YVONNE MARIE DUCHARME

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YVONNE MARIE DUCHARME Passed away courageously at home with family at her side on Tuesday, October 16, 2007, at 65 years of age. She is survived by her loving husband and best friend Gerry; children: Michael (Bei) of Winnipeg, Marc (Fred) of Winnipeg, Monique Ducharme-Pullen (Mike) of Kelowna; four grandchildren: Christopher, Katlyn, Drexler, and Tyson; her mother Madeleine Normandeau; siblings: Lorraine (Dennis), Michelle, Paul (Judie); her mother-in-law M'Lena Ducharme; brother-in-law Al (Joyce) all of Winnipeg; sister-in-law Jaye of California, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her father Raoul and her father-in-law Jean Louis. Born and raised in St. Boniface, Yvonne attended St. Josephs Academy. Following in her mother's footsteps Yvonne graduated as a registered nurse at St. Boniface hospital. It was practising as a nurse that she met her future husband Gerry in 1961. Married in 1963, together they raised three children, Michael, Marc and Monique. As Gerry's involvement in public life grew Yvonne left nursing and entered the family insurance business enduring the annual February Autopac crush, often providing baking and hot lunches during the long days. She was a constant presence at Gerry's side during political campaigns. A tireless worker, she earned tremendous respect for her humour, dignity and grace while canvassing door to door on Gerry's behalf. Finally in 1994 after a first bout with cancer Mom said enough. It was off to California for retirement. In the years that followed she wintered variously in San Diego, Palm Springs and Arizona. None of which seemed to dampen her enthusiasm for international travel and Yvonne toured the world both with Gerry and with her siblings. Her travels lead her throughout Europe, Asia and Africa. Wonderful as these experiences were; it was the role of Grandmother that Yvonne treasured most. She and Gerry spent her last years in Kelowna, to be with Monique and her husband and most importantly her young grandchildren. Her love of golf flourished at Gallagher's canyon especially her Thursday morning ladies group. The Ducharme family wishes to thank all for their kind thoughts, prayers and memories during the difficult times of her recent illness. A celebration of Yvonne's life will be held at Christ The King Church, 847 St. Mary's Rd., Winnipeg, at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 29, 2007. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BC Cancer Centre for the Southern Interior, 399 Royal Ave., Kelowna, BC V1Y 5L3. Mom, you were taken too soon and deserved so much more. You will be dearly missed. How do we capture a life so full in a handful of paragraphs? The answer lies in our memories and our love.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 25, 2007