Jeanne Espenell

Jeanne Espenell

(née Lemaux)

Peacefully at the Notre Dame Foyer on September 22, 2021, surrounded by family, Mom went to meet her heavenly family and friends.  She passed away at the age of 91 years.

She leaves to mourn her children, Muriel (Jim) Reiber, Marcel (Lorraine) Espenell Alice (Dave) Green and daughter-in-law Alice Espenell; her grandchildren, Lynn, Brian (Tanya), Michael (Gail), Lionel (Jocelyne), Andre (Lorilea), Norman (Ainsley), Robert (Maxine), Gerald (Christelle), Ryan (Sara), Jennifer (Troy), Todd (Carla) and Kimberly; her great-grandchildren, Connor, Duncan, Natalie, Michael, Tyler, Jenaya, Dainon, Annick, Derek, Tyler, Ashton, Jordyn, Brenden, Rylan, Eva, Connor, Parker, Nathan, Carson, Annie, Elsie, Hayden, Dawson, Calista, Lynden, Chloe, Jackson, Parker and Lincoln.  She is also survived by her sister Louise Poiron and sister-in-law Cecile Grainger and numerous nieces, nephew, relatives and friends.

Jeanne is predeceased by her husband Celestin Espenell and son Ron Espenell.

Mom was born November 18, 1929, in the St. Lupicin area. At the age of 7, she was stricken with scarlet fever, which caused her to be bed-ridden for a year. Only by God’s grace did she survive! On July 21, 1948, Mom married Celestin and they farmed in the St. Lupicin district. There, they raised four children, Muriel, Marcel, Ronald and Alice. They also had mix farming and Mom still found time to work at the Notre Dame Foyer and the Notre Dame Convent. She was a busy girl but always had good food and baking on the table.  Plus, she still found time to curl, knit, play cards and skidoo.  In 1982, Mom and Dad moved to Notre Dame. Again, keeping very busy with more knitting, watching curling, attending grandchildren events, playing cards, fishing, and volunteering around town. 

Mom was a very active person and not one to complain.  In 2001, Dad passed away and Mom had to learn to be independent. She surrounded herself with family and friends.  Unfortunately, in 2006, she faced another challenge – losing her son Ron. She persevered but never to the same degree.  In 2008, she moved into the Notre Dame Manor where she was closer to friends making it easier to play cards and socialize.  In 2018, due to failing health, she moved into the Notre Dame Foyer. There she had many friends, good care givers and lots to keep her busy.  Mom faced many challenges but took them all in stride. She was an excellent mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. But now she is pain free and at peace.

We love you Mom and thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything.

A Private Funeral Service will be held at the Notre Dame Catholic Church on Saturday, October 2, 2021.  Memorial Service at 10:00 a.m. followed by Funeral Mass with interment in the Notre Dame Parish Cemetery. Due to Covid restrictions, Church attendance will be by invitation only.

The service is available to be viewed via Live Streaming. If you would like your name to appear in the guestbook, please email your name to office@afh.ca re: Jeanne Espenell.

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