MARY JANE FONTAINE (COURCHENE)

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MARY JANE FONTAINE (nee COURCHENE) August 10, 1921 - January 9, 2010 On January 9, 2010 our mother Mary Jane Fontaine at the age of 89 years, beloved wife of our father James (Jimmy) passed into the spirit world. She leaves to celebrate and remember her life, her husband of 55 years James, children Linda, Louise, Jerry, Vincent (Sandra), Sheldon (Lillian) and special niece and nephew Tanya (Derek) and J.B. (Candace) whom she raised and considered her children, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As well, brothers Victor and Cyril, her close and last surviving sister Viola (Girlie), brothers-in-law Bert (Terry), Dennis, Phil and sisters-in-law Audrey, Thelma (Duncan), Ruth, Janet and Lorraine. She was predeceased by her father Gabriel Courchene and Mary (nee Kent); stepmother Christina (nee Alexander), grandson Claude Spence, sisters Lucy and Angele, brothers Stanford, Albert and Leon, brothers-in-law James Cook, Clement, Marcel, Elmer, Walter Fontaine and Henry McAuley, sisters-in-law Verna, Jessie and Frances Fontaine, Albina and Isabelle Courchene, Agnes her mother-in-law who was a very dear and close friend and numerous nieces and nephews. She will be remembered for her kindness and willingness to help others. Our mother always taught us to value each other. In her eyes, the family was where her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren would give and receive and that we should never be in want of anything. An example of this was her taking in a number of young children who she helped raise as her own. This was her way of nurturing and expressing her deep love for children. Our mother was a very strong and loving Anishinabe kwe who taught us to know right from wrong and respect everyone. She lived simply with great humility. She and our father had a great gift and instilled in us all the importance of community and making a contribution. We were shown that it was important to provide for others that had less than we. In her quiet and humble way, she set an incredible example. However, when she did want to express herself we knew to listen. As Anishinabe kwe, she knew her commitment and responsibility to our father, her family and community. The spark of life that she shared with everyone of us will always be remembered and celebrated. Wake services were held at the St. Alexander Roman Catholic Parish, Sagkeeng January 12, 2010. Funeral to follow January 15, 2010 at 2:00 p.m., Father Francois Paradis to conduct service. Pallbearers will be Patrick, Derrick and Craig Fontaine, Victor, Gerald and Darren Courchene. Honorary pallbearers Anthony Fontaine and Donovan Ross. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Winnipeg Humane Society may be made. Arrangements entrusted to; Rock Fontaine Funeral Director Honour - Respect - Dignity 866-499-2601 or 204-223-2576

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 13, 2010