna) Trapp; her sisters, Joyce (Blaine) Arnett, Eleanor (Stan) Gaidy, Phyllis Kulyk, Lyla (Donald) Shumila; and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, June and Mike Kotchon and their families. Irene was very fond of her many nieces and nephews; always remembering them on their birthdays and at Christmas time. She always looked forward to meeting her sisters for coffee or going out for dinner with the family. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations may be made to the Afflicted Children's Fund, c/o William Carson, 38-3rd Street NW, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 2B9. A Memorial Service, lead by Reverend Steve Wilson, is scheduled for Thursday, March 22, 2007. The service will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Glen Eden Funeral Home (4477 Main Street). Interment will follow in Garson Cemetery. When the storm rages around me, And I can hold on no more. When the waves of tears engulf me, And I am weary, battered and sore. Take me then and steer me, Storm tossed, broken and afraid, Into the arms of Your Safe Harbour. Safely home. Arrangements entrusted to: Glen Eden Funeral Home 4477 Main Street 338-7111

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 21, 2007