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Monique Willman
Date of Passing: Jun 07, 2020
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryMONIQUE Beatrice Rita Marie WILLMAN
(nee Poirier)
Oct. 1, 1956 - June 7, 2020
On June 7, 2020, in a peaceful moment while holding Bruce’s hand, with her children by her side, Monique passed on to the heavens, a beautiful wife and best friend to her husband Bruce Willman.
Predeceased by her loving parents Octave (Butch) Poirier, Terry Poirier (nee Champagne).
Beloved mother, memere and grand-memere, Jean-Guy, Benjamin; Gisèle (Lauri), Jadyn, Breanna, Austin; Alex, Sabastien, Caleb; Lorianne Nault, Natalie (Nasser), Tiffanie (Dave), Tyler, Derrick, Michelline (Tanner), Hayden, Bethanie; Candace Gratton, (Rob), Shaye, Tyson, Danny.
Adored sister, sister-in-law and auntie. Siblings, Louise Cleroux, Robert Poirier, Wayne Piper and Jamie Piper; close as sisters, Yvette Olsen and Shirley Foulger, missed sorely by so many nephews, nieces and unforgettable close friends in her journeys from Ontario to Manitoba.
Monique grew up in Ontario in the Red Lake area. Raised for 10 years by her aunt and uncle, Archie and Rita Ross. She graduated from Red Lake High School and took a course in reception.
Monique moved to Richer, MB for a short while where she met Bruce. Although Bruce scared her “just a little” with his fast ride in his Chrysler Newport, she fell hard for him and just knew he was going to be her one and only forever love and best friend. Monique said yes and they were married Apr. 30, 1977. They decided to journey back to Red Lake, ON for a few more years. This is where they had their first blessing, Alex. It was time to venture back to Richer, MB, which was home for the next 24 years. This is where they would raise their children, blessed yet again with Gisèle and Jean-Guy. They were also blessed with Lorianne Nault, who was meant to be their daughter. She loved being surrounded by her husband, children and grandchildren; she loved them dearly. She lived to see them happy and was so proud of her family.
In 1990, Monique started with the federal government at Health and Welfare Canada as the bilingual receptionist for a couple years and then transferred over to First Nations and Inuit Health Branch. She has left an everlasting impression on many colleagues’ lives. She was an active union advocate for so many and worked her way up to regional vice president. She retired with 25 years of service and a handful of very best friends forever.
In the last couple years, before Monique’s retirement, they moved to the city and had a spot near Falcon Lake for their cabin life. May 11, 2013, they had everything for themselves and family and were able to donate to people and causes near to their heart. They moved out to a private place they felt was heavenly. This is where Monique lived her past seven years surrounded by her most adored family and friends, celebrating births, birthdays, and on Apr. 30, 2020 - 44 years with the love of her life, Bruce.
Monique could walk into any room and light it up. She just had natural gifts. A great smile, beautiful blue eyes, a jolly laugh, and jokes just waiting to tell. She was the ultimate “social butterfly”. She loved to dance, craft, do puzzles, play games and just watch her family grow. She loved her last pet Suzercuzer (Suze) so much that it was hard to separate them. No matter how rich or poor she was, it didn’t matter. Monique was herself with that very soft and gentle heart and was a beloved compassionate person. Despite her discomfort, she always provided everyone with comfort throughout her years. She was everyone’s “Rock”. Her purpose in life we may say. We know that Monique touched the lives of so many, and will truly be missed by all that mourn for her. She will most definitely wear those “Golden Wings” with purple tips in heaven and be an awesome guardian angel.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private family service will be held, a Celebration of Life, to be held at a later date with family and close friends. A heartfelt thank you to all those who have provided friendship and care.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Diabetes Canada or CancerCare Manitoba.
As published in The Carillon on Jun 17, 2020
Condolences & Memories (2 entries)
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Monique was a great person to work with. She was a loyal customer to us during her career with First Nations and Inuit Health. I got to know Monique quite well over the years and always enjoyed hearing about her life and family. We were quite close and worked well together. Monique really showed me the kind of person she was, when she insisted on coming down and taking me out for lunch. ( I was pregnant with twins) she came down with her purchasing team and celebrated my upcoming birth of my twins. It was a touching moment in my life and something I will never forget. The gesture was beyond thoughtful and I was grateful for the friendship we had created. I often think of Monique and the extraordinary things that happened to her. She took them in stride and was a pillar of strength in my eyes. I was so sad to hear of Monique’s passing. Love and condolances to moniques family Lynn Carson- barik medical - Posted by: Lynn carson (Was a long time customer of our company) on: Feb 03, 2021
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RIP Monique. Your smile and kind soul will be remembered forever. My deepest condolences to Monique’s family. - Posted by: Patricia Brennan (Co-worker and friend) on: Jan 09, 2021