ANNA JOYAL (LAFRENIERE)

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ANNA JOYAL (nee LAFRENIERE) February 3, 1922 - September 12, 2014 We will miss her dearly but we rejoice at how she enhanced our lives for over 92 years. Anna, wife of Claude Joyal for 61 years (passed in 2006) and mother of four, Ernie (Joan), Annette (René Chabidon), Marcel (Lucie), Michèle (Marc Marcoux) was the source of all that was positive in our lives. Her pleasant demeanor and fun-loving attitude was her trademark. Growing up in a family of six boys (Emile, Cléophas, Edouard, Albert, Jean, Maurice) and five girls (Bella, Anna, Thérèse, Flore, Agnes) gave her very strong values and taught her the importance of hard work, patience and honesty. She excelled at whatever she attempted. Her first career was hairdressing. With her distinctive red hair and irrepressible personality she attracted many customers. She also attracted the attention of a man who would become the love of her life. After Claude finished his army service, they married and soon after, started their family and had four children in perfect order (boy/girl/boy/girl) and almost perfect spacing. That is how things were done with Anna and Claude. The early years were all about raising kids, working hard and enjoying the simple things in life. The purchase of a cottage in 1954 created a new focus for the family. Friday afternoons were very hectic as we all got ready to leave the house for the cottage no more than five minutes after our father got home from work. Family gatherings were a lot of fun. Anna had an open-door policy and unexpected guests were always welcomed to stay for a meal as they were simply told that "more water would be added to the soup". We loved St. Laurent and all of us kids and grandchildren spent our formative years there. As the family grew older and grandchildren were added to the mix Anna took on the role of loving grandmother. Through her endless generosity and child-like attitude she showed what it was like to have a "JOIE DE VIVRE". That attitude is now part of their DNA. Thank you Memère! (Lise, Colin, Michael, Roxanne, Dominique, Marie-Michèle, Mathieu, Chantal, Joël). Later years were dominated by travel adventures and winter excursions to Texas. The hospitality that was the hallmark of St. Laurent was simply transferred to Texas where many new friendships were formed. She loved it. Actionmarguerite-Taché Centre was her last home. The person that we all knew and loved was now part of a community of residents and staff that soon became her other family. Anna was considered to be a most pleasant and endearing resident who enthusiastically attended all activities and greeted all with a smile even though she did not remember names. Another layer of her extended family made occasional visits, her eight great-grandchildren (Kaya, Mahri, Asher, Salem, Julien, Rohan, Sofianne, Etienne). It was impossible for her to identify them all, but they got the same loving, gentle treatment. A life well lived is a lasting inspiration and Anna has truly inspired us. She may be gone but her memory lives on in the minds and hearts of all that were privileged to know her. WELL DONE LA MERE! The family wishes to thank all staff at Actionmarguerite who took care of Anna over the years. We however wish to make note of the six staff members who showed special compassion and love in the last hours of her life. They are Angela, Jacquie, Maureen, Amel, Anna, and Fatuma. Funeral Service will be held on Friday, September 19 at 10:00 a.m. with viewing starting at 9:30 a.m. at Desjardins Funeral Chapel, 357 DesMeurons Street. Burial will follow at Glen Lawn Memorial Gardens. Condolences may be sent to www.desjardinsfuneralchapel.ca. Desjardins 233-4949 1-888-233-4949
Publish Date: Sep 17, 2014

ANNA JOYAL (nee LAFRENIERE) It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Anna, on Friday, September 12, 2014, at Actionmarguerite-Taché Centre, at the age of 92. Funeral Service will be held on Friday, September 19 at 10:00 a.m. at Desjardins Funeral Chapel, 357 DesMeurons Street. Viewing will be at 9:30 a.m. Complete obituary notice to follow. Desjardins 233-4949 1-888-233-4949 www.desjardinsfuneralchapel.ca
Publish Date: Sep 15, 2014

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 17, 2014