CLAIRE M. Y. NORMAND

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CLAIRE M. Y. NORMAND (née LAFANTAISIE) August 16, 1936 - October 26, 2015 Peacefully and surrounded by her loving family, our beautiful Maman and Memère left us on October 26, 2015. Left to mourn her passing are her son Alain (Colleen), her daughter Lynn (Rick), her daughter Rachelle; her grandchildren Chantalle (Marco), Joel (Chelsea), Joshua, Sarah (Joseph), Brooke; her great-grandson Zander; her brothers, sisters and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Armand, her son Denis, her father Emilien and mother Flore, her sisters Jeanne and Thérèse and her brother Denis. Maman was born into a large family, which molded her into the extraordinary person we all knew and loved. She learned at a very young age what responsibility and sharing and hard work were and she carried these qualities with her throughout her life. She instilled in us the importance of family and this is the legacy we have from her. Maman married the love of her life, Armand, and together they raised their three children. She taught us love and what it means to love unconditionally. Maman's children, grandchildren and great-grandchild were her pride and joy and we were reminded of this with every moment we shared with her. We drew our strength from Maman, even in her weakest moments. Her challenges in life strengthened her faith and we never saw her falter. She fought for us all in one way or another and for all of us she always gave her best. God gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers and we know that to be true because Maman was indeed one of God's strongest soldiers. Now the time has come for you to rest, so go in peace our dearest Maman. Although letting you go was not easy, knowing you no longer suffer eases the pain, and your wonderful and gentle soul will forever remain in our hearts. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at CancerCare Manitoba and WRHA, and to the angels at Jocelyn House Hospice for the wonderful care provided to Maman. We appreciate everyone's prayers and support during this difficult time. In keeping with Maman's wishes, cremation has taken place, no formal service will be held and a private interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Claire's memory to the Jocelyn House Hospice and in Claire's brother Denis Lafantaisie's memory to the Siloam Mission. Ce n'est qu'un au revoir Maman ... On t'aime gros comme le soleil.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 31, 2015