Claudette Alice Clara Marie Lambert

March 15, 1950 -December 17, 2021

It is with great sadness, that we announce the passing of Claudette Lambert; sister, auntie, Godmother, sister-in-law, dear friend, and cherished community member. Claudette passed at the Pine Falls Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. 

Claudette was the first born child of Irene (Hèbert) and Ovide Lambert. She was predeceased by her parents; brothers Michel and Roger; and great nephew Hunter Boulet. 

Claudette was born in St Pierre Jolys, Manitoba. She spent her early years in Sandy Bay, Manitoba, and moved to several small towns with mom and dad. They settled at The Rock area behind the Pine Falls paper mill. She attended elementary school up to grade 6 in Pine Falls. She spent grades 7 and 8, attending St. Joseph’s Academy in Winnipeg to hone her French skills. She returned to Pine Falls to finish high school. Claudette was very social and joined many sports teams. Claudette was easy going and made many life time friends at this time. 

In 1973, she obtained a professional teaching certificate from the Department of Education in a condensed two year teacher’s program due to an extreme shortage of teachers at that time. While teaching full time, Claudette took evening and summertime courses to complete her Bachelor of Education degree by November 1987. 

Claudette put her French language skills to use when she began teaching in St Georges, Manitoba. When the school closed, staff and students were moved to Powerview School, where she continued her successful teaching career in the French Immersion program. 

Over her long teaching career, she became very close to both staff and students. An avid card writer, she was always sure to ask any new staff their birthday. She found the time to write every staff member personal notes in both their birthday and Christmas card.  Claudette was sure to get cards out to our extended families as well. She included all four generations on this list. Her aunts and uncles, her siblings and in-laws, their children and spouses, and of course the great nieces and nephews were among many to receive correspondence from her. She wrote letters to the younger generation during the Covid days to encourage writing during household lock downs. Imagine the authentic writing she inspired with this kind act. She was sure to put a smile on your face or even bring a tear to your eye with the kind and personal letters she would write in every single card she sent. She always saw the best in everyone she met. 

It was interesting going to the post office for Claudette.  You could see she was receiving mail from staff or family that had moved to other cities or out of province or even to other continents. Her friendships were dear and life long because she made the effort to stay in touch. 

Claudette never worked a single 40 hour work week in her teaching career. Not possible if you volunteered as much as she did. Even after retirement, she was at school every day before 8:30 a.m. and often not leaving until late in the evening. She went in early each fall to help teachers and the administrative staff to prepare for that first day with students.  She was always available in the staffroom working on a multitude of jobs for staff support. 

Claudette was affectionally nicknamed the ‘Gate Keeper’ by some community members. This was because you would see her repeatedly at the door of many community or school events working the admission table; selling raffle tickets, or organizing auction tables. She spent countless hours helping with drama productions and other school events. 

Claudette obtained her Radiotelephone Operator’s Restricted Certificate on December 15, 1988.    This came in handy with staff outings on houseboats. She enjoyed many sailing adventures on Lake of the Woods and Lake Winnpeg with friends. 

Claudette travelled extensively. She has been to many countries in Europe, and many states in the US including Alaska and Hawaii. She has even been to Disney World! So many memories made with friends and family. 

Claudette loved to sing. She had a great voice and was part of many school and church choirs. She was a member of the Sunrise Singers community choir.  As a family, we were always singing together on a regular basis while doing the dishes after a family meal. 

Claudette is survived by her sisters Gisèle Lagassé (Pierre), Janine, Denise Geib (Stan), Rita Boulet (Mike), Hélène Woodward (Brian) and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. 

We would like to thank her many close friends who spent countless hours with Claudette both at her home and at the hospital. She loved the company, stories, laughter, and the singing entertainment which brought her great joy!  

A special thanks goes out to the staff at the Pine Falls Hospital. Everyone was always professional and supportive. We were treated on a daily basis with kindness from the moment we entered the screening area at the front door and throughout each day from the health care aids, nurses, doctors, and support staff. 

Due to Covid restrictions, the family will be having a private gathering.  At a later date we will host an outdoor celebration, or as Claudette would say, “A party” to share memories and laughter with friends and family. 

Claudette believed in paying it forward and generously donated to several organizations and charities over the years.  At Claudette’s request, in lieu of flowers, you could choose to donate to a charity of your choice. 

Our thanks also go out to the staff at Sobering Funeral Chapel in Beausejour. Libby provided such gracious service during these troubled times. This is a true art and it was greatly appreciated. 

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

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