LEONTINE MEILLEUR
(nee CARRIERE)

It is with saddened hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Léontine Meilleur (née Carrière) at the age of 98 years on December 12, 2008, at the Fisher Branch Personal Care Home in Fisher Branch, MB. She quietly slipped away in her sleep with family at her bedside.

Left to mourn her passing are her seven children : René Meilleur (Fisher Branch, MB), Juliette (Richard) Myers (Morden, MB), Denis Meilleur (Winnipeg, MB), Raymond (Lucie) Meilleur (Fisher Branch, MB), Aline (Claude) Boisjoli (St. Adolphe, MB), Claire Piggott (Winnipeg, MB) and Daniel (Kathy) Meilleur (Calgary, AB). She will be missed by her 16 grandchildren and their families : Kevin Myers, Denis (Janice) Myers, Renée Myers, Ryan (Charlene) Myers, Gérald (Angie) Meilleur, François (Isabelle) Meilleur, Rachelle Meilleur, Marc (Dodie) Meilleur, Daniel (Chantal) Boisjoli, David (Guylaine) Boisjoli, Aimé (Angèle) Boisjoli, Shawn Piggott, Scott (Jackie) Piggott, Brad (Arlene) Piggott, Christopher Meilleur and Frances (Lee) Cherrett as well as 24 great-grandchildren. Léontine will be missed by her special in-laws : Delia Bernier, Eva Bernier, Alma Meilleur, Amanda (Leo) Lagassé and Auray (Simonne) Meilleur, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

Léontine was the sole surviving member of her family of 14. She was predeceased by her husband Emery Meilleur, her parents William and Josephine Meilleur (née Delorme), 13 brothers and sisters, son-in-law John Boyko, daughter-in-law Bonnie Meilleur, one grandson Jean-Guy Meilleur, and numerous in-laws.

Léontine was born in 1910 in St. Adolphe, MB, the ninth of 14 children. Raised in that community, she graduated from high school where all school subjects were conducted in both English and French. Upon graduation, she pursued her love of education in Winnipeg, where she studied and obtained her teaching certificate. In 1932, just shy of her 22nd birthday, Léontine boarded a train to Fisher Branch, MB to begin her life-long teaching career at the little one-room schoolhouse, North Meridian School. There she educated generations of the area's children and was loved and respected in her role. She later moved into the local high school to teach French.

Léontine was instrumental in ensuring that all children were given the opportunity to receive an education as she devoted the last years of her career to those with special needs. On July 13, 1938 Léontine married her soulmate Emery Meilleur. Together they raised 7 children on the farm, 1/4 mile from North Meridian School. She never lost sight of the fact that in those days she was truly blessed to maintain her teaching career while sharing the roles of both wife and mother. She and Emery shared 39 years together until his death in August, 1977.

Léontine will always be remembered for her gift of voice, which she shared with her family and community at many special events. She led the choir at the local Catholic Church for many years. She accepted countless invitations to sing at weddings, anniversaries and funerals. Known for her perfect pitch her solo Avé Maria brought many audiences to tears. Her voice still rose above the congregation's well into her late 80s. An active member of the Catholic Church, Léontine belonged to the Catholic Woman's League. There she found lasting relationships and a community of women who shared her devotion and dedication to the Faith. For many years she tirelessly knit and crocheted hats, mittens, scarves and slippers that were sent as gifts to missions in the north. She volunteered her time visiting other seniors' in the community, accompanied by her close friend Sister Agnes.

Léontine was to receive her 40th Anniversary Pin from the CWL in the new year. Léontine was an impeccable seamstress. The perfection of her French seam was so masterful, recipients of her garments claimed they could be worn inside out ! She loved music and dancing at family parties, reading, crossword puzzles, and later in life was an avid viewer of her favourite game shows The Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. She possessed a sweetness and innocence that made her adored by all who met her. Her dry, witty sense of humour still sparkled through her dementia and one comment could stop us in our tracks ! Above all, Léontine was a kind and gentle soul who loved unconditionally. She carried a quiet, inner strength that centered around her belief in the power of prayer and her unwavering faith in God's Plan. She was devoted to God and Family, and the lives she touched along her journey are forever blessed.

A celebration of Léontine's life will begin with Prayers on Tuesday, December 16, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Fisher Branch, MB. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at Immaculate Conception with Father Michael presiding. Internment to follow at Immaculate Conception Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the Fisher Branch Personal Care Home for their years of loving care of Léontine. To all of Léontine's extended family and friends who visited her and extended kindness, thank you. She always appreciated visits and it always made her day ! In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Immaculate Conception Cemetery Fund, c/o Raymond Meilleur. Fisher Funeral Home Inc. In care of arrangements. Fisher Branch, MB (204) 372-6271 or 372-6803