It is with great sadness that the family of Valeda Marie Cousineau, announces her passing on Sunday, September 26, 2021.
Valeda was born on May 31, 1928 in St. Boniface, Manitoba to John and Marie DeGagne. The family moved from there when she was a small child, spending a few years in Smooth Rock Falls before settling in Fort Frances. She graduated from grade 8 but her desire to continue her education never ceased. She returned to school at the age of 47 to complete her GED.
She was united in marriage to Jerome Cousineau on June 24,1947 where their journey began building a home and family together. They bought the Hampton store in 1964 and she and her husband settled into a life of working the store, acting as postmaster and raising their children. Her family was always front and centre to her and she loved them very deeply. She provided them with guidance and support and has now left them with a legacy of her love and perseverance. Later in life her children became her closest friends.
She always thought of the needs of others above her own and contributed to her community in a multitude of ways. She was a member of the CWL and ran the sewing table at the annual Bazaar for many years filling it with her many creations. She was a valued volunteer at the Sister Kennedy Centre. She donated many quilts to residents of Rainycrest and to those in the hospital. She sewed many other items for Rainycrest residents including making clothing alterations.
She will be greatly missed by her children Diane (Jerry) Darvell, Adele (Garry) Henry, Gary (Kathy) Cousineau, Jeannette (Bill) Dann, Sharon (Hugh) Cousineau, Brian Cousineau, Ernest (Janine) Cousineau, Gerald (Michelle) Cousineau, Marlene (Steve) Gloster, Melody (Yvon) Audet, Adam Cousineau, Patricia (Dean) McMahon and Michelle Cousineau (John); numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She will also be greatly missed by her sisters Rita (Wayne) McLeod and Yvette (Ron) Beck and as well sisters-in-law Laura DeGagne, Terry DeGagne and Irene DeGagne.
Valeda was predeceased by her parents John and Marie DeGagne; her loving husband Jerome; siblings Amedee(Jesse), Anita, Irene (Leonard), Gertie (Clarence), Ed, Denis (Rosemarie), Claude, Rolande (Fred), Louis (Carol) and Philip.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions a private family service will be held at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church.
The pallbearers will be her daughters Diane Darvell, Adele Henry, Jeannette Dann, Sharon Cousineau, Marlene Gloster, Melody Audet, Patricia McMahon and Michelle Cousineau.
If friends so desire in memoriam donations may be made to St. Mary’s Church, 209 Victoria Avenue, Fort Frances, Ont.
Online condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com.
