KATHLEEN DeLARONDE (nee McIVOR)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

KATHLEEN DeLARONDE (nee McIVOR) March 2, 1933 - August 6, 2000 Surrounded by her loving family, Kathleen went home to God on a clear blue August Sunday morning to the sound of birds singing. She was born at home and raised in Cross Lake, Man., and was a citizen of Pimichikimak Cree Nation. Kathleen was married to Henry DeLaronde and they raised their family together for 45 years in The Pas, Man. Kathleen began her career in the health care field as a young girl in the Cross Lake Nursing Station and later moved to The Pas and worked at the Clearwater Sanitarium. She retired from health care at The Pas Health Complex. Kathleen also worked for many years at Opasquia School teaching beadwork and other cultural activities to the students. She taught beadwork with the Continuing Education Division of Keewatin Community College for 15 years. Moms many original beadwork designs can be seen worn around the world on moccasins, gauntlets, mukluks and jackets. Mom especially enjoyed sitting at her kitchen table, teaching her many grandchildren and visitors beading, cooking, quilting and bannock making with a couple of Cree lessons thrown in for good measure. In later years, she began making embroidered rose quilts which achieved championship status in craft shows. With each special achievement in her family and friends lives, she would proudly present them with one of these handmade treasures. One knew they had special status when they received these quilts. Even George Jones received a special wine coloured rose quilt when he held a concert in Cross Lake. Moms life was a living testament of the Beautitudes. She was the eldest daughter of Mary and Malcolm McIvors twelve children and mother of her own ten children, so in many ways her siblings were like her own children. Even with such a large family to raise, there was always a bed for women who came in from the north to have their baby, or for teenagers on their way to school or a young person coming to town to look for a job. Not once did anyone go to bed hungry or go to school without breakfast. She always had an ear for people who were distressed, and never judged anyone by the harshness of their words. She allowed her children to make their own decisions and held them tight when their decisions were not necessarily the right ones. She took great pride in the accomplishments of her brothers and sisters and her own children. She was proud of her sons as peace officers as well as small business owners. She modeled the courage, strength and independence of a woman which is a gift she gave all her daughters. Most important was the gift to be good parents to our children and celebrate each childs moments with joy and laughter. Her friends were really important to her and she treasured the time they had playing scrabble or doing other crafts. In addition to being a wife and mother and friend, she had time to be a community activist. She served on the board of directors of the Northern Manitoba Trappers Festival and worked on various provincial and federal election campaigns and was a member of the Manitoba Metis Foundation. Kathleen was an example of living life in the sacred. Her life was an example modeled after Mother Theresa - doing small things with great love will change the world that we live in. She is survived by her husband Henry DeLaronde; children, Margaret (Angus) Mackinnon, Sandra (Dennis) Cook, Conrad (Lois), Dennis (Toni), Kenneth (Millie), Gary (Joanne), Joan, Diana (Albert) Colombe; mother Mary McIvor; brothers, Edward, Thomas, Jack, James, Les, Douglas, George; sisters, Francis, Joan, Eleanor; special nieces, Mary Lou Sanderson and Marlene McIvor; a traditional adopted son Ernest Monias; daughter-in-law Alice McIvor; grandchildren, Larry (Mel), Marion, Sande, Sarah, Tyler, Travis, Terrance, Marika, Lyndon, Sydni, Dayna, Diana, Danielle, Bobby Faye, Rhys, Michael, Christopher, Skylar, Jonathon, Rikki, Desiree Glenda Rose, Billy and Tricia; great-grandchildren, Aliyah, Destiny, Bryant, Emily; as well as numerous other relatives and friends. Kathleen was predeceased by her father Malcolm McIvor; sons, Michael and Sydney and brother Donald McIvor. Prayers and visitation were held Monday, August 7, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Westminster United Church, The Pas. The funeral service was held Tuesday, August 8, 11:00 a.m. at Westminster United Church, with Rev. Keith Lyons presiding. Joyce Clarke was the organist. Ted Green played the bagpipes. Soloist was Marion Mackinnon. Biographical remembrances were given by Margaret Mackinnon. A poem was read by Dennis DeLaronde. A tribute was given by the R.C.M.P. Readers were Angus Mackinnon, Angie Mackinnon and Billy Jo DeLaronde. A drum tribute was given by Sandra Cook at the graveside. Following the interment prayers and hand burial by her family at Lakeside Cemetery, Kathleens family invited everyone to a reception and time of fellowship in the lower level of the Westminster United Church. If friends so desire, donations in Kathleens memory may be made to the Cancer Society, Manitoba Division, Norman Region, P.O. Box 635, The Pas, Man., R9A 1K7; or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 301 - 352 Donald St., Winnipeg, Man., R3B 2H8; or to the Canadian Diabetes Foundation, 102 - 310 Broadway, Winnipeg, Man., R3C 0S6. Active pallbearers were Kenneth DeLaronde, Gary DeLaronde, Conrad DeLaronde, Dennis DeLaronde, George McIvor and Larry Mackinnon. Honorary pallbearers were Catherine McLeod, Verna Bodnar, Mary Ann Scott, Doreen Hardy, Patricia Sinclair, Selma Jantti, Donna Nabess, Evelyn Jebb, Esther Richards, Marilyn Constant, Victoria McIvor, Diane Aysanabee, Weston Aysanabee, and her numerous friends. Hemauer Funeral Home, The Pas were in care of arrangements. (204) 623-3261. TO THOSE I LOVE THOSE WHO LOVED ME When I am gone, release me, let me go - I have so many things to see and do, You mustnt tie yourself to me with tears, Be happy that we had these precious years. I gave you my love, you can only guess How much you gave to me in happiness. I thank you for the love you each have shown, But now it is time I traveled on alone. So grieve a while for me if you must; Then let your grief be comforted by trust, Its only for a while that we must part, So bless the memories within your heart. I wont be far away, for life goes on; So if you need me, call and I will come. Though you cant see me or touch me, Ill be near, And if you listen with your heart youll hear All of my love around you soft and clear. And then when you must come this way alone Ill greet you with a smile and say, "Welcome home."

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 13, 2000