ADELINE BOURBONNIERE

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ADELINE BOURBONNIERE

Adéline Bourbonnière (née Blerot), a pillar of strength, compassion, and unyielding positivity, passed away on November 30, 2024. Born on September 29, 1940, in Ponteix, Saskatchewan, Adéline was known for her warmth, selfless generosity, and the undeniably loving spirit she brought into the world.

Mom/Mama will be dearly missed by her beloved children, Guy (Dana), Michel (Linda), Lynne (Ian) and her grandchildren, Jade (Ryan), Josh (Allie) and Lane (Dave)...Joseph, Lise (Adam) and Justin...Evan, Emma and Amie and great-grandchildren, Grady, Kylie, and June. Adéline will be lovingly remembered by her sisters and brothers, Jeannine (Noel), Yvette (Gerry), Alfred (Marilyn), Harvey (Bert) and Marcel her brother-in-law Denis (Arlette) and her many nephews and nieces. She is joined in rest with her mother Albina, her father Henri, her brother Jean-Marie, her sister-in-law Charlotte, and her loving husband of 41 years, Maurice. With bonds formed through friendship and her years of teaching, Adéline’s reach was far and wide, and she was cherished deeply by many.

Adéline grew up in rural Saskatchewan with her parents and five siblings. As the oldest, she helped raise her younger siblings. Whenever she could, she would hide away to read, her favourite passion, often late into the night when she was supposed to be asleep. It was her love of literature that sparked her desire and determination to become a teacher. At 16 years old, she moved to Winnipeg, on her own, for grade 11, returning to Saskatchewan for grade 12 and then back to Winnipeg to attend Teacher’s College. Her sister Jeannine joined her when back in Winnipeg and together they supported each other. Her parents and most of her siblings soon joined them. Throughout her career, Adéline saw every child as special and dedicated herself to raising them up. She was a lifelong learner, attending university at the same time as her three grown children to earn her B.Ed. and eventually obtaining her masters degree when she turned 55. Adéline continued with her diagnostic work and tutoring well into retirement and helped so many.

While attending Teacher’s College she met Maurice who fell madly in love with her. He proposed to her while she was attending school, however, she knew she would have to wait until she finished school. Upon her graduation, he surprised her with an engagement ring. They lived a wonderful life together raising their three kids and supporting their community. While baking and sewing for her young family, she always made time to play, bike ride, and dance with them to her favourite '50s music. Their house was always full of friends and family. They moved often and loved fixing up homes together, shoulder-to-shoulder. It was through watching her kids involved in sports that Adéline became a huge sports fan of football and hockey. She was very knowledgeable about her teams and loved to talk about them. She cheered on her Canucks to the very end.

Upon retiring from her work at the Child Guidance Clinic in Winnipeg, Adéline moved to Lincoln Gardens in West Vancouver where she made so many very good friends. She served on the strata council, continued to build her library of books, and loved her daily crossword. She walked everywhere, always marvelling about the beautiful surroundings. She looked forward to her many visits with her brothers and sisters. They all share a special bond with one another. She loved spending time with her grown kids and their families going on trips and being part of their lives. The love and joy she had raising her kids was only matched by the love she gave to her grandkids. Mama could always be counted on when a grandchild needed a hug, a teacher, or a dance partner.

Adéline’s legacy is one of unyielding kindness, generosity and love. She supported her family and extended a helping hand to anyone in need.

A Celebration of Life for Adeline will take place on July 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Church, 510 River Ave. Reception to follow the service downstairs in the church hall. All those wishing to celebrate her life are welcomed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Cancer Society.

Adéline's loss is deeply felt by her family and all those who knew and loved her.

Her sprit will continue to live on and inspire kindness, resilience, and generosity

in those whose lives she touched.

We love you, Mom.

Tribute Link: www.mckenziefuneralservices.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 21, 2025