Yvette Gillis

Yvette Gillis (née Rivard)

In the early morning of March 3rd, 2022 our dear Mom (Momma Bear) danced her way into the heavens with the angels that have passed before her at the age of 92.

Left to cherish her memory are her loving children, Jo-Anne (Darryl), Marian, Gisele and Michael (Margaret); her beautiful grandchildren, Jason (Jill), Colin (Megan), Bobbi-Jo (Dave) and Kyle, her beautiful great grandchildren, Chase (Sarah), Tayla (Ricky) and MacKenzie, her sister Claudette (Terry), sisters in law Patricia and Gloria (Curt), numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Mom (daughter of Joseph Rivard and Annette Houde) was born and raised on the farm in St. Eustache, being the eldest of six children (Claude, Cecile, Yvonne, Jeannine (Jean) and Claudette) is where her strong work ethic, amazing cooking and sewing talents began. At an early age she was relied on to help take care of the daily running of the household and she told us many stories of caring for her “little” cousins. Family meant a lot to Mom right to her last days.

Marrying Dad (Maurice) moved her to Elie where she raised her family and while we were growing up, Mom was part of “The Birthday Club”, a 4-H Leader, actively involved with the Elie Community Club (even teaching elementary kids how to curl) and was right there ready to create the next costume for a school play, curling bonspiel and of course Hallowe’en, Mom loved Hallowe’en! By the way, our Barbie dolls, Mom created wardrobes, are something else!

Baseball, golf, bicycle riding, bowling, clogging, cross country skiing, snowmobiling were some of the activities Mom participated in throughout her life. She drove in the Powder Puff at St. Francois Speedway, dipped into making wine for a number of years and enjoyed spending time tending to her vegetable and flower gardens.

When Mom started working outside the home, it was as a Cook. She held a few positions but cooking at the Elie Manor, until she was 72, was something she loved to tell you about. It was also during this time that Mom became an entrepreneur selling the best Tourtiere and Turkey Pies around. The annual Elie Parish Fish Fry hasn’t been the same since she introduced her “secret” baked pickerel recipe. There were many good times spent around her kitchen table enjoying her delicious cooking. Don't think there was a meal served that didn’t include a new taste sensation and Mom insisting on everyone trying it!

Mom was fortunate to have been able to travel and she had numerous travelling companions including her mother, sisters, children, and good friends. Vacations with Dad had them driving to Niagara Falls, west to B.C., down to California and Florida. Mom drove through Eastern Canada with her sister Jean and many tours not only brought her from Northern Manitoba down through the Black Hills to the Grand Ole Oprey but also across the pond to tour Portugal and Madeira. Other overseas trips included New Zealand, Hawaii’ii, Aruba and Cuba. As a family, we share a memorable trip to Saskatoon. Her passion for curling roared her to Glasgow, Scotland in 2000 for one of the last Men’s and Women’s Joint Worlds Curling Competitions. Mom travelled a number of times to B.C.,and one of her last over the border trips was to Meza, Arizona.

Mom’s love of “Old Time Music” had her adventuring throughout the province to attend dances, fiddling contests, concerts and festivals. She especially enjoyed Craven’s Country Jamboree in Saskatchewan and oh, those cross border weekend shopping trips!

Camping was another one of Mom’s great enjoyments. Our childhood summers were spent at Miami Beach and Mom continued to enjoy camping most of her life. Spending time at Big Pont Retreat with Jo-Anne and company was very special to Mom, she spoke about missing those good times for years!

When Mom couldn’t take proper care of herself any longer, we moved her to Residence Despins where she easily settled in and was very happy living with her other family. In October 2018 Mom suffered a stroke which immobilized her and ActionMarguerite St. Boniface became her home until her passing. Special thanks, love and hugs go out to Nicole, Lynne, Wendy, Corri, Penny, along with all the care workers associated with 3ABC for taking care of our Momma Bear. Your care and compassion was very much appreciated and will be remembered. You are earth angels!

There is no other love than a Mother’s Love

There will be no formal service.

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