Obituary of Doreen St. Germain

Edith Doreen Emelia St. Germain, known as Doreen was born on Saturday, January 7, 1933 to Alex & Delina L'Hirondelle in Alcomdale AB. She passed away peacefully on Monday, April 2, 2012 in the Dawson Creek Hospital with her family by her side. Mom was the 4th of 9 children and spent most of her formative years in rural AB where she worked and enjoyed farm life. She met her one true love, George St. Germain and they were happily married for 56 years. They raised their family of 9 children, 6 girls, 3 boys, (coincidentally the same as her mom) through the 1950's , ending with the birth of their youngest child in 1963. She was diagnosed with cervical cancer six months after her last birth, and her fighting spirit came through, after various medical treatments including 'cobalt' she came back to her family after about one year. Through the years she held a couple of jobs outside the home, working at DC Cleaners and K-Mart as janitor, but her main job was being a Mom and homemaker. Mom enjoyed a variety of activities, loved to walk her dogs, Ginger & then Scamper and spent many, many hours in her garden. Her love for flowers was lifelong and as recently as last summer she won a contest for nicest flowers at Peace River Haven. We kids got together and had a planter in Pouce Coupe with her name on it reserved. We purchased all the bedding plants to go into it for Mother's Day last year. Prior to the planting the village cleaned out the old plants and had used weed-x to remove any unwanted growth. When Mom transplanted all her plants - well they did poorly to say the least. She said she was embarrassed to have her name posted - the shame of it all! With limited mobility she enjoyed watching tv, following cooking shows, Dancing With the Stars, curling, figure skating and always watched hockey to see how her kids favourite teams were faring. Mom faced many physical challenges in her life. In addition to the cancer, she experienced a heart attack in 1972, and fell on Boxing Day in 1998, broke her hip and found out she had severe osteoporosis. She had several broken bones and numerous surgeries through the years and suffered severe chronic pain till the end. Through it all, she carried on as best as she could, her inner strength, faith, help from family and ongoing compassionate care from her doctor and health care providers made her life as comfortable as possible. With both Mom & Dad in failing health they moved from their house to Selwyn Apartments in 2003, where Mom lived for six years. She then stayed with Kathy & Harold for about a year and finally moved to Peace River Haven from an extended hospital stay in January 2009. She was quite happy there, she was busy taking care of the flowers, stomping on ants & moths and looking out for other residents. She worried about everyone there who was experiencing difficulties and had great friendships with residents and staff. She loved having her hair done every Friday and was always well put together with nails polished and lipstick on. She always had lotion on her hands too. Once while Avery had a sleepover at Gramma's, Granny called and said to give lots of hugs & kisses to Avery. Lu did, rubbing his back and smooching him, Avery told her "Gramma, your hands are rough - get some cream! Granny's hands are always soft!" She had a few "dislikes" too. She was terrified of bees and lightning and thunder. When Dad had to work in stormy weather Mom would be burning palms, sprinkling holy water and praying mightily for his safe return. She also was extremely afraid of snakes. One story goes about living by the river in Prince George with Ron as a baby. Mom had him outside with her as she was hanging clothes. She saw a garter snake, her protective "Mama Bear" came out - she got an axe and chopped that poor snake into a million pieces. Mom was a woman of great faith. She attended Mass every Sunday as long as she was physically able, prayed the rosary daily and relied on her faith in God to give her strength and comfort. Her greatest joy was her family. She kept in touch with those who lived away, lots of phone calls, cards & letters. She especially looked forward to spending time with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchild. She was happy to get to know her latest great grandson, Jack and was eagerly anticipating the birth of another great grandchild and one more great great grandchild in May. She kept all the drawings, letters and cards they ever gave her. Doreen was predeceased by her Sons; Danny & Ron, Daughter In Law; Val, Parents; Alex & Delina, Brothers; Paul & Ernie, Sister; Octavie and by her loving Husband; George in July 2007. She is survived by her Children; Laverne (Dave) LeMaitre, Kathy (Harold) McLeod, Debbie (Wayne) Hanrahan, Lucille (Brent) Andrews, Gerry (Bob) Lagasse, Chris (Simon) Hine, Son; Floyd, Sisters; Annie, Gladys, Ellen & Marilyn, Brother; Ron. Gran also leaves 15 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild with one on the way. We love you Gran! We will cherish your memory always. We will miss you, but know that you & Papa are reunited, two broken hearts mended and together forever! Eulogy Presented By; daughter Gerry Lagasse A prayer service was held on Thursday, April 12, 2012 at 7:00 pm from Reynars Funeral Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, April 13, at 11:00 am at the Notre Dame Catholic Church, Dawson Creek, B.C. Fr. Michael Anyasoro officiated. Doreen was laid to rest in the Dawson Creek City Cemetery with her husband George and her son Danny. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Doreen to the Notre Dame Catholic School (Gymnasium Floor) 925 - 104 Ave Dawson Creek, B.C. V1G 2H8 Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home and Crematorium.