HENRIETTE MARIE BRUCE (COUTU)

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HENRIETTE MARIE BRUCE (nee COUTU) Avril 11, 1928 - Novembre 4, 2011 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Henriette Bruce on November 4, 2011 at the age of 83. Beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, very much respected for her standard of living and religious beliefs. After many years of courageous battle with heart disease and lately pulmonary fibroses, Mom never complained and lived everyday to it's fullest. Mom was predeceased by her husband Rupert and son Rupert Jr. Also by her parents Henri and Marie Coutu, three brothers, Daniel, Andre and Lucien. Henriette will be missed by her children left behind to cherish her memory, Helen (Elmer), Russell, Wayne (Marcia), Joseph (Florence), Marlene (Yves), Bonita (Gregg), Shirley (Cyrus), Colette, Roseann, and Lisa (John); as well as her three sisters, Beatrice, Marcelle, Suzanne; brother Paul; all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren which not one day went by that Mom did not ask about how they were doing and what they were up to. Mom enjoyed being a homemaker and being with family and friends. Christmas was a sight to be seen when Mom played Santa Claus and no one received their gift until she received a kiss on the cheek. She had a witty sense of humour and enjoyed playing cards especially cribbage, where she rarely lost. She always had an open door welcoming visitors into her home and ready to offer refreshments whether friends were expected or just dropped in unexpectedly. Henriette grew up with family values of hard work and a very strong faith in God. She dedicated her life to helping others with acts of kindness. Henriette also had a witty sense of humour and always had a quick comeback that would surprise us all. Despite her share of hardships she never let it keep her down. Her strong religious beliefs made it easier for her to accept and work with what she was dealt. She grew up in St. Laurent, MB, but left as a young woman to live in St. Boniface, MB and work at Tache Hospital. She married Rupert Bruce in 1948 shortly after the war and returned to St. Laurent to raise her family. She was widowed at age 50 with three young children to raise on her own. With many good friends she enjoyed many adventures. She especially enjoyed travelling with her sisters to Vancouver to visit their sister Beatrice. Mom had a joie de vie attitude and was fun to be around. Mom taught us well and hopefully we can carry on those family values and traditions that we will fondly remember and cherish her by. Maman, reposez vous en paix! Vous serez toujours dans notre coeur! Honorary pallbearers are all the grandchildren that Mom was so very proud of. Prayers will be held at MacKenzie Funeral Home in Stonewall, MB on Wednesday, November 9 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held at St. Laurent Roman Catholic Church in St. Laurent, MB on Thursday, November 10, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. Father Michel Nault officiating. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favourite charity or do an act of kindness to a stranger. MACKENZIE FUNERAL HOME STONEWALL (204) 467-2525 mackhome@mts.net

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 09, 2011