EVA BACKELAND

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EVA BACKELAND 1912 - 2010 Don't be sad when I die. I've had a good life Peacefully, on April 19, 2010, Mom died surrounded by her family and in the care of the Lord. Her life was one of love, caring and generosity toward others. A lifetime gifted to those already departed, her husband Henry, her brothers Emile and Johnny Hogue, her sister Anna Viau, her grandchild Joanne Tremblay and her closest relatives Omer and Eva Baekeland, Elsie and Hector St-Godard, George Fontaine, Rosario and Denise Doiron and Ulysse and Denis Lamoureux. She will continue to live in the hearts of her sisters Aurore and Leonie Lamoureux, her sister-in-law Matsy Hogue, her children Alice and Denis Tremblay, Ann and Bert Backeland, Jeannette and Gerald Backeland, and Margo and Al McDougall. She was young at heart and loved her grand and great-grandchildren in whose lives she took a loving interest until her last breath. She loved life and people, her nieces and nephews who brought happiness to her life and particularly her dear friends at l'Accueil Colombien who brought her joy and comfort. Mom always wanted to help out people, particularly those who were less fortunate than she was. Whether it was a sandwich for a down-and-out, daycare for single mothers or just visiting sick patients in the hospital, she cared deeply for her community and her fellow human beings. Active in church and community affairs, she volunteered for the Cancer Society, the Red Cross, l'Accueil Colombien, Age and Opportunity, served on the Old St. Boniface Residents Association, established and operated the North St. Boniface Seniors Centre and was a devoted member of the Legion de Marie and the Petites Communautes Chretiennes. You can't just think of yourself she would tell us, you have to get out there and do something to make things better for everyone. In our eyes, she will always appear with a good laugh, a twinkling look, a teasing smile, whether reading a good book or enjoying a moment in time with friends and family - she was a 25 year old in a 98 year body. I'm 98, imagine - it's time to go. Don't be sad. It's natural. We will not be sad Mom, but we will miss you. Thanks to the doctors, nurses and employees at St. Boniface and Misericordia hospitals, in particular Dr. Melanie St-Hilaire. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of her life will be held on Friday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m. in the Coutu Funeral Chapel, 680 Archibald St. In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity devoted to helping others would be appreciated by the family. Mom would have wanted it to be so. The Coutu family in care of arrangements; E. J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald St. 253-5086

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 28, 2010