Obituary: Laura Maisonneuve, 1910-2009, 1961-2009

Laura (Tanguay) Maisonneuve, long time resident of Donnelly, passed away on July 16. Laura was born Dec. 12, 1910, the fourth child of a family of 12 children, in St. Malachie, P.Q. She moved to Donnelly in 1916 with her parents and five siblings. In 1930, she married Honore Maisonneuve. Her children wish to pay tribute to a wonderful lady, who in her 98 years has give of herself, without reservation, to them and to many others during her long life. She completed her life much the same way she lived it, with quiet strength and selfless dignity, concerned more for those she was leaving behind than for herself. Laura was predeceased by her parents Evangéliste and Albertine (Fleury) Tanguay, her husband of 59 years, Honoré, her son Constant, a grandson Joël Fournier, three sisters and seven brothers. She is survived by her nine children; Roger (Lucette) Maisonneuve, Ted (Hazel) Maisonneuve, Georgette (Roger) Fournier and Laurette (Roger) Blackburn, daughter-in-law Thérèse Maisonneuve (Constant’s wife), Guy (Janet) Maisonneuve,, Gilbert (Martine) Maisonneuve, Yvonne (Gerry) Maure, Renée (Murray) Knight, Rémi (Julie) Maisonneuve, 31 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, and sister Yvonne Maisonneuve. She is also survived by four sisters-in-law; Antoinette (Amédée), Stella (Phillipe), Roseanna (Louis), Annette (Paul) Tanguay and in-laws from her husband’s family, Paul–Emile (Cécile), Raymond (Yvonne), Gérard (Carmen) Maisonneuve and Charlotte Dentinger. The funeral service was held in the Sacré-Coeur–de-Jésus church in Donnelly on July 25 at 1 p.m. with Reverend Joseph Jacobson and Deacon Réginald Bouchard officiating. Music was by Ginette Aubin with soloist Sandee Blackburn. Laura’s grandchildren participated in the ceremony– urn bearer was Roger (Chamire) Fournier Jr., cross bearer was Joël Maisonneuve, mass server was Daniel Blackburn, honorary pallbearers were Robert, Tim and Pierre Maisonneuve, Roland Blackburn, Randy Knight and Daniel Maure. The readers were Susan Benoit, Jo–Anne Ouellette and Elaine Warner. The eulogy was presented by Richard Fournier, reminiscing about the time spent with his grandmother. Deacon Réginald Bouchard, friend of the family, gave the homily and officiated the burial ceremony at the Donnelly cemetery. The offerings, a christening ensemble (created and embroidered by Laura and worn by all ten children), a quilt, an afguan, a needlepoint, homemade bread and canning, five-generations of photos and a Christmas cactus plant were presented by Viviane King, Jocelyn Melville, Kathy Ann Maisonneuve, and Lise Fournier, Doris Humeny, Gaylene Alton, Diane Maisonneuve, Mike Maisonneuve and Jason Knight, while Dolores Haskins gave a a description of the gifts being offered. Sara and Adele Maisonneuve brought the offertory gifts. Charles and Eric Maisonneuve presented the comfort angels to Laura’s children. Great-grandchildren Matthieu and Neil Maisonneuve acted as greeters and ushers. We will miss her loving nature and will always cherish the many memories she left us by her exemplary life, humility, tolerance, perseverence, her unconditional love and her great religious faith all of which cleared the path for us to follow in her footsteps. Her many afghans, quilts, needlework, and many handmade items she left us are reminders of her skilled and very capable hands which are now our valued keepsakes. The following was written by one of Laura’s daughters for her mother: “Tes beaux yeux bleus, cliars et brilliants sont maintenant fermés pour toujours et tes mains toujours occupées sont immobile en permenance, ces pains qui nous ont guidé et enseigné toutes ces choses que tu savais si bien faire. Soit assuré, chère maman, que nous ne te reprechons pas ce repos si bien mérité.” Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Chapel of Memories in Peace River.