YVONNE SERAPHINE AYOTTE

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YVONNE SERAPHINE AYOTTE (née MARCHAND) Mom passed away quietly with her children present into the arms of God on Wednesday, October 19, 2011. She will be lovingly missed by her husband of 60 years, Bernard Ayotte, daughters Mona-Lynne Ayotte and Michèle Cadieux (Bob). She was also dearly loved by her grandchildren: Julie French (Kelsey), Aimée Cadieux (Leigh Lange), Kerry Cadieux (Brittany) and Samantha Howden (Alex Chase) along with great-grandchildren: MacKenzie (Aimée), Taylor and Campbell (Julie). Left also to cherish her memory are her brother and sisters: Ernest Marchand (Irène), Florina Delaquis, and Annette Coates. She was predeceased by her parents Joseph and Thérèse Marchand (Pilloud), her brothers and sisters: Léo (Hélène), Arthur (Josée), Alphonse (Lucie), Eva (Amedee) Leclaire and Clifford Coates. Mom was the oldest daughter of nine children born to Thérèse and Joseph Marchand on May 7, 1914 in Benson, Saskatchewan. Their family relocated to Manitoba in 1934. Yvonne was an excellent seamstress, surely inheriting this gene from her Swiss Couturière grandmother, Annette Genou. When secondhand clothes, from her father's sister, Agathe Marchand would arrive from Québec, she would take them all apart recreating spectacular dresses and clothing for her mother and sisters. Annette was said to have been the best dressed student in the Notre Dame convent as a result! Yvonne worked at the Zellers on Portage Avenue, the fashionable Reeves Store, and left her job at the Eaton's Mail Order Catalogue to marry the love of her life Bernard, on November 22, 1950. Upon their honeymoon to the United States, they encountered a winter storm during the American Thanksgiving, and were welcomed in Fargo with open arms for a free dinner and dance in their honour. After their wedding, mom and dad lived in Letellier, whereby, Yvonne became a dedicated and devoted housewife and mother who made the most delicious meals all the while helping her children with homework and encouraging them to practise their piano. Mom's tender heart was as tender as her pie crusts! An avid reader, mom also took on the role of being a 4-H Leader teaching her daughters and others sewing and cooking skills. Her dearest friends were her four sisters with whom she remained close throughout her whole life. We extend a special thank you to the staff at the Golden Door and Foyer Valade, Unité Marguerite, for their compassion and care of our mother for the last nine years. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at Eglise St. Eugène, 1007 St. Mary's Road, Winnipeg, MB on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. with Father R. Lanoie presiding. A private family interment will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, Unit 10-120 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G2. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E. J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald St. 204-253-5086.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 22, 2011