LUCILLE ROCHON (COSSETTE)

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LUCILLE ROCHON (nee COSSETTE) It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of a great lady, Lucille, on Tuesday, May 29, 2007, at the age of 90. Our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother was a caring, compassionate woman, who fought a courageous battle with cancer. Lucille was predeceased in 1941 by an infant son, Gerald, and in 1971, by her husband of 36 years, Oscar Rochon. Left to mourn are her eight children, Beatrice Desjarlais (Harold), Jacqueline Lemoine (Ronald), Robert (Juliette), Diane Rivard (Ernie), Roger (Florence), Donald (Irene), Laurent (Suzanne), Fernand (Paulette); 20 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Jeanne Bernuy and Rita Martel; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Lucille was born in Wild Rice, North Dakota, on July 3, 1916. Her parents William and Delvina Cossette raised a family of nine children, Lucille being the youngest. At the age of 19 she met her soul mate, Oscar Rochon, and following their marriage in 1935 relocated with him to Manitoba where they started their life's journey together. Through the many years spent raising their eight children, Lucille was always the heart of the home, welcoming everyone who crossed its threshold and making them feel special in a way only she could. Not surprising that her kitchen was routinely a hub of activity with family and friends sitting around the table sharing stories and each other's company. Lucille was never happier than when surrounded by family and friends. Once her children were grown, she donated many hours to the Festival du Voyageur, worked as a volunteer for her church women's auxiliary and spent many a happy afternoon bowling in a league with her close friends. Though she was sometimes tired, she always commented on how much fun she had. In 1991 mom moved to the Chalet St. Norbert where she continued to be very active. Days were spent knitting, reading, caring for her plants, entertaining visitors, playing card games with her new friends, and of course, remaining completely devoted and caring for her large family - always her family. Mom was a devoted and gentle mémère, who loved to spend time with her grand, great- and great-great-grandchildren. She will be remembered in particular for her love of the little ones but also for how she touched each member of her family in a special way. She lived a life of dignity, grace and quiet courage. If the true purpose of life is to love well, to grow in wisdom, to serve others abundantly, and to serve God faithfully, then Lucille successfully fulfilled her life mission. She will be welcomed into Heaven with the words, Well done, my good and faithful servant. You will be greatly missed mom! A celebration of Lucille's life will be held at the St. Norbert Parish Church, 80 rue Saint-Pierre, on Friday, June 1, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. with Father Antoine Vo Van Hoa officiating. Interment of the cremated remains will take place at the La Salle Cemetery. The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers at Riverview and Centre Valade for their devotion, sincerity, and for the comfort they brought mom in her final days. Your kindness and support will always be remembered. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society in Lucille's memory. We know a woman of strength and beauty. We have watched her for years, learned from her, been cared for by her, been loved by her in a way that no one else could ever love us. She has been our guide, our protector, our inspiration, and most important, she has been our friend, and she will always be these things. For even though we are now parted, we carry her with us as if her heart were at the centre of ours. She is our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother. Lovingly remembered always, Her Family The Desjardins Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements 233-4949; toll free 1-888-233-4949.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 31, 2007