Thérèse Debusschere

Peacefully on Friday, April 3, 2026, Mrs. Thérèse Debusschere of Haywood, Manitoba passed away at the St. Claude Pavilion at the age of 87 years.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Roger Debusschere, Gilbert (Maureen) Debusschere, Anita (Aime) Bazin and Janine (Paul) Monchamp; her grandchildren, Chantelle, Zareena, Aleeya, Leena, Kalib, August, Emile, Matthew (Farrah), Kristelle (Hylton), Karissa (Brad), Eric (Paige), Jenna (Derik), Colin, Natasha (Tristen), Noah, and Nadia and her great-grandchildren, Darien, Kaylena, Dwayne, Odyn, Kyon, Leo, Eli, Wesley, Zoey, and Grace. She is also survived by brothers and sisters, Cécile, Germaine, Michel (Lorraine), Robert, Hubert (Lilianne) and Nicole (Gérald); her in-laws, Suzanne, Jean, Annette, Alice (Roland) and Robert (Pauline) along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Thérèse was predeceased by her husband Auguste Debusschere in 2019, her mother Solange (née Rouire) in 2017, her father Henri Viallet in 1972, along with her brothers, sisters and in-laws, Louis, Daniel (Gisèle), Joseph, Rose (Don), Léon, Gigi, Edward (Rolande), Angèle (Albert) and Marie Rose (Albert).

Thérèse was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on July 24, 1938. She was raised just outside of Haywood, Manitoba, by her parents, Solange (Rouire) and Henri Viallet. She was the oldest of eleven children: Cécile, Louis, Germaine, Daniel, Michel, Joseph, Robert, Rose, Hubert, and Nicole. At a young age, Thérèse left school to help her parents on the farm, taking on responsibility early in life with strength and dedication.

In 1955, she married Auguste Debusschere, and together they farmed north of Haywood. They lovingly adopted and raised four children — Roger, Gilbert, Anita, and Janine. Becoming a mother was one of the greatest joys of her life. She poured her heart into her family and took great pride in her children. She especially loved when her grandchildren came to visit. Those moments filled her with happiness and laughter.

Thérèse loved to bake. Her kitchen was often filled with the smell of pies and treats made with care. Baking was one of the many ways she showed her love.

In 1980, they sold the farm and moved to Haywood. Soon after, they began traveling to France, Italy, and across Canada and the United States, enjoying new experiences together. In 1989, Thérèse completed her GED — a proud accomplishment — and then went on to earn her Nurse’s Aide and Health Care Aide certificates, reflecting both her determination and her caring nature.

Throughout her life, Thérèse was deeply community-oriented. She was involved in many church and community events, always helping with local bazaars, bingos, funeral lunches, and fall suppers. When it came to her committees, she spearheaded many initiatives, generously giving her time and energy back to the community. One year, in preparation for the Fall Supper, she and Auguste went to nearly every Superstore in Winnipeg to find turkeys priced at 99 cents a pound. She was determined to get the best deal for the community — and she did. That was Thérèse: practical, persistent, and always looking out for others.

For many years, she and Auguste catered weddings in the Haywood area before retiring in 1996. She also enjoyed many weekend gatherings — Saturday suppers and Sunday lunches with her siblings, often followed by a lively game of Chicken Foot.

In June 2019, Thérèse and Auguste moved to the St. Claude Nursing Home due to declining health. Auguste passed away in October 2019. While living at the nursing home, Thérèse continued to stay active and helpful, assisting in the kitchen and wherever she could. She enjoyed visiting with staff and residents and took part in outings, games, and music.

Thérèse lived a life of hard work, devotion, and quiet strength. She showed her love not only in words, but in action — through meals prepared, committees served, hands extended to help, and time given freely. Her legacy lives on in her family and in the community she cared for so deeply.

Though we will miss her, we are grateful for the many years we were blessed to have her. We take comfort in knowing she is reunited with Auguste, and that her love will remain with us always — in our homes, in our gatherings, and in our hearts.

A special thank you to the St. Claude Nursing Home staff and volunteers for their exceptional care and for all they did for Thérèse.

Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at the St. Denis Roman Catholic Church in Haywood, Manitoba. Video Tribute presentation at 1:45pm followed by Mass at 2:00pm. Private Interment in the Parish Cemetery with Father John Te Nguyen officiating. The service will be live streamed at www.afh.ca

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Claude Health Centre (memo: “Music”). Thérèse loved listening and singing when musicians and entertainers visited the residents.

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