Berthe Gervais, 1916-2008

Berthe Anita Gervais, resident of McLennan, passed away on Sept. 24, 2008, at the age of 92. Berthe was born on March 23, 1916 at Coventry, Rhode Island. She arrived in Canada in 1920 with her family in the district of Legal, Alberta. Her hobbies included; crochet, sewing, playing cards, and most of all dancing. If there was music, you would find her on the dance floor. When she had a stroke, she had a hard time accepting the fact she wouldn’t be able to dance anymore. Today she is in heaven dancing with the angels. Our mom was a model mom and an inspiration in our lives. She was a woman of great faith. She would start her day with a prayer, offering her day to God and no matter how tired she was at night, she would always thank God for her day and for protecting her family. Every time we would go visit her, she either had her rosary or her prayer book in her hands. Her devotion to the Virgin Mary always amazed us, and it is not surprising that her favourite colour was blue. God came to pick the most beautiful rose to decorate His garden. He wrapped his loving arms around her and has taken her to Heaven with him. In Heaven, with no more suffering, no pain, no fears, no tears…. When we close our eyes and try to define the word “Mom”, we have the same feeling as a sailor who has to cross a storm at sea and who finally sees the light of the harbor. It is joy, peace and security. ‘Til we meet again, Mom, may you rest in peace! Berthe was predeceased by her husband Frederic, daughter Irene, parents Cléophas and Victoria Chabot, brothers Ernest Hervé and Normand, sisters Blanche, Yvette, and Gertrude. She is survived by daughters Pauline Harris (Edmonton), Rolande (Andy) Engebretson (Lindale), Hélène (Guy) Gilbert (Vernon), Gilberte (Charles) Mackell (Girouxville), Giséle (Lawrence) Napier (Mackenzie, B.C.), 16 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces. Funeral services for the late Berthe Gervais were held Sept. 27 at 10:30 a.m. from the Ste. Anne Roman Catholic Church in Falher with Father Charles Lavoie officiating. Organist and soloist was Ginette Aubin. Urn bearer was Roger Mackell, cross bearer was Trina Napier, gift bearers were Berthe’s 16 grandchildren. Internment followed at the Falher Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Chapel of Memories in Peace River.