Germaine CHRISMAS

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CHRISMAS: On Thursday, May 12, 2016, Germaine Marie (nee Caumartin) passed away very peacefully at her residence, Valleyview Care Centre. Born on May 19, 1924 at Ste. Rose du Lac, Manitoba, she was the youngest child of Urgel and Lydia Caumartin. Germaine lived her younger years on the family farm near McCreary, Manitoba and attended Bracken School, a one room country school from Grades 1-8. When starting school she only spoke French but learned the English language very quickly. She had many fond memories living on the farm, working outside with her Dad and brothers, not enjoying the indoor chores such as cooking and cleaning. The farm is still in the family today reaching the 100 year mark in 1995. On May 7, 1949 Germaine married a handsome gentleman, Garry Chrismas. For a very brief few months they lived in Brandon but moved back to McCreary before their son was born. Another three boys and one girl rounded out their family of five. She worked very hard raising her children, with no running water and very little money to work with. Germaine was a single parent Monday to Friday as Garry was a trucker and only home on weekends. Her strong Catholic faith got her through the tough times she often said. In the early 70's she worked at the McLeod's store in McCreary where she enjoyed serving the many friends and neighbors she knew. In 1978, Garry had a heart attack so they moved to Brandon and took on many part time jobs. Sadly, Garry died in September of 1989. They had just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary with all their family and many friends. It was a great celebration. In McCreary, Germaine loved playing cards with family and friends as well as curling in the local rink. When she moved to Brandon she kept her love of these, winning a few plaques and trophies with her crib partner Marguerite. She started curling with her daughter- in-law at Riverview Curling Club and together won the Brandon Ladies Interclub Bonspiel. After she had taught all she could to her daughter- in-law, she moved on and curled for many years in the ladies senior league at Riverview as well as participating in the Golden Gals playdowns every year. Germaine also kept herself busy with bingo and watching the Blue Jays on the TV. In July of 2001 she moved into Hobbs Manor on 15th Street. There she learned to play shuffleboard and tile rummy with the many new friends she had made. These were very happy times for her, you often could not find her at home. In July of 2013 she moved into Valleyview Care Centre where she lived until her passing. Germaine is survived by her five children: René (Sharon) Chrismas of Brandon, Wayne Chrismas of Grande Prairie, Alberta, Diane (Gordon) Smith of Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Allan Chrismas of Halifax, Nova Scotia and Richard Chrismas of Winnipeg, Manitoba; seven grandchildren: Shori, Scott, Kevin, Patrick, Alecia, Andrea and Michael; ten great-grandchildren: Brady, Sydney, Paige, Liam, Jackson, Owen, Maia, Ethan, Desiré and Dominique and many nieces and nephews that will miss her dearly. She was predeceased by her husband Garry, parents Urgel and Lydia, brothers Jeremie, Armand (in 2nd World War) and Romeo and her sisters Juliette and Alma. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church on Friday, May 20, 2016 with Fr. Patrick Neufeld as the celebrant. Germaine was laid to rest beside her husband at the Brandon Cemetery. Pallbearers were her two sons: René Chrismas and Richard Chrismas and her grandsons: Patrick Chrismas, Kevin Smith, Scott Smith, and Greg McFeetors. Donations in memory of Germaine may be made to the St. Augustine's Building Fund, 327 4th Street, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 3H1. Expressions of sympathymay be made at www.memorieschapel.com.MotherShe's sweeter than the fragrances that fill the dell in spring,A joy she is above the joys that all the years can bring.She's dearer than the dearest friends that we will ever know,Her prayers ever guide us on no matter where to go.Her face is furrowed deep with cares, her hair is all but gray,And rosary beads slip through the hands that first joined ours to pray.Though the years have dimmed those eyes that were so lustrous fair,'Tis death alone can take away the love-light shining there.At night when kneeling down to pray we thank the Lord above,Who was so good to give us our Mother's deathless love.

As published in Brandon Sun on May 28, 2016