It is with deep and profound sorrow that the family of Madeline Tucker announces she has joined our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, at the heavenly banquet.
She passed peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015 at the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital in Thunder Bay, Ont.
Mom was born July 31, 1932 in Fort Frances, Ont. to Fredrick and Clara (Guimond) Mainville. She grew up with her siblings, Elmer, Wally, Dolly (Roach) Mackie, and Doug on Couchiching First Nation and attended St. Marguerite’s residential school.
She married our dad, Ronald Tucker, in March, 1949. They lived in Fort Frances, where she enjoyed her many friends and her growing family, which included 12 children.
Like others of her day, Mom lived a difficult life where she cut and split wood, hauled water, washed clothes on her faithful scrub board, and helped Dad in the bush to provide for their family.
Mom was a faithful member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church. She was a proud 25-year member of the Catholic Woman’s League and served in various ministries.
Mom’s faith was evident by her generous support of those in need and her extraordinary gift of prayer. She was nourished by daily mass, rosary, and hours of prayer for her family and those in need.
She was the inspiration and the anchor in her grandchildren’s lives.
Mom’s pastimes included crocheting, quilting, and sewing. Her immaculate home was a reflection of the way she lived.
She enjoyed TV Bingo, spending time on the lake, and all the family events. She also travelled the globe on various pilgrimages to the Holy Land, Greece, Italy, Fatima, Lourdes, etc., along with jaunts to Thailand, Hawaii, and the Alaskan Highway!
Madeline is survived by her children, Ronnie Tucker (Ralph Sullivan), Bev (John) Archibald, Ron Tucker, Cheryl Becker, Louella Anderson, Jackie (Jami) Godbout, Brad (Sue) Tucker, Barb (Vince) Godbout, Terry Tucker, and Candace Tucker; 25 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren, with two on the way!
She also is survived by her special friend, Len Beacham and her “baby cat,” Lucy.
Madeline was predeceased by her parents, Fredrick and Clara Mainville; the father of her children, Ron Tucker; children, Donna and Bobby Tucker; grandson, Jeremy Tucker; great-granddaughters, Angelina and Brittany Anderson; and siblings, Wally Mainville, Dolly Roach, and Mackie Mainville.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations can be sent to Our Lady of Lourdes Church.
Prayers will be held Monday, Feb. 9, 2015 at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Church at Couchiching, Ont.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Church at Couchiching.
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free.
I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took his hand, when I heard him call
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I found that peace at the close of the day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy,
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah yes, these things I, too, will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow,
My life’s been full, I’ve savoured much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me home now, he set me free.
