JOSEPHINE GAGNON RESTIAUX HUMPHREYS

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JOSEPHINE GAGNON RESTIAUX HUMPHREYS May 27, 2001 at Sunset in the Month of Mary Peacefully, surrounded by her children, after a valiant struggle, our beloved mother was released from her suffering and is now in a better place. Josephine was predeceased by her first husband and father of her children, John Restiaux; her parents, Charles and Rose; her wonderful brother Arthur; her brother-in-law Albert Shipper; and her young brother Joe, who died in the war. She is survived by her husband Vaughn Humphreys and his children, Jenny, Sally, and Grant. She loved and cared for Vaughn very dearly. He mourns her loss. She is also survived by her eldest daughter Linda (David) her favourite, Cecile; her youngest child Sonny (Laura) her two stepsons, Fred (Gail) and George, who she raised as her own son; her godchild Brenda, who gave her the name "Auntie Phine"; her sisters, Doris and Amanda (Len) her sister-in-law Marge Mercier, who was always there for her; Jeanne, Therese, Harry, Gerri, and Tiny; many nieces and nephews, extended family, and special friends, Darlene and Chris. Her heart will continue beating in the lives of her precious grandchildren, her namesake Josephine, Louis, Michael, and Thomas, who is now taking care of Frankie. Grandma was a bright and shining link in the chain of love that surrounds the world. Mum contracted tuberculosis at the age of 14 and spent 1163 days (three years) in the St. Boniface Sanatorium. October 7, 1936, she lost her lung to the disease. Despite her losses, her courage maintained her, and she went on to have three beautiful children, providing for them even after losing her first husband John when she was only 37. She worked hard all her life, at Arcadia Nursing Home, Georgettes Restaurant, and Galaxy Garments with her sister Doris. Mum spent many happy summers at Rainbow Falls, White Lake, with Vaughn, where she loved fishing and berry picking. Her special friend there was Mrs. Mills. Mum made several trips to New Zealand to visit Linda and her family. This was heaven for her. Her passion was her rosebushes, and her favourite activity was playing bingo at St. Louis Centre every Saturday for 30 years. Her absence will not go unnoticed. Our mother suffered her whole life without complaining or feeling sorry for herself. Despite her own needs, she always put everyone elses needs and wishes before her own. She was generous, loving and kind, and the most forgiving person. Her greatest virtue was her patience. She passed on with great dignity. Special thanks to Dr. Hershfield, Dr. Giannooli, Dr. Stimpson; staff at St. Boniface Hospital; the wonderful staff at Riverview 2 East, Jackie (Baja) and Barbara (Ba-Ba) the staff at H.S.C.; all her friends at the Huff n Puff Club, Tache Day Centre, and Catherine Place. Cremation has taken place, as per Mums wishes. Funeral mass will be celebrated by Fr. Ron Leger at the Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, 252 Dubuc St. in St. Boniface, on Friday, June 1 at 2:00 p.m. Private interment will take place at a later date. LECLAIRE BROTHERS in care of arrangements.775-2220.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 30, 2001