Marguerite Meunier, 1922-2008

Marguerite Meunier, resident of Manoir du Lac in McLennan passed away peacefully at the McLennan hospital on Monday, March 24, 2008. Marguerite was born in Inverness Quebec on July 9, 1922. The family of 4 girls and 2 boys moved to Legal, AB in July 1926 with their father Alphonse Lessard after their mother passed away, on Dec 30, 1940. Marguerite and George were married in Morinville, AB before he left for WW11 with the Calgary Highlanders. After George returned, they settled in Eaglesham, AB, first managing the Co-op store and then venturing into their own business – George’s Lumber and Hardware. George and Marguerite were inseparable, working side by side for many years and venturing into other fields such as the Imperial Oil Bulk Station, Cockshutt equipment, plumbing and heating and house rentals. They raised their family of five children in Eaglesham and always made time to take a well deserved holiday each year at the lakes as well as many Sunday picnics at the Peace, Smoky or Burnt rivers. Despite the heavy work schedule, Marguerite found time to enjoy her hobbies of sewing, knitting and gardening, but especially enjoyed curling and playing cards with family and friends. Many people will remember her from both ladies’ and mixed bonspiels in the area. She was also very active in the Catholic Women’s League and the Ladies Auxiliary to the Canadian Legion. She always had a firm belief in God and was very strong in her faith. In July, 1989, Marguerite and George moved back to Morinville then to Edmonton and then to Villa Beausejour in Falher. After George passed away, Marguerite went to Long Term Care in McLennan and moved to Manoir du Lac when it opened. Marguerite received much pleasure from her grandchildren and always had time and treats for them. She was always smiling and the staff at the Villa and the Manoir speak very fondly of her. Marguerite was predeceased by her parents and her husband George, two brothers Nazaire and Armand Lessard, and two sisters Maria Martineau and Pauline Patry. She is lovingly remembered by her 5 children – Claire (Allan) Emerson of Devon, AB; Dorine (Ivan) Larson of Grande Prairie, AB; Ronald (Joyce Ray) Meunier of Donnelly, AB; Elaine (Dale) Bice of Dawson Creek, BC; and Fred (Linda) Meunier of Vernon, BC as well as by her sister Bernadette Granger of Falher, AB. She also leaves 11 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Funeral services were held at Eglise Sts Martyrs Canadian in Tangent on March 28, 2008 with Deacon Reg Bouchard and Father David Ngondo presiding with the CWL as Honor Guard. Interment followed at the Eaglesham Roman Catholic Cemetary. Lunch was provided by the Ladies of the Royal Purple in Eaglesham. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Chapel of Memories, Peace River. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society in honour of Marguerite to support research. Marguerite is loved by many. She will be sadly missed by her friends and family. May she rest in peace.