On December 20, 2022, Anna Lachance (nee Leclerc), our mother passed away at the Portage District General Hospital at the age of 85 years young. We are sure that Gerald (her son) and Ginger (her dog) greeted her at Heaven’s Gate.
Mom is survived by her seven children: Phil (Shelley), Susan (Dave), Jacky, Ernest, Joyce, Diane and Carmel (Dave). 17 Grandchildren: Jenna (Chad), Jade (Blake), Amber (Brad), Stephen, James, Derek (Ashley), Scott, Curtis (Aimee), Jason (Jen), Ted (Rhonda), Krystle, Benjamin, Justin (Nicole), Dean (Tamara), Lisa (Chad), Brady (Kaytlyn) and Jessica (Noah). 22 Great Grandchildren: Logan, Bryant, Charlotte, Wyatt, Emma, Micah, Greyson, Noah, Syliss, Dexter, Tiernan, Taylor, Tyson, Mack, Miller, Zoie, Xander, Logan, Cecilia, Hannah, Charlie, Deegan. Four sisters: Ella Ness, Florence Leclerc, Juliette Painchaud and Irene Lachance and many nieces and nephews.
Mom worked hard all her life and was a strong woman. She would never admit that she was not feeling well even up to her last moments on this earth. In her younger days, with the help of her children, Mom grew a large vegetable garden and canned everything (that could be canned). Then later in life when she couldn’t manage a vegetable garden anymore, she enjoyed planting and tending to her flowers. Mom loved hummingbirds and would ensure that she put out the hummingbird feeders every summer and then spend hours on the deck waiting for them to come around.
Mom was also a great cook and baker and enjoyed teaching these to her daughters. She loved to sew beautiful clothes for her children when they were young. She was also in a quilting club and made a beautiful quilt. She loved to knit beautiful sweaters, blankets, and baby clothes for her grandchildren. We are grateful for these creations and cherish them to this day. Approximately 10-15 years ago, Mom volunteered with the Young at Heart Club. One year, this club offered painting classes and Mom was surprised that she enjoyed painting so much.
Mom also enjoyed hunting. We remember one time she went hunting with Dad, Uncle Wilfred and Aunty Henriette. Dad and Uncle asked Mom and Aunty to “push the bush” so that the deer would go towards Dad and Uncle so they could shoot them. Well Mom and Aunty were talking and laughing so much that when they returned to the location where Dad and Uncle were, they were annoyed at Mom and Aunty cause they were making so much noise that they “scared” the deer away. Mom enjoyed telling this story over and over again.
In 1984, after all but two children had grown and had moved away from home, mom worked for 20 years as an Educational Assistant (EA), then as half time EA and half time Librarian at École St. Eustache. Mom loved working with the students and seeing the fruits of her labour come to fruition. She believed that every child mattered and deserved a great education.
Mom also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and sharing stories with them. She loved camping and when her son, Ernie, got a seasonal spot at Steep Rock Beach Park, she would love to spend weekends and/or a couple of weeks at a time at the lake. She loved driving around the campground on Ernie’s golf cart and in the evenings sitting around the fire reminiscing.
Mom will be greatly missed by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, sisters, in-laws and nieces and nephews. She will also be missed by her dear friends: Louise Beaudin, Doris Fanzega, and
Doris Lavallee. She loved playing cards, chatting and laughing with these dear friends.
Mom this is not good-bye but till we meet again! We will always love you forever and always.
There will be no funeral. The immediate family will have a private interment at a later date.
Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Anna’s memorial page by using the comment field below.
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