Obituary of Florence Mary Bourassa

Mary Florence Bourassa of Lafleche, SK, passed away on Wednesday, May 2, 2012, in Gravelbourg, SK, at the age of 93 years. Florence was born on October 12, 1918, in Lafleche, SK, to Charles and Katherine (nee O’Neill) McCabe. Florence went to Woodale School and then after completing her high school education at Mathieu School in Lafleche, she attended Normal School in Regina. Florence taught at Vindictive School, Dorgan School, Consul and Halbrite. In July 1943, Florence married Raymond Bourassa. At that time Raymond was in the RCAF stationed in Brandon, MB, and they spend their first year of wedded life there. After the war, Raymond and Florence moved back to Lafleche and they purchased three quarters of land northeast of town. They built a small home and lived there until the fall of 1950. That year Florence and Raymond decided to move their house to Lafleche, as there were no school busses for their children to ride to school and the closest school had closed. In May 1981 they built a new home on First Street. Raymond and Florence enjoyed their new home, and after it was built took a few trips to visit their children and relatives across Canada and the USA. Florence was a charter member of the CWL when it was organized in 1953, serving several times in many offices. She also served on the Lafleche Co-op Board for fifteen years and organized the Mental Health Canvass Campaign until she became part of the local Donors’ Choice drive. Florence enjoyed gardening, quilting and knitting. She treasured visits from her children, grandchildren and friends. Florence loved her family and was very proud of them and will be greatly missed. Florence is survived by her loving family, daughter Joanne Vinish; daughter Dorothy Beaudoin; son Charlie (Gwyn); son Paul; son Leo; son Richard (Carol); 17 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, 6 great great grandchildren; sisters Eileen (Ray) Kirkpatrick, Kathleen Cameron, Bernice Griffin; and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her husband Raymond (1985); daughter Agnes; grandson Shawn; great grandson Samuel; daughter-in-law Angele; son-in-law Jerry Stanley; parents Charles and Katherine (nee O’Neill) McCabe; brothers-in-law Herman Cameron and Kevin Griffin. Prayers were held on Sunday, May 6, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. and led by the CWL. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday, May 7, 2012, at 11:00 a.m., with both services held at Ste. Radegonde Roman Catholic Church, Lafleche, SK. Celebrant was Father Joseph Strohhofer. The eulogy was shared by Aline Wenisch and Sheila Simpson. Active pallbearers were Steve Bourassa, Ray Vinish, Denis Beaudoin, Kevin Bourassa, Chad Bourassa, Aaron Bourassa and Gerald Beaudoin. The cross bearers were Shantele Wenisch and Darby Beaudoin. Readers during Mass were Shannon Alexander, Vanessa Bourassa and Alison Bourassa. Mass gifts were brought up by Tyler and Kendra Schoenthal. Honor guard was formed by the Catholic Women’s League. Music was by Jacqueline Poirier and Terry Kirkpatrick. Lunch was served by Ste. Radegonde Parish for 150 people. Interment took place at the Lafleche Roman Catholic Cemetery. Memorial tributes in memory of Florence are to Ste. Radegonde Roman Catholic Church Building Fund, Box 518, Lafleche, SK S0H 2K0; Lafleche and District Health Fund Inc., Box 250, Lafleche, SK S0H 2K0, and St. Joseph Hospital/Foyer d’Youville Foundation, Box 810, Gravelbourg, SK S0H 1X0, were greatly appreciated.