CLAIRE MARIE BOHEMIER

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CLAIRE MARIE BOHEMIER (née BEAUGRAND DIT CHAMPAGNE) Surrounded by her loving family, our Mom, me-mère and great-grandmother (aka G.G.) passed away Sunday, October 30. Predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Charles in 2002, infant child Louise, and son-in-law Gerry Dorge, Mom leaves to mourn her three children: Larry (Huguette) Bohémier, Colette (Maurice) Zastre, and Jacquie Dorge (Gilles Paquette). She also leaves behind four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren: Daniel and Andrée Bohémier; Michael Zastre (spouse Lani and sons Ajax and Lex) and Stéphane Dorge (Lucille Levy). The last child in a family of 11 children, Mom's early years were spent with her grandmother and aunt when her mother, Francesca Champagne (née Baril) passed away five days after Mom's birth. Reintegrated with her father Alphonse and her siblings, Claire had the love, support and guidance of her brothers and sisters, led by her eldest sister Simone. Claire, along with brothers Alfred and Joe, and sister Denise, were known as les quatres petits'. Mom was predeceased by her parents Alphonse and Francesca; brothers Gustave, Roland, Alfred, Joe and Lucien; her sisters Simone Asselin, Béatrice Girouard, Irene Lagacé, Florence Asselin and Lucille Champagne. She is survived by her sister Denise Normandeau; brothers-in-law Marcel Asselin, Ray Bohémier and Bob Bohémier; sisters-in-law Doreen Champagne and Louise Forrest. In 1953 Mom married the love of her life, Charles. She ensured her husband and children had a warm, loving (and very tidy) home. Mom and Dad instilled in their children a strong work ethic and made many sacrifices to provide a solid education for them. Blessed with great sense of style (Il faut que ça match'), Claire made certain her children were always well dressed. Mom enjoyed cooking and canning; our favorite treats included: homemade pickles, peanut butter squares, matrimonial cake and tourtière. She instilled in us a love of reading and a great appreciation for music - we remember relaxing on Sunday afternoons, grooving to Tom Jones, Engelbert and Mireille Mathieu. When Mom re-entered the workforce, she did so as an employee of the Federal Government, finishing her career with Canada Employment Center where she retired in 1990. Claire loved sunshine - she and Dad enjoyed a number of trips south to California, Florida and Hawaii. She also loved the color green, yellow roses, fall suppers and the moon. Reading, knitting, cross-stitching and solving puzzles were her favourite pastimes. In recent years, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a source of immense pride to her. She was delighted by family get-togethers, Sunday brunches and our canine companions. Un gros merci au Dr. François et l'équipe du Centre de Santé. Merci aussi áses amis(es) ainsi que le personnel á Place Catherine où Maman demeurait depuis 2003. Thanks to the Angels on ward 6AS, the E.R. staff and doctors at St. Boniface Hospital. In keeping with Claire's wishes cremation has taken place and a Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. in Précieux Sang Church, 200 Kenny Street. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Claire's memory to the Manitoba Heart and Stroke Foundation, 6 Donald St., Winnipeg., MB, R3L 0K6. Il y a longtemps que je t'aime Jamais je ne t'oublierai 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 Nov 05, 2011