Gerald Joseph Ouellet

July 12, 1939 – August 2, 2026

Grocer, union leader, volunteer firefighter, community theatre actor, goalie

coach, and yes, puppeteer, passed quietly on Sunday with family by his side.

Born Joseph Gerald Robert Ouellet on July 12, 1939, in the small Quebecois hamlet of Levi,

nestled within the Gaspé Peninsula, he was the fifth addition to a large family of seven. Gerry

was close to his Mother Gertrude, sisters Carmin, Francis, Robertine ‘Bobby’, Cecile, André and

brother Ronne. In 1960 at the age of twenty-one Gerry moved to St. Catharines to stay with his

beloved Grandparents Zelpha and Charles and start a family of his own.

That journey began in 1963 with his marriage to Rita Lanouette and the birth of their first-born

Debra Ann, followed closely with the arrival of Cheryl Ann in 1967.

Gerry became interested in his roots and then quite involved in his aboriginal and Metis

heritage, becoming a valued member of the Canadian Metis Council, attending Council

Assemblies and Rendezvous frequently. Soon he was using his always crafty talents that had

once created Puppets and Plays to entertain children all over the Niagara Region to now create

intricate dreamcatchers, ceremonial drums and even asowacikanisa (medicine or smudge

bags) which became sought after and admired within the community and his family.

Gerry is survived by his daughters, Debbie (John), Cherié (Jon), his grandchildren Ian (Elsbeth),

Hilarie and Griffin, and his great-grandchildren Eli, Jane, Felix and Llewellyn. Sending love to

friends John Simpson, Marcie Daniels and Brenna Matthews for their cherished support and

companionship.

Our Family wish to thank Nicole at Palliative Care; Kate, Jeff, Shancey, and the entire Team at

the Niagara General Acute Stroke Unit for their unbelievable level of attention and care

throughout every step of this journey. We are truly grateful for your skill and compassion.

Cremation has taken place and in lieu of flowers or cards the family asks that donations can be

made to the Niagara Regional Council of Metis or the Metis Nation of Ontario

[email protected]