Obituary of Jeanne Brault

Jeanne Marie Brault, late of Lafleche, SK passed away on Tuesday, April 4, 2017, at the age of 99 years. Jeanne was born to Eva and Amie Landry on September 5, 1917 at Meyronne. In 1918 the Spanish Flu made its way across Canada and tragedy struck the family with the death of Amie. In the fall of 1918, Eva and her three young children returned to Montreal. In 1919, Eva and her family moved back to Meyronne, where on December 29, 1919, Eva married Honorius Bouvier. While the Landry children’s last name differed from the rest of the family, they were every bit as much a "Bouvier” as the others. Jeanne being one of the older children in the family learned from a very early age how to help care for her siblings and work to contribute to the success of a growing family. Jeanne started school when she was eight years old but that was cut short with an illness that was brought about by an accident with the ice house door. Jeanne’s first and last language was French and it was the language she would use when the opportunity arose throughout her life. Jeanne worked for Grandma and Grandpa Bouvier, as well as several aunts, uncles and neighbors. She often retold the stories of working out, the hours of cooking and cleaning and caring for the youngsters. She was the First Edition of the "Bouvier Book” (she knew who was who, dates etc). In 1939, Jeanne married Emile Brault; they lived south of Meyronne and then moved south of Glentworth. Jeanne was a true pioneer women. She lived through some exceptionally tough times and with a very difficult man for a husband. Jeanne shared very little of her hardships but the worst came on August 14, 1941 with the stillbirth of her only daughter. Jeanne, would often refer to herself as being "as stubborn as a mule & I kick like one too”- it was that strength that allowed her to get out of a bad situation. In 1954, Jeanne went to work for George Fancourt and they became life partners. George and Jeanne worked side by side on the farm growing grain, raising cattle and all that farm life involved. From this point forward it was always "Auntie Jeanne and George”. Prior to George’s death they sold the equipment and cattle. George passed away in January 1978. After that Jeanne lived a nomadic life, moving north (to Meyronne) in the fall and back south in the spring. Her blue truck was more like a travelling wardrobe. Everything had its place and its own bag and she could reach in and find whatever she was looking for at the drop of a hat. Jeanne enjoyed visits with her neighbors and always had cookies and coffee on the table within minutes of their arrival. Jeanne loved the south country and spent days picking berries in the bush. She didn’t care to eat saskatoon berries and generously gave those to others. Flowers, especially Hollyhocks and California poppies, and her garden were her pride and joy. Jeanne adored children and provided a summer vacation spot for many of her nieces and nephews. She also was a trustworthy babysitter for neighbors and family. Jeanne and George gave us the most precious thing they could have – their time, love and attention. Jeanne continued to provide care for her brothers Raymond and Alex, well into all of their senior years. Jeanne was very frugal and nothing went to waste. She prided herself on not causing trouble and was fair and kind to all. Jeanne was such a positive influence on those that knew her; she was a special lady who graced us with her presence. Jeanne will be remembered by sisters Thérèse Thomas and Marie Gavelin; sisters-in-law Theresa Bouvier and Lillian Bouvier; numerous nieces, nephews and their families. Jeanne is reunited in heaven with daughter, Baby Brault; partner George Fancourt; father Aimé Landry; parents Eva (Berthiaume) and Honorius Bouvier; siblings Eugène Landry, Cécile Lalonde, Alex Bouvier, Mag Bouvier, Daniel Bouvier and Raymond Bouvier; sisters-in-law Margaret Landry, Aileen Landry; brothers-in-law Adolphe Lalonde, John Thomas, Ellis Gavelin; nephews François Bouvier, George Landry; nieces Marguerite Wells and Rita Miller