Eliza Guilbert

Eliza Guilbert (née Desrochers)

May 14, 1922 – Sept. 17, 2012

On September 17, 2012, Eliza Guilbert, née Desrochers, formerly of Somerset, Manitoba and Mariapolis, Manitoba, died peacefully at Foyer Valade at 90 years of age.

She was predeceased by her loving husband, Gérard Guilbert in 1985, her eldest daughter Lorraine Labossière in 2008, her great-grandson Spencer Guilbert in 2007 as well as her parents Louis Desrochers and Albina Desrochers (née Choquette) and all of her siblings.

She leaves to mourn her passing four children:  Gérald (Gisèle) Guilbert, Jeannine (Dennis) Sikich, Gisèle (Donald) Girouard and Vivianne (Henry) Heller.

Left to cherish a very special mémère are 14 grandchildren: Alice (Albert), Robert, Derrick, Chad (Abigail), Patrick (Laurie), Reina, Nyssa, Melanie (Trevor), Daniel (Andréa), Brigitte (Joseph), Maurice (Melody), Andrew, Michael (Taryn) and Mathew.

She will be fondly remembered by her eight great-grandchildren: Michelle (Luc), Paul (Kyla), Andrew, Bryan, Alex, Cole, Owen and Mila as well as one great-great-grandson Maxim.

Also left to mourn her passing is her son-in-law Germain Labossière and her sister-in-law Eileen Desrochers.

Eliza was born in the Mariapolis district on May 14, 1922 and lived a full and rewarding life.   She had recently celebrated her 90 ^th birthday with her family.  Throughout her life, family was unquestionably her top priority.  She was happiest when she witnessed the laughter and joking around that inevitably occurred at family gatherings.  She was fiercely proud of her entire family and her support was unwavering.  She readily dropped whatever she was doing to offer a helping hand.  In earlier times she hosted big family dinners where everything was lovingly prepared.  If she knew you were coming, she was sure to prepare your favourite dish.  Without a doubt, desserts were her specialty.  Resisting her pies or cookies was impossible.

Eliza married Gérard Guilbert on April 19, 1941 and she worked tirelessly with him in the family grocery store while raising five children.  She took great pride in planting a huge garden and always looked forward to the fruits of her labour.

Eliza enjoyed playing bingo.  Her friends could always count on her to drive to a neighbouring community several times a week for another chance at winning that big jackpot.

Curling was her favourite sport and in her younger days she hosted many boisterous bonspiel parties.

Eliza enjoyed knitting and she was known for turning rows of stitches into beautiful baby blankets, tablecloths and bedspreads.  The hand-crafted items she so lovingly created will be fondly cherished by her family.

Eliza had a very strong faith and her rosary was never very far away.  In good times and in bad, she found comfort in prayer.

The family wishes to express sincere thanks to the Foyer Valade staff for their care and compassion.

Prayers will be held at Adam’s Funeral Home on Friday, September 21, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.  Funeral Services will be held in Notre Dame de la Nativité Church in Somerset, Manitoba on Saturday, September 22, 2012. Rosary, Eulogy and Video at 10:30 followed by Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. with Father Armand Le Gal officiating.  Lunch to follow and then Interment will take place in the Mariapolis Parish Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to a charity of choice.

Adam’s Funeral Home of Notre Dame de Lourdes, Manitoba in care of arrangements. Phone 248-2201 or 1-888-400-2326. www.afh.ca

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