Mrs. Ella Mary Derouard

Ella Mary Derouard

September 27, 1935 – August 21, 2011

On Sunday August 21 2011 Ella Mary Derouard passed away peacefully at home with all her children and grandchildren by her side. The angels called upon our loving wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, best friend and role model to all.

Ella was predeceased by her loving husband Henry (Bonam) Derouard, Henry Derouard Jr. (son), Ella and Michael Summers (parents), Gerald Summers ( Brother), Lorraine Summers (sister in law), Vincent Summers (brother) Raymond Favreau (Brother in Law), Louis Novak (sister in law), Donald Hager (brother in law), Raymond Derouard (brother in law).

Ella is survived by her ever- loving family. Son, Michael (Valerie) and grandchildren Jerry (Christine), and Michael (Lisa). Chris (Jenn); Tanis (Allan). Daughter, Barb (Arlindo) and grandchildren Crystal (Luc), and Arlindo Jr. (Nicole). Son, Jerry (Ellie) and grandchildren Megan and Jeremy (Jenna). Daughter-in-law Rose Deouard and Larry (Anchilla), who was always like a son in Ella’s heart. Her great-grandchildren Seanna, Tristan, Katlynn, Jay-Lynn, Rio, Christina, Madison, Charlie, Maggie, and Elizabeth. Sister, Emily Quirk (Doug), Agnes Favreau, Sister-in-laws, Roma Hager and Annette Derouard, Brother-in-law, Lawrence Derouard (Nelly), and Stanley Novak, Goddaughter, Penny Norris, as well as many nieces and nephews.

At the age of 13, Ella met her soul mate Henry (Bonam) Derouard, and they dated until 1954, when they got married. Together they built their home on the Tetroe Road and started their wonderful family. As their family grew, so did their empire “H.J. Derouard Trucking”, and for the many years that followed they continued to nurture both family and business.

Ella’s work career started as a sales clerk at Town and Country Furniture, continued as bookkeeper with the Coke Plant, then became the Deputy Clerk/Welfare Administrator at the Township of Jaffray Melick for many years until retirement. But Ella never “really” retired. From the beginning of The H.J. Derouard Empire, to the very end, Ella continued to take care of all of the business.

Ella lived a great and full life. Her family was always her number one priority. Family and friends always felt welcome as they walked through the door for a visit. They were met with love, smiles and laughter and the feelings of happiness and contentment were apparent throughout the entire house and family.

She had a love for the holidays. This was always evident as soon as you pulled up in the driveway and saw her beautiful and extravagant decorations. Whether it be Halloween or Easter, her house took the cake. Christmas at Ella’s was an occasion like no other. The house lit up like fireworks, and the food was always hot and delicious. Ella loved the family memories that the holidays brought.

Ella was a member of the Catholic Women’s League and of course a “gold member” of the Shooting Star Casino. Ella and Henry loved to travel to Vegas, Arizona, Mahnomen, Canyon Lake, The Essex and many other places.

Ella‘s joy was her family. She took great pride in her family’s accomplishments and never failed to let everyone know it. Ella had a special and unique relationship with each grandchild. They all share a connection and bond that will never be broken.

Pallbearers will be Jerry Derouard, Michal Derouard Jr, Crystal Brazao, Arlindo Brazao Jr, Megan Derouard and Jeremy Derouard.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Dave Wideman, Lawrence Derouard Sr, Stanley Novak Sr, Doug Quirk, Patrick Summers, Christopher Carlson, and Tanis Wilcox.

Prayers will be held on Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society in Ella's memory.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday August 25 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church with Father Rudy officiatin. Interment to follow at the Lake of the Woods Cemetery.

At Ella’s request a Celebration of her life will be held at the Notre Dame Catholic Church following the service.

It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our Mother, Grandmother, and friend. We are all blessed to have had such a wonderful influence on us in our lives. Although we lost her, her spirit will live on among us all forever.

“If I live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus 1, so I never have to live without you” – Winnie the Pooh

“If tears could build a stairway

and thoughts a memory lane

I’d walk right up to heaven

and bring you home again.”

Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com

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