LOUISE IMELDA LABELLE

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LOUISE IMELDA LABELLE Peacefully, after a long battle with osteoporosis, our grande soeur , matriarch , and ma tante passed away in Charleswood Care Centre on the evening of Tuesday, December 21, 2010 in her 92nd year. Eldest daughter of the late Adrien and Mary Eda Perras, she is survived by her brother Eugene Perras (Simone); sister Claire Lacroix, both of St. James; niece Yvonne Wood; nephews Adrien and Mark Perras; as well as numerous other relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Francis J. LaBelle of Penticton, BC; brother Henri (2003); brother Robert (2004); brother-in-law Aurèle Lacroix (2003) and three siblings who perished in the house fire of 1922; Claire, Louis-Phillippe, and Eugene Perras. Louise was born in St. François Xavier, Manitoba on September 27, 1918 where she attended church regularly and was educated in the local school system during her formative years. Later on, to complete high school, she enrolled at St. Adolphe Convent until she graduated with honours under the excellent tutelage of Les Filles de la Croix . It was in this milieu that she developed a love for creativity in many areas: culinary and fine arts. She quite enjoyed all aspects of food preparation and service excelling in sewing, knitting, embroidery and quilting, jam and jelly making. To quote her instructor, she was the epitome of decorum, order, and neatness, this remained with her throughout her life. During the war years, Lou travelled to Toronto and promptly applied for work at the Scarboro Plant, where she made lasting friends. She took a trip to Penticton, BC, where she met and married Francis J. LaBelle, who practiced chiropractic medicine. It was during a medical mission that he lost his life in a boating mishap off Texada Island. Louise then returned to Winnipeg, where she developed an avid interest in farm life, gardening, and flower beds. Throughout her life, she visited Hawaii, Paris, Rome, Monaco, Montreal, Mexico, and most Canadian provinces. She became a keen photographer and roving reporter (ten albums, to be exact). Upon return to Winnipeg, Louise resided at the Courts of St. James for 20 years, where she enjoyed many friendships. Catholic faith played the greatest role in Louise's life, as witness her dedication to service of others, her devotion to Our Lady, her recitation of a daily rosary, and her commitment to various organizations knew no bounds; Alpha House, Red Cross, Heart and Stroke, Diabetes, CancerCare, Kidney Foundation, Chez Nous , Les Peres Blanc de l'Afrique. She was a faithful member of St. James Assiniboia Catholic Women's League since its inception. Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated on Friday, December 31, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. in Blessed John XXIII Roman Catholic Church, 3390 Portage Avenue at Rouge Road with Rev. Fr. Gerald Langevin and Rev. Msgr. Maurice Comeault, P.H., presiding. We are most appreciative and grateful for the tender, loving care bestowed on our sister, Louise during her brief sojourn at Charleswood Care Centre by many Angels of Mercy who quietly hovered over her during her last days. She fought the good fight She finished the race And most certainly kept the faith. Adieu, chère LouLou. You shall be sorely missed.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 29, 2010