CLEMENCE ROCH (BROUZES) (MONTAGNION)

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CLEMENCE ROCH (BROUZES) (MONTAGNION) December 8, 1918 - February 5, 2019 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother on February 5, 2019. How do you say goodbye to your own mother? The truth is, you never do. She lives on in your heart and in your memories. Our mother was born Clemence Brouzes. She was the seventh child of Louis Brouzes and Maria Monchamp. They were Manitoba pioneers, breaking the land, planting crops and raising farm animals. Our mother was only one of four girls in a family of 11 children so when her older sister married, Mom had to quit school and help on the farm. She was only 10 years old. Thus began a long life of hard work and service to others. Of this she never complained. When our mother was 21 she married, John Montagnion. Within five years they had three children of their own: Sylvane, Jacqueline and Gaetan. All babies were born in a log cabin on an acreage. Within a few more years a fourth child, Nicole was born, and then the fifth, Aline. When this last baby was only six months old, our mother was widowed. She left the farm, and moved us to the Okanagan. Friends offered to adopt the baby, but our mother loved us fiercely. In Kelowna Mom did back-breaking field work just to keep her family together. We knew that without her we would be orphans, but she never displayed fear of the unknown. We were raised in a happy home filled with love, stability and music. In spring of 1960, our family moved back to our mom's hometown of Notre Dame de Lourdes, Manitoba. Mom bought a house, and spent the next phase of her life raising her family in the stability of a small town. In 1963 our mom married Gabriel Roch. What a fine man he was. Children gravitated to him, and he never saw their naughty ways, just their beauty. Mom and Gaby had one son together but sadly he died due to complications of birth. Raoul was gone, but four years later a son came to them. This was Conrad Durand who started his life with them as a foster child. Next year, Rachelle Durand also joined our family. The house was filled with love. Grandchildren came and went. Coffee, cakes and candies were always available. Conversation around the table was expansive and open-minded. We all had a voice. What joy. In 2007, our dad, Gaby passed away. For the next eight years our mother stayed in her home but at 96 she had to move to assisted living. She lived the last years of her life with gentle appreciation. Gardening was still a passion, and birds would still congregate around her feeders. Sadly, our mother has gone but her legacy lives on. Thank you, dearest momma. Predeceased by daughter Sylvane Blalock and granddaughter Chantal Sibilleau Harling. Left to mourn are: Jaqueline Montagnon, Gaetan Montagnion, Nicole Froese, Aline Lafleche, Conrad Durand, Rachelle Durand, her beloved grandchildren, family, and friends. Till we meet again.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 16, 2019