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Doris Jeannotte
1926 – 2010
Eulogy delivered by granddaughter Leslie (Jeannotte) Schmidt.
I am privileged to present to you the eulogy of the most interesting, unique, and intelligent woman, my grandmother, Doris Jeannotte. I was honored to be asked.
She passed away peacefully in Dawson Creek just prior to her 84th birthday. She was born to Joe and Sandrine Bérubé on November 20, 1926. She grew up in Makwa, Saskatchewan and was the last of twelve children.
Grandma D spoke often of her wonderful childhood, growing up with little but surrounded with music, generosity and laughter. Playing in their family orchestra and attending school were extremely important to Grandma D. She received as much education as was available in her northern community, and always regretted that she was only able to attain grade 10.
It was at a dance in Loon Lake that she met my Grandpa, Paul Jeannotte.
In April of 1945, at the age of 18, she came to Dawson Creek to marry her sweetheart, leaving her large family behind. They were married within days of her arrival and moved to their farm on the North side of McQueen’s Slough. She brought from her childhood home the many skills she would need. Thus began her very busy life as a farm housewife.
She often talked about the first lonely year of missing her childhood home and family but that improved with the birth of Ray in April 1946. Two years later, Marilyn joined the family and Daryl was born in 1950. During this time, Grandma mindfully tended to the children, housekeeping, and farm chores as well as hosting many Jeannotte family gatherings. The farm was the place where all of Grandpa’s relatives wanted to be, likely because of Grandma’s spark and lively personality.
In 1954, more farmland was purchased and Grandma thoroughly embraced moving to a larger home located on the old Spirit River Highway where the barn still stands today. The move meant less isolation and Grandma now had electricity. She welcomed the many conveniences that electricity afforded.
Once the home had running water she soon convinced Grandpa that he wouldn’t have to haul that much more water to run an automatic dishwasher! Grandma was the first to desire all the latest conveniences. We grandchildren were amazed by her Commodore 64 computer!
Grandma’s hard work continued with three more children joining the family. Lurind in 1955, Kevin in 1957 and to everyone’s surprise, Tamara in 1963. Grandma often said that with the children being spread out over eighteen years, she had every parenting problem imaginable all at once.
In addition to caring for her kids, gardening, canning, baking, berry picking, Central Ladies Club, making butter, raising chickens and selling eggs meant that she never stopped. As well, neighborhood friendships were very important to her. No matter how busy, she always welcomed visitors to the kitchen table.
Gloria could tell you great stories about the annual fall chicken butchering days when Gladys Marion joined us. At the end of the day we were all tired but uplifted from the laughter and the stories shared.
Grandma’s love of teenagers and music was perfect for allowing the Nighthawks, a Rock and Roll band to practice in our basement. To rent a dance hall adult supervision was needed and Grandma loved being a chaperone and getting to know the teens who attended the dances. Now many of those same teens are telling us how Grandma touched their lives.
Grandma had a rule that you couldn’t leave home until you graduated and none of her children broke that rule.
With children reaching adulthood, family weddings provided the opportunity to welcome daughters and sons-in-law to the family. Grandma immediately embraced each of them and loved them as her own.
Just three years after Tamara’s birth, Grandma’s first grandchild was born. Twelve years later she was the proud grandmother of 11 beautiful grandchildren. Years flew by and it wasn’t long before she had all 11 graduation photos proudly displayed where they remained until this summer. The value Grandma D held for education has been passed down through the generations.
In the early 70s, women’s roles began to change and Grandma welcomed breaking out from the role of homemaker. As her first language was French, Grandma was sought after as a substitute teacher and had no trouble handling the usual troublemakers. She also became involved with farm organizations such as the W.I. and the Farmer’s Union. These years were not only extremely busy, they were also years of stressful changes.
The farm was sold in 1975 and my grandparents moved into Dawson Creek. Grandma and her dear friend Claudina spontaneously decided to open Dawson Creek’s first bookstore. The Friendly Bookwork was a dream come true for Grandma. She could then show just how much she loved books.
I’m told that Grandma and Claudina were kindred spirits and loved expanding their views and exploring new ideas. Following the sale of the bookstore, Grandma stayed on and worked for the new owners.
Grandma enjoyed playing the lottery and got lucky! With some winnings she had a cabin built at One Island Lake. Grandma so loved her cabin and being immersed in the glory of mother nature. People worried about her living there on her own year round but she was completely comfortable. The serenity and solitude available to her there was just what Grandma needed. Later she sold her cabin and she spoke often of her regret at doing so.
Grandma’s life was never boring and she would often surprise people with what was coming next. To the surprise of many she and Grandpa recommitted to each other. Together they settled into their quiet senior years.
A few years ago there were changes in Grandma that concerned us all. She was diagnosed with dementia and adjustments had to be made. This was Grandma’s worst fear realized. It was most difficult on Grandma as she took such pride in her intellectual ability. Dementia, a confusing, frustrating, debilitating disease slowly stole Grandma away from herself and from all of us. Grandma moved into a care facility earlier this year. Her disease took a toll on Grandpa Paul as Grandpa died just two months after she went into care.
Grandma’s health quickly deteriorated following Grandpa’s death. A broken hip proved to be more than she could bear. Eleven days after surgery, Grandma was released from the body she no longer needed and died with her family near.
What a woman!
Grandma leaves behind her six children and their spouses, Raymond (Gloria), Marilyn (Al Newby), Daryl (Gail), Lurind (Garth Thompson), Kevin, Tamara (Alan Wright), eleven grandchildren and their spouses, eighteen great-grandchildren and one more soon arriving.
A memorial service was held on November 17, 2010 at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel, Dawson Creek, British Columbia with Peggy Bergeron officiating.
Shelley Dawn Franke
1969 ~ 2010
In loving memory of Shelley Franke who passed away suddenly on Wednesday, November 10, 2010. She was born to Darrell and Judy Franke on November 4, 1969. Shelley was a cherished daughter,Blair’s sunflower, beloved mother to Brodyn (who she adoringly called hubcap), Jessie, and Kyle, darling sister to Cherie (Allan, Kody, Keira), Holly (Taylor, Kyana, Gunner) and Chance, sweet grand-daughter to Ida and Albert Franke, John and Martha Burr, adoring niece, cousin, and friend.
A prayer service was held on November 17, 2010 at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel. A celebration of life was held for her on November 18, 2010 at Notre Dame Parish with Father Michael Anyasoro officiating. Interment followed in the Brookside Cemetery, Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
She will always be our inspiration,and will live in our hearts and memories forever. We love you Shell Bell.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Shelley, may be made by donation to ‘Muscular Dystrophy Canada,’ 7th Floor, 1401 – West Broadway, Vancouver, British Columbia V6H 1H6.
Violet Mary Braden
1920 ~ 2010
Violet Mary Braden passed away peacefully at Peace Haven Care Home on November 6, 2010 at the age of 90.
Vi was born on July 17, 1920 in Rolla, BC to parents Norman and Rachel Little. She married Elmer Braden in August 1940 and remained in the Rolla area where they farmed for 40 years. They raised 3 children, Gloria Jean, Connie and Bud on the family farm and stayed there until they retired in 1979 and moved to Dawson Creek.
She was very involved in all aspects of the community. Playing soft ball, curling and bowling kept her active throughout her life. She especially liked the ladies curling bonspiels. She was so proud when she was on the first “Nifty-Fifties” team to play in the provincial playoffs. She enjoyed helping others through her involvement in the Royal Purple, the United Church and Women’s Institute. Her service in the Royal Purple was highlighted when she received her 65 year membership pin. Even into her eighties, she could be found peeling potatoes and vegetables for their catering functions.
She loved to garden and rewarded her family with homegrown produce and flowers, as well as taking numerous prizes at the Fall Fairs. The family remembers her many jars of canning – especially moose meat and saskatoons. She also enjoyed crafts of all sorts, knitting, crocheting and sewing. She knit several lap blankets for the care homes. Doing crosswords and reading helped pass the hours. She was interested in stories about the Queen and had to watch her Christmas broadcasts. Vi was a good piano player, a talent which she tried – unsuccessfully - to pass on to her daughters. The many hours she dedicated to help research and publish the “Rolla Remembers” book was a particularly enjoyable time for her.
She was a quiet, strong and very caring person. Vi would never say an unkind word about anyone.
Over the years Vi did some traveling across Canada and to Hawaii, Nashville, Europe, Disneyland, Alaska, Yukon, Bella Coola, and enjoyed several out-of-town concerts with her lady friends. Many fishing and camping trips were enjoyed – or probably endured is a better word. She was a tireless Grandma, always having time to play games with her grandkids and great grandkids, but showed no mercy when it came to Scrabble. Cribbage tournaments at Christmas were always looked forward to. She could make a delicious meal at a moment’s notice. Hot doughnuts ready as the kids came home on the bus were a real treat. Many stories have been told about her root-beer making trials. Preparing hot meals and taking them out to the harvest field were a daily occurrence in the fall.
She was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Elmer, her parents, brothers Harold, Everett and Del.
She will be sadly missed by her children, Gloria Jean (Les), Connie (Doug) and Bud, by her grandchildren Ed (Penny), Kathy (Kelly), Ron (Sandy), Jody (Al) and Dean, and by her great grandchildren, Brian, Sheena, Jennifer, Amy, Greg, Jessica and Haley, her brothers, Lea (Louise) Little, Bernard (Shirley) Little and brother-in-law Ken (Nellie Braden.
Vi will be greatly missed by her family and friends, but she left us great memories that will last a lifetime.
The family would like to say a heartfelt thank you to the dedicated staff at Peace Haven and to Vi’s longtime friend, Gloria Coons, for her kindness and special care over the years.
A memorial service was held on November 12, 2010 at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel, Dawson Creek, British Columbia, with Marilyn Carroll officiating.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Vi, may be made by donation to the Peace River Haven P.O. Box 188, 5213 – 50 Avenue, Pouce Coupe, British Columbia V0C 2C0.
Rienhart Albert Radke
1944 ~ 2010
Rienhart was born in Bonanza, Alberta, on October 23, 1944, the sixth child of Paul and Olga Radke. Rienhart lived and farmed in Bonanza his whole life. He spent many years working in the oil patch in various capacities and for the last several years has been using his tractor to clear roads and tow trucks into the bush. In his spare time, he enjoyed dancing, riding horses, hunting, playing cards and auction sales.
Rienhart passed away in Edmonton, Alberta, with family by his side on October 27, 2010 at age 66 after a brave two month struggle following a heart attack.
Rienhart was predeceased by his parents Paul and Olga, a young brother Marvin, and his sister Ruby (Andy) .
He will be fondly remembered by companion Joanne, son Wayne, daughters Bonnie (Pete) and Tina, grandchildren Alex, Dallas, Jordan and Dawson, sisters Edna (Norman), Helen (Russell), Roseleen (Marvin) and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A memorial service was held at the Bonanza Community Hall, Bonanza, Alberta, on Monday, November 1, 2010 following a private family graveside service at the Gordondale Community Cemetery.
The family would like to extend a sincere and heartfelt “Thank you” to everyone for the support during Rienhart’s illness and passing. Thank you to Debbie Matthews for the eulogy and to Peggy Bergeron for her support and assistance. Special thanks to the nurses and doctors at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute in Edmonton, particularly those in Unit 5A7.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Rienhart, may be made by way of a donation to the ‘5A7 Unit at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute’ c/o the University Hospital Fund, 8440 – 112 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2B7. Donations to this Unit in memory of Rienhart, would be greatly appreciated.
Joseph Eugene Hingley
1928 ~ 2010
Joe was born in Okla, Saskatchewan on March 5, 1928 to Tom and Daisy Hingley. He was the fourth of five children. He spent his younger years on the farm in Okla. Joe went to the local school when weather permitted, as the kids all had to walk to school in those days. At an early age Joe bought a team of horses and made a living working on threshing crews and cutting and selling cordwood in the winter months. He married Alice Cornia in 1951 and they acquired a farm in the Okla area. Three of their four children were born in Saskatchewan, Faye, Jerry, and Jack. Times were tough and there was not much work there, so in 1957 Joe and Alice sold the farm and moved to Bonanza, to a homestead. Land was cleared, roots picked and crops planted. Joe got work on a pipeline crew to help supplement the family income. He and Alice also raised cows, pigs, chickens and turkeys. Their fourth child, Darren was born six years after moving to Bonanza.
Joe always enjoyed music, and at an early age he learned to play musical instruments. He was a good guitar and accordion player, but became an excellent fiddle player. Joe and Alice played for numerous dances at Bonanza and surrounding areas.
Joe and Alice farmed in Bonanza until the mid 90s, when they retired and signed the farm over to their youngest son Darren. They remained on the farm until 2009 when Alice became ill and passed away. Joe got an apartment in Dawson Creek where he lived for six months and then moved to Rotary Manor where he passed away peacefully on October 8, 2010.
Joe leaves to mourn his four children Faye Mckechnie, Jerry (Barb) Hingley, Jack (Jodi) Hingley, Darren (Cindy) Hingley, eleven grandchildren, and seven great- grandchildren. He also leaves to mourn two sisters, Connie Ashdown, Phyllis (Charlie) Ashdown, and brother Fred Hingley along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Joe was predeceased by his loving wife Alice, parents Tom and Daisy, brother Tom, and brother-in-law Dick Ashdown.
Joe will be sadly missed, but never forgotten by his family and friends and will rest in peace with his wife Alice in the Bonanza Hillhaven cemetery.
A funeral service was held on October 14, 2010 at the Bonanza Community Hall with Pastor Dave Brisbin officiating. Interment followed in the Hillhaven Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Joe, may be made by donation to ‘STARS’ 101C – 11010 Airport Drive, Grande Prairie, Alberta T8V 7Z5.
Felisha Ellanna Marie Schwartz
August 29, 1996 – October 2, 2010
Felisha Ellanna Marie Schwartz was born on August 29, 1996 on a beautiful sunny day, in Dawson Creek, B.C. She was a precious addition to the family, born on her Grandma Schwartz’s Birthday and the day after her Mom’s. This Precious life ended suddenly On October 2, 2010, while she was just 14 years old. A beautiful service was held in honour of her life at Bethel Pentecostal Church on October 8, 2010, officiated by Pastor Dennis Helset, with the Eulogy spoken from the heart of “Grandpa” Don Swanton, and a memorial open mike time was held at the Chetwynd Recreation Centre on October 9, 2010, also officiated by Pastor Dennis Helset. Felisha was laid to rest beside her grandparents at the Rolla Cemetery.
Felisha was a beautiful baby and was always happy and full of smiles. She had an open and loving heart from the very start; an attribute that never faded. Her early childhood was spent in her home town of Dawson Creek, where she attended school at Mountain Christian School. Those who attended the school with her would have vivid memories of an active, happy little girl that talked about anything and everything, often all in the same conversation. The High School students loved her nature so much that they would give in to her requests for candy almost without fail. This became an issue for her schooling and mom had to pin a note to her shirt that read “I am not allowed candy”.
This beautiful little girl grew up fast and in early 2005 moved, with her family, to Chetwynd, BC because her mom was offered a better job. Chetwynd was a huge change for her and she struggled to fit in with her classmates, having come from a small Christian school and entering into a large public school. School continued to be a struggle for her, but, her church family became increasingly important. Many people have been adopted into her family as brothers, sisters, aunties, uncles, grandmas and grandpas. To Felisha everyone was her family and each received as much love as the other. She loved to give “squeezy” hugs and love to poke a belly or pull a beard just to get a reaction.
Felisha had many loves in her life one of the biggest was that of animals, she would help at the dog pound cleaning and training dogs and taking in stray kittens whenever she thought she could get away with it. When she wasn’t helping at the pound she could be found at the horse barns in Chetwynd helping anyone who would let her help with the horses and get the occasional Quad ride with a friend. She was a country girl living in town and she made the best of it.
In Felisha’s short life she touched many lives giving hope and joy to those who really needed it; it was her gift and she used it to its fullest. She will be missed dearly by many and remembered by all who even met her for a moment. “The girl with the rainbow hair”
Left to mourn Felisha are her Mother and Step Father Marvella Schwartz and Kevin Pradolini with her brothers Sheldon Nicodemus and Keenan Nicodemus; Her Father and Step Mother Ray Schwartz and Leanne Zacher with her step brother Jeremy Zacher and step sisters Tessa Zacher and Casey Boughton; a nephew Cale and several Aunt, Uncles, and cousins. She was predeceased by her grandma and grandpa, Herb and Elsie Nicodemus and her special kitty Patches.
Donations in memory of Felisha can be made to The Child Development Center, Dawson Creek or Mickey’s Place Youth Outreach Center, Chetwynd.
“Let us not love with words or tongue, but, with actions and truth” 1 John 3:18
Life is short; eat dessert first.
