Obituary of Georgena Merill "Georgie" Tremblay

Georgena "Georgie" Tremblay, a long time resident of Pouce Coupe, B.C. passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 28, 2016 in Dawson Creek at the age of 89 years. Georgena Merill was born in the old Pouce Coupe Hospital on December 18, 1926. She was the first born to Clarence and Evelyn Wallis. Georgie grew up on land not far from Pouce Coupe, on what is now called Wallis Road with her brother Don and sister Eleanor. Georgie's sister Faye, who came along later grew up on their second homestead. Georgie's schooling took place at High Ridge, a one room schoolhouse which was close to where she grew up. After she finished school she worked in the old Pouce Coupe Hospital and for the telephone company as an operator. Georgie married Euclid Tremblay in 1948, and after a rocky start, their five daughters were born between 1955 and 1961. Shortly after the youngest was born, they moved to the farm where she remained until a year or so after her husband's death in 1997. He had a herd of Charlois cattle and in retirement they kept them both busy. Georgie babysat for Steve and Chris Aylward for many years as well. Georgie loved animals, except mice. If one ran across the floor she would jump on a chair and scream for her poodle Fifi to come kill it. This was the opposite of her being afraid to walk into the bush by herself, and watch the bears rummaging around the burning pit that they had out in the pasture. In the winter she had deer come into the yard for the grain that she would feed them. Sometimes, there would be six or more around her, many with antlers. It was a miracle Georgie was never trampled or gored, but she loved her deer. There are many pictures of her on her horse Judy and with the team of huge draft horses that she drove. Memories for her grandchildren include Christmases at the farm, the chaos of gift opening and a huge meal. Georgie would put on the Chicken Dance and all the grandchildren, nieces and nephews, would dance to it over and over. They will miss her baking, especially the bread and buns. Grandma made the best bread. With Euclid's passing it became more difficult for Georgie to stay on the farm as she didn't drive. For the next few years she travelled between daughters and apartments. For someone who had spent eighty plus years on a farm and the freedom to roam, life was not easy for her. In 2006, Georgie had a heart attack and required a bypass and valve repair. After the trauma of the heart attack and surgery, she started to develop dementia. With her decline, Georgie went into the Long Term Care facilities. Georgie was not a happy camper. While in the Mackenzie facility, Georgie's picture was posted in the RCMP station, as numerous times she was found going home to her place down the hill. Her next move was to Fort St. John She was really unhappy to be there so Georgie and another resident pushed picnic tables against the fence and piled chairs on it. They were caught just as the resident was helping her up on the table. While there she met Claude, another resident and they were great friends and kept each other company. A year later Rotary Manor had an opening and Georgie moved again. This was to be the last time. After two years in Rotary Manor, while receiving excellent care, Georgie became tired and passed away on July 28 with family by her side. Georgie was predeceased by her husband Euclid, her sister Eleanor, and her brother Don. Georgie is survived by her sister Faye (Dick), and her daughters Marilyn (Tom), Debra (Brad), Donna (Doug), Teresa (Terry), and Roxanne (Jake), grandchildren Ian (Erin), Megan (Dustin), Tara (Martin), Jody (Terrance), Joshua (Bernadette), Amy (Mike), Danita (James), Darcie, Danny (Jacquie), Dustin, and Kodi, along with 18 great grandchildren, 1 great-great granddaughter, and numerous nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service was held on Thursday, August 4, 2016 at 1:00 PM from Reynars Funeral Home. Pauline Haycock officiated. Interment followed in the Riverview Cemetery, Pouce Coupe. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Georgie to Rotary Manor, 1121-90 Avenue, Dawson Creek, B.C. V1G 5A3. Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium Memorial Service 1:00 pm Thursday, August 4, 2016 Reynars Funeral Chapel 1300 102nd Avenue Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada V1G 2C6