Obituary of Rachel Plante

Rachel Plante was born in Flying Shot Lake - two miles out of Grande Prairie. She was the first-born of eleven children, born to Marie and Joseph Letendre of Grande Prairie. She was only able to attend school for three years - there; she picked up her favorite sport, basketball. In June of 1930, she met and married my Daniel Plante in Grande Prairie - they were married for 35 years and had three children; Mildred, Gilbert, and Kathleen. She had six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, of whom she was very proud. She and my Dan moved to Little Prairie (Chetwynd) in the early 50's to seek a better living. She worked side-by-side with my father in their logging business until the Lord called dad home in 1965. Mom was never idle after dad's passing. She worked in oil-rig camps and various jobs here including, chamber-maiding, cooking, and babysitting (whatever she could find). Mom never truly retired. She was always there to help me when my children arrived. Throughout their childhood she would come and stay with us for up to six weeks at a time. Mom's energy was amazing to me, she could work non-stop from early morning until late at night. Like the lady mentioned in Proverbs 31:15, she rose early and she worked late. Like her sister Lilian remembers, one time mom fell asleep while peeling potatoes when she was standing up. The last four years of her life were spent at the Chetwynd Hospital and I would like to quote a member of the staff who said the following about my mother: " we admire her character, her strength, and how she looked out for others - she was an inspiration to us all". Among the things that family, friends, and neighbors remember her by are: her wonderful baking, especially bread and cinnamon buns that she gave away to others, her quirky sense of humour, and as somebody who likes to do things properly and well. I have been blessed to spend the last four years with her in Chetwynd. I am so glad she was well enough to spend Christmas at her own home with me, Darcie, Alvina and Wayne this year. Her last outing from the hospital was this past New Years Eve. On this night, after I took her back to the hospital, we shared a moment in prayer together. I shall carry that in my heart and memory forever. Rachel passed away in Chetwynd, on January 11, 2009 at the age of 99 years. A Funeral Service was held on January 17, 2009 at 1:00 pm at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. Fr. David John officiated. Interment was held in the Tuscoola Mountain Cemetery. Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium. Funeral Service 1:00 pm Saturday, January 17, 2009 Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church 11501 17 St Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada Father David John officiated. Interment was held in the Tuscoola Mountain Cemetery.