MRS. LEA IRENE MARIE DUBOIS (LANGLAIS)

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MRS. LEA IRENE MARIE DUBOIS (nee LANGLAIS) With dignity, strength and fortitude Mom, Grandma fought the race till the end. Surrounded by loved ones, Mom passed away on Monday, November 10, 2003 at the St. Boniface Hospital. She was predeceased by her loving husband Paul; her parents, Frank and Josephine Langlais; her brother Alex; her sisters, Evelyn and Rose. Left to mourn her hopes and dreams are her four daughters, Christine Nickles, Diane (Sid) Grinham, Gisele (Gerry) Kroeker, Doreen (John) Holmes; and her son Paul (Rose) Dubois; her grandchildren whom she loved dearly, Danny, Cary, Aaron, Rebekah, Joel, Sarah, Gerhard, Tyler, Johnny, Bethany, Kyle, Rachel; her sisters, Ann Asselin, Francis Goodman, and Madeline Desaulnier, all from Ontario, Betty (Dennis) Wesley of British Columbia; her brothers, Leo, Albert (Joanne) and Alphonse (Annette), also from Ontario; and numerous sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and friends. Born in La Broquerie on May 14, 1923, Mom was the eldest of 11 children. She moved to Winnipeg to find work and thats when she met the man of her dreams and later married him. They were married for over 40 years before Dad died. Together with great pride they had four daughters and then their cup overflowed when their only son Paul was born. When we were growing up at home, there were many family gatherings that brought Mom or Dads side together. You can be certain that someone would be strumming the guitar, the fiddle was being played and you could hear the spoons bouncing off so many knees with Doreen in the middle doing the jig. We had great times that wont be forgotten. After staying home for quite a few years, Mom decided to go to look for work. She got a job in the housekeeping department at the St. Boniface Hospital and after a very short while she was promoted to supervisor for that department. This gave Mom such a sense of accomplishment. The people who worked for Mom were her extended family. She wasnt only their supervisor, but was their friend. Mom had worked at the St. Boniface Hospital for 31 years when she retired. You could still find Mom at Chicken Delight most Wednesdays enjoying lunch with this group of friends. It seemed things could only get better when Dad, at such a young age (45) was involved in a car accident so serious that he was unable to work for most of his life. For three and one-half years, Mom visited Dad at the Rehab Centre, worked full time, and was still at home for us. She was our provider and stood tall amidst the storms. It was then that we all noticed Moms creative talents of painting and decorating. This became her refuge and she would change the rooms so many times that family and friends would drop by and be amazed at another one of Moms ingenious makeovers. When Mom couldnt paint anymore, she had Cary do it for her. She could wear him out. Some of Moms other pleasures were wrestling. She spent many nights in front of the T.V. with Danny and Aaron watching matches. Grandma would be phoning for Aaron if he wasnt there when wrestling started. He used to say how cute Grandma was and you couldnt tell her that wrestling was all a big act or shed be sure to correct you. Grandma also loved to pick from the many shades of Rebekahs nail polishes and receive a perfect manicure. Grandma was concerned about her hair all the time and asked Rebekah to make sure shed look great till the end and she did. Joel and Sarah spent many summer days at Grandmas, where they enjoyed getting pampered and bossed around. Sarah thought nobody could make noodle soup like Grandma, but Joel didnt agree. He gave his to his sister when Grandma wasnt looking. Grandma always looked forward in receiving Gerhards French letters while he was at camp and would brag about them. What would the rummage sale be like without Grandma? This was a sure outing for Tyler and Johnny with a big lunch to follow at Chicken Delight. When Paul and Rose moved away it broke Moms heart so she was always excited to hear Bethany, Kyle and Rachel were coming for a visit. Our last Christmas together was a joyful one and we were fortunate to have everyone there. Mom loved to go to garage sales to look for dolls and it wont be as much fun looking for a bargain without her. Mom was blessed to have Christine and her boys living with her after Dad died. Theres a special place for them in Moms heart where only peace and love exist. Mom had carried the loneliness of losing Dad the remainder of her days, but now they are united. Our circle had a void, where Mom and Dad once stood, that can never be replaced. It can never be broken because love never ends, love knows no boundaries. Very special thanks to Auntie Francis for coming to look after her big sister for three weeks while she was ill and showering her with tender loving care. Special thanks to Fr. Monty for his blessings and prayers, for friends and family who came to give prayers and support to us in our need. For the nurses on 5B we thank you and especially to Cindy and Carla for their compassion and gentleness towards Mom. In accordance with Moms wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no formal service, but in celebration of Moms life, family and friends are invited to drop in anytime between 1:00 and 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 15, at 342 Boyd Ave. (one block north of Redwood, off Main Street). A private family service will take place at a later date. Je manquerai parler francais avec vous grand-mere. Pourtant je sais que vous etes dans un endroit tres paisible maintenant. Votre douleur a fini et vous etes maintenant reuni a notre grand-pere. Tous vos petits-enfants manqueront vous mais nous nous rendons compte que vous etes finalement a la paix. Salut grand-mere. Mom, you have won the crown of glory Well love you forever. Arrangements entrusted to: GLEN LAWN FUNERAL HOME 455 LAGIMODIERE BLVD. 982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 14, 2003