JULIETTE MARIE CELINE LUSSIER (GABOURY) 1921 -

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JULIETTE MARIE CELINE LUSSIER (nee GABOURY) 1921 - 2008 On April 7, 2008 peacefully and gently Juliette Lussier (née Gaboury), at the age of 86 years, was called by a loving God to her spiritual home. Born May 24, 1921 in Bruxelles, Manitoba, Juliette was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother (mémère), artist and friend, a charitable and spiritual individual who exemplified a true joie de vivre and life with gratitude in the present moment. Mémère was so very much at the centre of the family. She is predeceased by her loving husband, Léo (October 2002) and will be deeply missed by her four children and their partners: Robert (Cheryl), Paul (Laraine), John (Suzanne), and Michêle (Don) Walmsley as well as her eight grandchildren: Renée (Scott), Anna (Richard), Suzanne (Paul), Claire (François), David, Michael, Jeremy and Rebecca. Immediate family members on the Gaboury/Lussier side include: Antonio (Marianne), Etienne (Claire), Florence (Maurice), Sister Lillian, OSU, Adrian (Lorette), and Placide. Special friends and relatives who have joined her in friendship and care along the way have included: Sister Mary DePape, OSU, Sister Thérèse Ouellet, Father Léo Couture, Jowanna Pelletier, Lucille McTaggert, Paulette and Kim Ruth, Robert Toutant, Gisèle and Xavier Jacob, Denis and Irene Girardin, Usha and Murdoch of Maryland Foodfare and so many more, including all of the family’s loving pets. Juliette, Maman, Chérie, you were always welcoming and deeply interested in the day-to-day lives of your children and their families. You led an active life dedicating many years of service to raising your family, taking in ‘room and boarders’, working as a home care aide and applying yourself creatively in so many ways. After your children left home, you enjoyed retirement years with Léo, your husband, filling days with travel, golf, arts and crafts, care-sitting, visiting the children, taking part so vibrantly in the traditional May long weekend family gatherings, volunteering with L’Arche, cooking and serving food in downtown soup kitchens and engaging in church and prayer life. Juliette remains a positive example for us all. She made a full life for herself, applying her salient knowledge to daily tasks, always remembering her rural roots and her Métis heritage; savouring life’s simple joys in her love of animals, the beauty found in nature, a great cup of coffee, great cuisine, dark chocolate and good jokes. As an independent spirit and a person of intellectual curiosity, Juliette loved to laugh, to banter, to read, to paint (beautiful watercolors), to watch interesting movies, and to listen to a variety of poignant music. In the last year or so when faced with serious illness, Juliette proved to be a great inspiration to those around her, showing a positive attitude, a real sense of courage and humour in everyday situations, sharing her joy in the moment with faith and acceptance. A memorial service celebrating Juliette’s life will take place at Desjardins Funeral Chapel, 357 DesMeurons Street on Saturday, April 12 at 2:30 p.m. The immediate family would like to express their deepest thanks to relatives and friends both near and far for their visits, phone calls, cards, letters, prayers, flowers, and support especially in this last year. Deep gratitude is also extended to all of the integrated care team associated with the Deer Lodge MNR clinic, especially Donna Terwin, Dr. Casey, Sue Erickson; Bonnie Grieg, all of the Special Homecare Assistants, Diana Rasmussen of the ALS Society of MB; Dr. Jensen, Dr. Rabson and the very special Palliative Care Nursing Team -- a heartfelt thank you for the support, compassion and commitment to Juliette’s care. Juliette, Maman, Chérie We do not feel alone. Your love and strength of heart are unwavering. Your memory will nourish us. Your path will lead us home. We love you. “When the time comes and I see you crossing the river Jordan, I will stretch out my hands and run towards you to welcome you home.” Family and friends are invited to sign the Book of Condolences at www.desjardins-funeral.ca DESJARDINS 233-4949 1-888-233-4949

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 09, 2008