IRENE FONTAINE

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IRENE FONTAINE Passed away in Winnipeg October 14, 2009. Irene was born July 16, 1941 at Sandy Bay, Manitoba to Noah and Veronique Beaulieu. She is survived by her children and their families: George Jeffrey Fontaine, Joy Cramer (Ian), Glen Fontaine, Barry (Georgina) Fontaine, grandchildren: Kristen Elk-Fontaine, Jacob Cramer, Brent Fontaine, Manny Fontaine, Nichole Steenerson, Kevin Fontaine, Tamara Fontaine, David Fontaine, Alex Fontaine; great-grandchildren: Dmitrius Kinew, Jorge Heinzelmann, Kaylee Steenerson; her sisters, Suzanne Starr, Adeline Mousseau, Mary (Dave) Ireland, Hazel (Bill) McKennitt and brother-in-law Ted (Morgan) Fontaine, and sisters-in-law Marie, Margery, and Shirley, along with numerous nephews, and nieces (100+). Irene was predeceased by her husband Leon Fontaine (2000), Son Bradley Leon Fontaine, her parents Noah and Veronique Beaulieu, brothers, Christopher Beaulieu, Isaac Beaulieu, and as infants Howard and Madeline. Irene attended Sandy Bay Residential School from grades 1 to 8, grades 9-10 at Liberet, Saskatchewan, 11 and 12 St. Charles Convent in Winnipeg. Irene married Leon Fontaine and during their marriage lived in many parts of Canada for Leon's work as an industrial pipefitter, and during that time they had five children. The family settled in Winnipeg in the 70s and Irene returned back to school and attended The University of Manitoba, Faculty of Social Work, and at the same, raised her children and worked at numerous jobs to support her family. Irene also cared for her parents for many years until their death. She cared for her husband Leon during his battle with cancer until his death. And, her last years she spent caring for her precious grandson Jacob Cramer. Irene loved spending time with her family and all of the family celebrations which were closest to her heart, the dinners, and the parties. Some of her favourite pastimes included playing BINGO and going to the CASINO with her sons, and dining out with her daughter, visiting with family, and travelling. Irene was always so proud of the achievements of family, friends and extended family. Irene will be missed but we have such wonderful fond memories of times spent together. Thunderbird House is a place close to Irene's heart and her family because her Dad Noah and brother Isaac, and many relatives and friends were instrumental in its opening. Special Acknowledgement to the WRHA Palliative Care Program and to the Palliative Care Unit at the St. Boniface Hospital for providing an excellent program. We couldn't have made it through this so well without the caring hands of Dr. Chris Hohl, and Nurses, Cheri, Dana and Louise. They all shared in keeping our lovely mother, grandmother and sister happy and comfortable in her final days. Chi Meegwetch. Winnipeg Service: Thunderbird House, 715 Main Street, October 17, Wake begins at 7:00 p.m. October 18, Service at 2:00 p.m., Feast to follow. Sagkeeng First Nation Service: Fort Alexander Parish Sagkeeng First Nation October 19, Service at 2:00 p.m. Feast to follow.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 17, 2009