Antoinette Vincent (nee Boulet)

Maman, qu’il est difficile de laisser aller ta main.  Tu seras toujours présente dans nos coeurs et bien vivante dans nos souvenirs…

So very peacefully, mom entered into eternal rest on April 18 with family by her side.

She was born on July 12, 1924, a few months after her family moved from Saskatchewan to Manitoba. Her first home was on the banks of the Bear River where she kept the fondest memories of her childhood.  Her family then lived in Mud Falls for a couple years before moving to St. Georges where her father owned the blacksmith shop.

 Mom was the fourth child of a family of 10 children.  They were a close knitted and caring bunch with strong work ethics. Mom got her first job at the age of 15, doing laundry, preparing meals, scrubbing pots and floors, working 12 hours for only 35¢ per day.  Her motto was  “Faut pas avoir peur de se salir les mains.”

 Just before her 18th birthday, she married the man of her dreams with whom she spent sixty-nine and a half years.   She now joins her beloved husband René and her daughter Colette.  Left to celebrate and perpetuate her life are her sons Alex (Yolande), Luc (Brenda) and daughters Yvonne Chevrefils, Claire Lemire (Yves), Pauline Bourgeois (Paul), her sister-in-law Ella Boulet and most of all, her 17 grandchildren, 36 great-grand children and 6 great great-grandchildren. Also special nieces Léa, Annette & Alma and her good friend Marie Dupont. She was preceded by son-in-law Alain, special nephew René Dayon, her parents and all of her siblings. 

 Mom was God’s gift to us.  Her faith and inner strength were most remarkable and inspiring to us all.  Afflicted with arthritis, she still lived with grace and dignity, never complaining much about her ailments.  She was “a tough one” and will be a hard act to follow.  No tasks were ever too difficult for her; she wanted to keep moving until the very end which only reflected her stamina and strong will to live.   She took pride and joy in everyone’s achievements; rarely judging, and keeping up with 5 generations.  She had a gift for remembering dates, birthdays and anniversaries making everyone feel special. From leather mitts to knitted socks and quilts, every grandchild has some handmade creation of Mémère.

 Mom had a green thumb when it came to flowerbeds and starting tomato plants.  Like Dad, she was an avid gardener. She was a master chef in the kitchen and enjoyed hosting family gatherings.  It was amazing how quickly she could whip up a meal when someone popped in for a visit.  She was a ready volunteer and very devoted to her parish.  She will be remembered for her catering, selling raffle tickets, organizing funeral lunches, and “les fameuses parties de cartes.”

 The family is thankful and appreciative to the homecare givers, especially Carrie for the Friday visits, and hospital staff who showed compassion towards Mom.  Mom was so much looking forward to celebrating her 100th birthday.  In her memory, plant a tree or flowers, take time to pray and spread a little kindness around you every day.  It does wonders!  

 Funeral service will be held in St.Georges at 1:30 p.m. (rosary at 1:00) on Tuesday, April 23 with interment immediately following at the Parish Cemetery.