July 10, 1952
– February 20, 2016
Carmen Thibault, long-time resident of Falher passed away in Edmonton surrounded lovingly by her family on February 20, 2016, at 63 years of age.
Carmen was pre-deceased by her parents Raymond and Alice Dusseault, her brother Roger Dusseault and sister Marilyne Dusseault.
She leaves behind to mourn her husband Paul-Emile Thibault; her daughters Lynn (Randy) Skrepnek and Sheryl (Dean) Blais; her son Jamie (Jamie) Thibault; her eight grandchildren Dylan, Kirsten, Blake, Mackenzie, Quinn, Hudson, Easton and Trennen; her brothers Daniel (Lorraine) and Gerald (Jeannine); her sisters Lorraine, Suzanne, Louise (Ralph) and Irene (Colin).
Funeral services for the late Carmen Thibault were held on February 27, 2016 at the Paroisse Ste-Anne Parish in Falher, Alberta.
Carmen was laid to rest in the Ste-Anne cemetary in Falher, Alberta.
The service was officiated by Msgr. Charles Lavoie PH. Service preparations were made by the Chapel of Memories in Peace River.
Donations in memory of Carmen may be made to the ALS Society of Alberta or STARS Air Ambulance as expressions of sympathy.
Words of Remembrance
Carmen Dusseault Thibault was born on July 10, 1952 in High Prairie to Raymond Dusseault and Alice Demers. She grew up in Girouxville with her 3 brothers, Roger, Gerald and Daniel and five sisters – Lorraine, Marilyne, Suzanne, Louise and Irene. As Carmen was closest in age to Irene, Irene remembers fond memories of Carmen from playing badminton in the back yard to playing school in a granary with the neighbor kids where Carmen was always the teacher.
From the stories that were told, we’ve learned that Carmen was quite the daredevil! Irene remembers Carmen bleaching her hair as a teenager and not really caring about the consequences! Taking the car without asking and going for a joyride and running over a neighbour’s dog.
She attended school in Girouxville and graduated high school at Georges P. Vanier in Donnelly in 1970 with an honor roll status.
Carmen met Paul at a dance in Girouxville. In June of 1973, Carmen married her best friend Paul Emile Thibault. They raised three children: Lynn, Sheryl and Jamie. Married for almost 43 years, Paul and Carmen’s marriage was the ultimate example for all of us. Carmen’s undying love for Paul was inspiring. Not once did Carmen complain about the card that was dealt to her when Paul’s health declined. She stepped up and supported him until she couldn’t. In sickness and in health was a vow she took to heart.
It’s hard to separate Carmen and the delicious meals she provided: For Jamie, puffed wheat squares will never taste quite the same, even though Lynn seems to have come close! For Quinn, scrambled eggs will be hard to duplicate. As much as we try to make homemade soup, it will not have that “special” ingredient. Providing nourishment to all, from the perfect roast smothered in gravy to the pizza parties at the Manoir. Our hearts and our stomachs now feel empty.
Her grandchildren will remember her as loving and caring, as grandmothers usually are. But she seemed to have a special bond with all eight. She made a point to make each and every one feel special in their own way.
As her first grandchild Dylan remembers the moments spent at Five Star – Memere convincing him that it was okay to get muddy in the puddles. Although he has no problem with that today!
Kirsten remembers trips to Peace River with their Iced Caps to see Pepere and checking on the spring runoff. Sitting on the front porch swing at Five Star early in the morning. Those moments brought a smile to Carmen’s face and Kirsten enjoyed that it made her so happy.
Blake provided needed comic relief. We remember his antics with Memere’s wheelchair and her giggle as he catwalked down the hallway at the Manoir.
Kenzie enjoyed Memere’s visits to Grande Prairie and their shopping excursions. A trip to Winners was always on the itinerary with ice cream at Menchies shortly after.
Quinn has fond memories of cuddling with his Memere on the couch. She provided the best hugs and a constant source of encouragement.
Hudson remembers camping with Memere at Spruce Point. Early morning sitting on the beach watching the sun come up collaborating about the day ahead.
Five Star Golf Course is Easton’s favourite memory of his Memere. She patiently walked with him and showed him the ropes. An ice cream at the Club House finished off their game.
Trennen was always able to convince his Memere to stock up on his most favorite treat, Cheez Whiz on toast. He would giggle that he could sneak as much as he wanted and Memere indulged him.
Carmen did not ask for much but when she requested something we knew it meant the world to her. So when she wanted her siblings to gather together in Jasper for an annual vacation, everyone stepped up and made it happen. They made memories on those trips that will never be forgotten. We were very surprised to hear about their adventures. Dressing up in leathers and heading out to see Jasper in a side car was one of the highlights along with a daring walk across the skywalk. Jasper will always stand out as her happy place.
Carmen and Paul were instrumental in beginning the annual gatherings for Christmas, first at the log cabin in Falher and then at the Club Etoile in Girouxville. Whoever could come would gather together and spend quality time together as a family because family was the most important thing to them.
Carmen has often been described as a calming presence. She didn’t need or want recognition. She could always be counted on to provide a hug or a meal to someone in need.
The Houle family remembers quite well the help she provided, cooking them meals and supporting their family when Mononcle Raymond passed away. She was a blessing to them.
Her dedication to her work at the Credit Union was recognized and she made lifelong friends along the way. She could always be counted on to provide direction. A career spanning over 30 years, she was highly respected and her work ethic made her children strive to be just like her.
Carmen made friends everywhere she went. Those who really got to know her well were able to see a lighter side to the quiet person on the surface. Her best friend Joyce can attest to her fun and crazy side. Most recently those who cared for her at the Manoir became quick friends.
5 Star was her home away from home. She loved sharing it with everybody. Friends and family would gather there to celebrate important events or simply to watch the fire dance. Laughter and love filled the warmcabin. She was always able to convince someone to walk with her – to the clubhouse or down to the river to burn off the extra calories from the comforting meal enjoyed by all.
Like with any illness, we were completely caught off guard as a family. The devastating diagnosis of ALS brought us to our knees. As with any obstacle in her life, Mom silently accepted the challenge with resignation. Her motto through this journey was “one day at a time”.
Her last days with us were filled with such struggle. She tried so hard to stay with us. In her final hour, a nurse on behalf of the staff came in to tell her what an honor and privilege it had been to take care of her – she was the perfect patient!
In the end, ALS won the war but every battle along the way was conquered by her.
Carmen, Mom, Memere, Matante Carmen, we love you and thank you for blessing our lives. May you rest in peace.