CLAIRE MARIE VIRGINIE RENAUD

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CLAIRE MARIE VIRGINIE RENAUD It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother and grandmother, Claire Marie Virginie Renaud at Bayside Personal Care Home in Killarney on April 18, 2008. Claire was born April 6, 1920, at Cantal, Saskatchewan, daughter of Henri and Clarida Emond, in a family of nine children. She spent the earlier part of her life in Cantal and after her schooling, helped her sister attend the local post office and worked at the church and rectory for many years. She met Edmond Renaud in 1958 and had a double wedding ceremony with her sister Anne in Cantal, Saskatchewan, on August 18, 1958. Claire and Edmond made their home on the farm east of Dunrea, Manitoba, where they raised their three children, Roger, Gerald and Jeannine. Claire worked hard all her life and did everything from milking cows, baling hay, hauling grain and daily chores. She grew a large garden every year and was always proud of her accomplishments on the farm. She enjoyed taking care of all the animals and in return, they gave her much pleasure. Claire believed in raising her family by setting an example of being proud of whatever you had in life, whether it was great or small. Claire was a quiet, generous and unselfish person who always put others before herself. She had a very strong faith in the Catholic religion and attended St. Felix de Valois Church in Dunrea faithfully every Sunday where she was the church organist for several years. Claire could play any hymn and was often asked to transpose pieces at the last minute. She felt very proud to play the organ and was present for several midnight masses in Dunrea. On January 8, 1979, Edmond passed away leaving Claire to raise her family. This was a very difficult time for her but she remained on the farm and assisted Roger with farming until the fall of 1987 when she moved to the town of Dunrea. Even though she retired from farming, her heart always remained on the farm where she continued to visit often. Claire spent many joyful years in Dunrea and enjoyed going for coffee with friends in and around the area. She continued to grow a garden in town as a pastime and enjoyed her flowers and her cats. Above all else, Claire was very proud of her nine grandchildren and took pleasure in their visits, especially after church on Sundays. She looked forward to various Christmas concerts and music recitals since her family was her pride and joy. Claire had the ability of remembering birthdays and frequently gave or sent a card to all family members. She never forgot anyone and believed this to be very important. Claire moved to Killarney in 2001 and lived in FairShaw Apartments and Lakeview Garden until moving into the Bayside Personal Care Home in February 2004. It was at this time that Alzheimer's disease started affecting her life and gradually took bits and pieces away from the loving and beautiful mother and grandmother that we grew to love and know so well. Claire continued to enjoy visits from her family and made the most of life by reading newspapers, listening to music and appreciating visits from her family and friends. Claire was predeceased by her parents Henri and Clarida, seven brothers and her granddaughter Monique in 1988. Claire will be forever remembered and sadly missed by her sons, Roger (Marie) and Gerald (Colleen), daughter Jeannine (Jody) and nine grandchildren, Catherine, Hélène, Rachel, Marianne, Jacqueline, Eric, Alyssa, Brian and Michelle. She is survived by her sister Anne, sisters-in-law Lucille and Lillian and numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral mass was held in St. Felix de Valois Roman Catholic Church at Dunrea on April 22, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. with Father Eric Giddins presiding with the assistance of Father Francis Andoh. Interment was in the St. Felix Cemetery. Pallbearers were Alphonse Bibault, Marc Emond, René Emond, Allan Young, Paul Maurice and Paul Cuvelier. Everyone in attendance was considered an honorary pallbearer. Killarney and Boissevain Funeral Home took care of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, if family and friends so desire, donations in Claire's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Society. No length of time can take away, Our thoughts of you from day to day. Though absent, you are always near, Still loved, still missed and very dear.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 26, 2008