Renée G. Bourdages

Renée (Granger) Bourdages , a long time resident of Willow Bunch, SK died at Grasslands Health Centre in Rockglen, SK on April 30, 2020. Renée was born on September 6, 1924 in Willow Bunch, daughter of Irenée and Corinne (Bonneau) Granger. She was one of eleven children. In 1946 she married Leonard Bourdages. They had four children, Dianne, Doraine, Fernand and Claude.

When Renée was 14 years old her mother died suddenly. Renée assumed household functions with her two older sisters. Two years later when her two sisters left home, Renée took over caring for her younger siblings until she married Leonard. Her younger siblings say she holds a special place in their hearts because she was like a Mom to them.

At a young age Renée learned to play the piano from her mother, a talent she used all her life. She played and sang at get-togethers, amateur hours, dances and concerts. She was a member of the church choir most of her life, as well as the community choir. She also had a talent for yodeling which she shared at many parties and community events. She continued playing and singing well into her 90’s, the last few years with a group called The Fiddlers who entertained at senior and care homes in Assiniboia.

Renée was also an accomplished artist using oil as her medium. She painted landscapes and shared her paintings with her children and all her siblings, as well as local organizations who auctioned them off to raise funds for various community causes.

Renée was community oriented and served on St. Ignace Parish Council, Ladies of the Parish, Catholic Women’s League, Willow Bunch Town Council, Willow Bunch Museum Board, Le Centre Communautaire, l’ACFC, Hills of Home Club, SK Housing Authority, Citizens in Action Committee, Tourism, and Willow Bunch Curling Association.

Renée had a strong faith which helped to sustain her through some very difficult times in her life, losing her mother, two sons and Leonard all at a young age.

We miss you Mom. You were not just our mother but also our friend. You took such good care of us all your life and instilled in us values that live on in us to this day. We have a lot of good memories that will live on!

Renée is survived by her daughters Dianne Cator and Doraine Empson, two sons-in-law Ben Cator and Denis Empson, two grandchildren Shawn Cator (Tanya Mueller) and Dena Cator (Matthew Finch), a great-grandson Derian Cator (Autumn Blacklock), daughter-in-law Barb McCaslin, granddaughter Leanne Bourdages and great grandchildren Keaton, Ashlynn and Ryder Kreklewich. She is predeceased by her husband Leonard and two sons Fernand and Claude. Of the eleven children in her family Renée is survived by two sisters Gabrielle Granger and Bernadette Prouty, two brothers, Rolland and Guy Granger. She is predeceased by two sisters, Anita Mathieu and Bibianne Henley and four brothers, Roger, Roch, André and Gilles Granger.

We would like to thank the Nurse Practitioner, Johanne Rust and all the staff at Grasslands Health Centre for their compassionate care while Mom lived at the Centre in Rockglen, especially during the last month of her life which was a difficult time for her. A special thank you to Karen Fafard for all her help during those last days of Mom’s life and to Mom’s friend Cecile Marit who always stayed in touch. Our family is grateful to all of you for your kindness and support!

Funeral Mass was celebrated Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at St. Ignace Roman Catholic Church, Willow Bunch, SK. Father Dennis Remot was celebrant. Doraine lit the Pascal Candle and read the Readings. Intercessions were led by Sylvia Durand. Music Ministry provided by Sharleine Eger, Madeleine Thorhaug, pianist Wanda Pulfer. Dianne and Doraine were Urn and Flower Bearers. Interment in St. Ignace Roman Catholic Cemetery. Please join in remembering Renée by visiting her memorial at www.rossfuneralservice.com. Through this site, we invite you to share pictures and fond memories with the family. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK.