Therese Bonneau

BONNEAU, MARIE THÉRÈSE: Thérèse passed away peacefully on May 28, 2026 at Ross Payant Nursing Home in Assiniboia, Sk, at 97 years of age. She was born in Willow Bunch, Sk. on July 2, 1928 to Lumina Roy and Jean Pascal Bonneau, the first of their sixteen children, (excluding two by the second wife and one by the first wife).

Thérèse attended school in Willow Bunch and at St-Joseph Academy in Forget, Sk. From a young age to adulthood, she never wavered from her main goals of becoming a teacher and author. In 1945, at the tender age of 17, Thérèse joined the religious order of the “Sisters Of Our Lady Of The Cross” in Forget, and from then on she was known as “Sister Marie-Jean”. She remained with the order for the better part of 11 years, during which time she took up nursing. Learning fascinated and motivated her throughout life. It was her keen interest in anatomy and physiology which drew her into the field of nursing and, after graduating from the Misericordia General Hospital in Winnipeg, Man., Thérèse headed to Edmonton, Alta., to pursue her career. She began working at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in her favorite specialty - the Case Room.

For years thereafter she sought to enhance her skills and knowledge through evening classes, workshops and University of Alberta evening courses. She took months off work to fulfill the need for psychiatric clinical experience before applying to begin studies for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at University of Alberta. Although she loved working in the case room, her ultimate goal was to teach and with this in mind, Thérèse sought more and varied experiences in each of the western provinces before finally returning to Edmonton to teach maternity nursing at the General Hospital.

From there, she applied to join the faculty of nursing at Grant MacEwan Community College and soon began studying for a Master’s degree in Educational Administration which she obtained in 1982. Her many years of work at the College were the most rewarding of her career in nursing and when she retired in 1992, it was with a loving adieu that she walked away.

As a retiree, Thérèse sought to indulge her second goal, that of writing, and also enjoyed drawing, gardening and listening to old time music. In 2003 she joined a wonderful group of authors forming the Northgate Writing Society where she contributed short stories to four books in their “Word Weavers” series plus recipes for a cookbook. And finally, in a tacit nod to advancing years, Thérèse regretfully left Edmonton in 2013 to settle down closer to family in Assiniboia, Sk. Ever the wanderer, her last residence was in Ross Payant Nursing Home, Assiniboia, Sk., AMEN, rest in peace.

Thérèse is predeceased by eight brothers: H. Albert-1919, Albert-1998, Trèfflé-1952, Pascal-2016, Florent-1971, Janvier-2022, Philias- 2024 & Claude-2025, six sisters: Jeannine-2009, Dorraine-1974, Anna-2018, Gabrielle-2011, Nichole-2020 & Colette-2025, eight brothers-in-law: Adrien Beausoleil-2002, Dale McIntyre-2010, Raymond Hering-1982, Bruce Paterson-1996, Vincent Hoffmann- 1991, Wayne Eger-2005, Laurent Dionne-2017 & Allan Aussant-2018, two sisters-in-law: Dora Plante-? & Marie-Paule Laberge-2009, and one nephew: Paul Bonneau-2011. She is survived by three brothers: Michel, Lionel & Gilles, one sister: Georgette and many nephews and nieces.

In keeping with Thérèse’s wishes, a Graveside Service will take place in the Willow Bunch St-Ignace des Saules (country) cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on June 19, 2026 with Father Anthony Phung Tran celebrant. Lunch and fellowship to follow in the St-Ignace Parish Hall. The family takes this opportunity to thank all for their kindness and prayers in this very stressful time.

Donations in memory of Thérèse may be made to the Salvation Army.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for Thérèse’s family may be shared at www.rossfuneralservice.com. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK.