Obituary of Cecile Gauthier

Cécile Marie Julienne Yvonne Gauthier of Gravelbourg, SK passed away on Tuesday, April 22, 2014, at the age of 66 years. Cécile was born on January 1, 1948, in Gravelbourg, SK. She was the daughter of Philemon and Yvonne (nee Lagassé) Lizée, and a sister to Julienne, Aline, Jeannine, Denise, Marc, Ronald, Alain. She began her education at a country school, and after it closed she was bussed to Gravelbourg to attend the Couvent Jésus-Marie. After graduating from the Gravelbourg High School, Cécile began work at St. Joseph Hospital in Gravelbourg. There, she began as a nurse’s aide and, after raising her family, she returned as an activities worker. Cécile truly cared for the residents and loved spending time with them. She was the residence keeper at the Collège Mathieu, and shared her wisdom and humor with the girls who lived there. Cécile also worked for the Town of Gravelbourg and at the Gravelbourg School District offices, both which were located at the same building. Cécile married Louis Gauthier on July 20, 1966, and they were blessed with five children, Roxanne, Colette, Mike, Colin and Alain. After Cécile and Louis were married, they resided in the town of Gravelbourg for five years. In 1971, Louis’ parents retired to town and Cécile and Louis moved to the homestead farm. In 1980, they retired the homestead house and built a new home in the same yard. Cécile was an amazing woman; she would raise all five children alone in the summer and run the combine when Louis was gone working with his backhoe. Cécile and Louis enjoyed camping in the summertime and taking trips with their children, and later spending time with their grandchildren. She was the mémère that dropped everything when her grandchildren came over, and there was always time for one more game of casino voleur, a card game that she taught all of her grandchildren. Cécile enjoyed spending time with her friends, and could always be counted on in times of need. She loved being with her friends, whether it was an impromptu visit, a bowling night, a phone call, going out for a steak or wing night, or playing cards. Cécile was an avid gardener and loved canning; she was famous for her homemade pickles. Cécile will be lovingly remembered for her fresh baked bread and her patience in letting her grandchildren knead the dough with her, even if their loaves sometimes turned out a bit harder than hers. She loved having all of her family over for Sunday dinners and holiday meals; she was in her glory when everyone was together under one roof, and really enjoyed the non-stop laughter and stories that were shared. Cécile was so proud of her children and grandchildren, and of all their accomplishments. She always made them feel important. Cécile will be deeply missed by her loving family and her friends. Cécile is survived by her husband of 47 years Louis Gauthier; daughter Roxanne (Earl) Otterson, grandchildren Nikolas, Jamie and Christopher; daughter Colette (Robert) Bouffard, grandchildren Josée, Éric and Désirée; son Mike (Lori) Gauthier, grandchildren Justin, Alexis, Mathieu and Anica; son Colin Gauthier (Page Hoehn); son Alain Gauthier; sisters Julienne Podevin, Aline (Roland) Tetreault, Jeannine (Marcel) Facette, Denise (Charles) St. Jacques; brothers Marc (Marilyn) Lizee, Ron (Johanne) Lizee; sisters-in-law Jeanne Gauthier, Juliette (Gerard) Arsenault, Sr. Denise Gauthier, Jeannine Gagnon, Irene Gauthier, Alma Blouin, Charlie (Helene) Gauthier. Predeceased by her parents Philemon and Yvonne (nee Lagassé) Lizée; brother Alain Lizée; sisters-in-law Yvette (Marcel) Poirier, Lucille Lightbody (Gerard Bouvier) (Bill Lightbody); brothers-in-law Werner Podevin, Cyrille Gauthier, Bert Gagnon, Roger Gauthier, George Blouin, Jules (Adrienne) Gauthier. Prayers were held on Friday, April 25, 2014, at 7:00 p.m., and Funeral Mass on Saturday, April 26, 2014, at 2:00 p.m., both at Our Lady of the Assumption Co-Cathedral, Gravelbourg, SK. Celebrant was Father Maurice Minne. Cross bearers were Justin Gauthier and Mathieu Gauthier. Communion ministers were Monique Morin and Maria Lepage. Readers were Francine Gauthier and Chantal Bissonnette. Prayers of the faithful were read by Josée Bouffard, Alexis Gauthier and Christopher Otterson. Offertory gifts were presented by Desirée Bouffard, Anica Gauthier, Éric Bouffard, Justin Gauthier and Jamie Otterson. Music was shared by Scott Richmond, Angèle Richmond, Henri Lepage and Scott Hamilton. The eulogy was shared by Roxanne Otterson, Colette Bouffard and Mike Gauthier. Urn bearers were Cécile’s family. Interment took place at the Gravelbourg Roman Catholic Cemetery. Memorial donations in memory of Cécile to the St. Joseph Hospital Foundation, Box 810, Gravelbourg, SK S0H 1X0, and Masses, were greatly appreciated. Online condolences can be shared at www.pichehawkinsgrondinfuneralchapels.ca. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Piche-Hawkins-Grondin Funeral Chapels, Assiniboia & Gravelbourg.