Feb. 12, 1938 – Aug. 17, 2024
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Gertrude Marie Sylvain (Ouellet), long-time resident of Girouxville, AB who passed Aug. 17, 2024 at the age of 86 years.
She spent her last several years living in Peace River, AB.
Gertrude was born on Feb. 12, 1938 in Saint-Fabien, Comté de Rimouski, Quebec to parents Louis Ouellet and Marie Anne Roussel. In 1944, she moved to Alberta from Quebec with her parents and siblings at the age of six. The family settled on a homestead northeast of Tangent, AB.
She met her husband, Andre Sylvain, in the summer of 1957 and they married on Jan. 15, 1958. Together they spent their married life on a farm south of Girouxville and had eight children: Paul (Christine), Denise, Louise (Marcel Ruel), Fernand, Cecille (Michael Hanigan), Helene (Marcel Simard), Gilles (Simerjeet Gill) and Monique (Joël Lavoie).
Her enjoyment was her love for gardening and her flower beds. She was an amazing cook and made the best homemade bread and “sucre a crème”. She loved listening to her French music and watching her favourite hockey team – the Montreal Canadiens. In the winter months, she would be seen knitting away making us slippers and dish cloths. She was very proud of her French culture and made sure all her children were bilingual.
Gertrude was predeceased by her beloved husband of 54 years, André, and their daughter, Denise. She leaves to mourn her seven children and 10 grandchildren.
Gertrude Marie, our sister, our mother, our mother-in-law, our grandmother, our friend, may you rest in peace. Your journey on Earth was exceptional and you gave life to everything you touched. She will be greatly missed.
On behalf of all the family, we would like to thank the following people for their support and help during this difficult time. Dr Karen Lundgard and staff at the Peace River Medical Clinic, all the nurses from Peace River Hospital on the acute care floor, the wonderful staff from Peace River homecare and Meals on Wheels program, the staff and volunteers from Notre-Dame de Lourdes Catholic Church in Girouxville, who help with organizing the church service and helped serve the luncheon after the funeral, and all friends and family who sent beautiful flowers. Your kindness and gratitude were greatly appreciated.
If friends so desire, donations can be made graciously to the Peace River Palliative Care Society by contacting (780) 618-3637. Funeral services were under the direction of Chapel of Memories in Peace River.