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MIREILLE GRANDPIERRE-KANTOR
Born: Apr 05, 1926
Date of Passing: Jun 08, 2008
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryMIREILLE GRANDPIERRE-KANTOR With her niece Isabelle at her side, it is with deep sadness she announces the passing of Mireille, after a courageous battle with cancer, on Sunday, June 8, 2008 at Foyer Valade at the age of 82 years. Mireille will be lovingly remembered by her brother Jacques and his wife Georginia Grandpierre, her niece Isabelle and her children Alexandre, Charles and Victoire, her nephew Charles-Louis as well as many friends and students. She was predeceased by her husband Max, her son Ronald and her parents René and Germaine Grandpierre. Mireille was born n Paris, France on April 5, 1926. Her career and love for ballet started with her first perfomance at the young age of 5 years old and was recognized as a prodigée at the age of 8 years old with a performance of La mort du Cygne . At the age of 9, she was chosen to perform at the Palais de l' Elysée for the President of France. Mireille joined the Paris Opera at the age of 11 and danced until the age of 15 where she then joined the Russian Ballet with her mentor and partner Serge Lifar. A national career started with the Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille Operas were she was Prima Ballerina as well as many other Théatres Parisiens including the Lido and the Moulin Rouge. Mireille received a World Gold Medal in 1939. During the summer of 1944, Mireille and a group of performers, were sent to Germany to uplift the spirits of the French factory workers during the Second World War. Mireille and Max met in 1945 and were married in Paris in 1946 after the liberation of France. They then established in Winnipeg and their son Ronald was born in 1946. Mireille continued to perform in Winnipeg and started her Ballet Conservatory at 218 Roslyn Road in 1956. Mireille had a love and passion for ballet and gifted it with devotion to her students. This gift was given to her niece in her last lesson on the evening of April 29, 2008, the day before moving to Foyer Valade. Mireille and Max had a devoted marriage of 61 years and were proud parents to Ronald. A special thank you to the staff of Unité Marguerite at Foyer Valade for their devotion and compassionate care. A memorial service will take place, and the family asks you to contact Desjardins Funeral Chapel for information at 233-4949 or toll free 1-888-233-4949. Family and friends are invited to sign the Book of Condolences at www.desjardins-funeral.ca In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Foyer Valade, 450 River Road, Winnipeg, MB R2M 5M4. DESJARDINS 233-4949 1-888-233-4949
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 11, 2008
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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I met Mirelle in 1947 when I was 4. Mirelle and family moved into our apartment bldg. on Redwood. I was her 1st student at age 5. Taking classes in the Macintosh Building years before she opened Rosalyn Road. My classes were Saturday morning with the kids and Tuesday Nite with the Older best students. In order to get to class I had to take the street car or trolley bus from West Kildonan to Downtown Winnipeg and back at age six. At age 8 I got appendix and Mirelle brought me a beautiful book on classical Ballet which today is still my favorite dance style. My family left Winnipeg when I was 13 and moved to Los Angeles and I had to leave Mirelle I was heart broken. Mirelle was the finest Dance teacher I have ever had.. We will meet soon as I have incurable 4th stage cancer and will dance away soon. - Posted by: Maureen Tessler (friend) on: Oct 09, 2020
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My condolences to your family. I was fortunate to have been one of Mme Grandpierre's students at a very young age and into my teens as well as an adult. I will always be thankful for the love of dance that she instilled in me. My sisters were also part of my Saturday morning classes as they played the beautiful music we danced to. Having had a mishap at the bar one class, I'll never forget how caring and concerned she was. She is one of the most cultured ladies I have had the pleasure of knowing. A la prochaine Mme Grandpierre, tu me manque! - Posted by: Joanne Berger (Student) on: Jul 26, 2013
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As a student of Mme Grandpierre's, as a young child, a teenager and even some adult classes, she left an indelible impression -- she was to me a caring, regal, passionate, creative and generous individual. From the occasional private lunch, to allowing me to drive her car to return her pianist to his residence, to the private chats...these fond memories will remain forever. She was one of the most unique individuals that I had the pleasure of knowing...Bon repos Mme Grandpierre! - Posted by: Rachelle Smith (Friend) on: Jun 13, 2008
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Please accept my personal condolences and from the St Paul's High School Community. I had the pleasure of working with Madame in the late 60's at St Paul's. Fr's Murray SJ and Driscoll SJ are no doubt welcoming her into paradise. The staff and students were blessed to have known her. - Posted by: Nick Laping (Co-Worker) on: Jun 12, 2008