Jeannette Rheault (née Lafreniere)

Peacefully, at Foyer Valade on Monday, February 16, 2026, Jeannette Rheault (née Lafreniere) of Somerset, Manitoba passed away at the age of 90 years.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children Denis (Lynne), Lucille, and David (Janet); her beloved grandchildren Melissa (James), Marina (Russell), Eliette, AJ, Alex, Nicholas, Meagan (David), Matthew (Catherine), and Joshua; and her treasured great-granddaughters Sophie, Sara, Élise and Nola. She is also lovingly remembered by her sisters-in-law Evelyne Lafreniere and Margie Rheault, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Jeannie was predeceased by her devoted husband, Tommy; her parents, Alexandre and Alice Lafreniere; and her parents-in-law, Josephat and Ida Rheault. She was also predeceased by her great grandchild Casey Oakes, her son-in-law Andrew Grose, siblings and siblings-in-law Fabiola and Tom Grafton, Roland and Claire Lafreniere, Adrien and Rose Lafreniere, Eva and Charlie Cook, Gilbert Lafreniere, Léa King, Bob and Simone Lafreniere, Louis and Patsy Lafreniere, Ted and Yvette Lafreniere, Raymond Rheault, and her lifelong partner-in-crime and best friend, Laurette Labossiere. She now joins many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whom she cherished deeply.

Born on December 26, 1935, in Somerset, Jeannie was the youngest of ten children, and by all accounts, delightfully spoiled because of it. She grew up in Somerset riding her bike through town, skating in winter, playing cribbage with her dad, and travelling with her parents. Those early years shaped her lifelong love of family, fun, and friendly competition.

After attending Somerset School, Jeannie became a telephone operator before marrying the love of her life, Tommy Rheault. Together they built a life filled with laughter and lifelong friendships. Their close-knit crew could often be found curling, playing cards and hosting late-night steak barbecues. In 1961 they began their family: Denis first, followed by Lucille, and then David, who completed their trio.

Jeannie was traditional in many ways, yet was also boldly ahead of her time. She made history as Somerset’s first female postmaster. It was an achievement she carried with pride. She served her community faithfully through her career with Canada Post.

After retiring, Jeannie devoted herself fully to family. She lovingly cared for Tommy following his MS diagnosis and later poured that same devotion into her grandchildren. Becoming a grandmother was one of her greatest joys. They kept her young, sharp, and on her toes. Summers were spent in the backyard pool. Sleepovers meant toast with hot chocolate and blankets warmed in the dryer before bed. Every birthday required a wiener roast and angel food cake. St. Patrick’s Day always featured green drinks and festive snacks. And Christmas was quite a celebration. She decorated to the nines, cooked enough food to feed an army, and proudly hosted her cherished réveillon on Christmas Eve for anyone who could stay awake long enough to celebrate with her.

Jeannie was a devoted member of the Filles d’Isabelle and served for many years as a board member for the Somerset Villa amongst many other committees over the years. Giving back to her community was second nature to her.

Though she loved travel throughout her life, her adventurous spirit reignited in later years. With her best friend Laurette by her side, she travelled from coast to coast, visiting Nova Scotia, Alaska, New York, California, Nashville, and many places in between. The two of them made memories (and likely caused a little mischief) wherever they went.

Sports were another lifelong passion. Whether at the skating rink, curling rink, or cheering from the sidelines, Jeannie rarely missed a game. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers held a special place in her heart, and her Grey Cup parties were legendary.

Jeannie will be remembered for her strength, her quick wit, her fierce loyalty, and her unwavering love. She was the heart of her family, a true matriarch. A woman who honoured tradition yet never stopped growing, evolving, and embracing life. Later in life, taking on the task of raising a few of her granddaughters kept her youthful, and she retained her youthful energy and positivity until her final days.

Her joy only multiplied with the arrivals of her great-granddaughters. Sophie, Sara, Elise, and Nola brought a special sparkle to her later years. She beamed with pride at dance recitals and hockey games, and some of her happiest moments were the simplest ones like playing peek-a-boo, sharing giggles, and soaking up every cuddle she could get.

During the final chapter of Jeannie’s life, she made her home in Winnipeg, where she was lovingly cared for by family before moving to Foyer Valade, where she continued to be surrounded by love and support.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the health care professionals at Foyer Valade and VIP Home Care for their compassionate care, and to her niece Lorraine Lafreniere for her extra special devotion. We are also deeply grateful to the many family members and friends who supported Jeannie throughout her journey.

Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Timothy’s Parish, 135 John Forsyth Road in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The service will be live-streamed at www.afh.ca. Public interment will take place at a later date in the Somerset Parish Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba or to the Somerset Lorne Citizens Museum.

Adam’s Funeral Home of Notre Dame de Lourdes, Manitoba in care of arrangements. Phone 204-248-2201. To view the service details and leave condolences, please visit www.afh.ca