Marie Yvette Menard

Marie Yvette Menard a long time resident of Torrance, California passed away on Aug. 20, 2009 in her home due to complications from illness. Marie was born on May 16, 1924 in Verner, Canada. Her mother passed away when she was 18 months old and she was raised by her older siblings. Marie married her husband, Robert Menard, on September 18, 1948 and soon moved to the United States where she resided in the Los Angeles area for almost 60 years. She and her husband became U.S. citizens on November 18, 1960.

Marie had a few jobs in retail and manufacturing when she first moved to the United States and became a homemaker once she had her three children. She was a very talented seamstress and upholsterer: sewing her oldest daughter's wedding dress and bridesmaids dresses, reupholstering the furniture for the sisters at the convent, making lampshades and curtains, and sewing countless outfits for her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed crocheting and crafting often selling her items at bazaars which benefited the church and the Catholic Daughters, an organization she belonged to for many years.

She loved traveling to places like Cancun, Hawaii, and cruising to Mexico. She was especially fond of Las Vegas because it encompassed all of her favorite things: glitz, card games, and the chance for a big payday! Marie also spent many weekends with friends and family over the years playing games like Gin Rummy, Canasta, Tripoly, Cribbage, Euchre, Yahtzee, and Pinochle. She also enjoyed playing Solitaire and watching game shows.

Marie is survived by:

her daughter, Elaine Elrod, and her husband Jim; their children Michelle Shortell and her husband Jeremy, Tim Elrod, Daniel Elrod and his fiancé Ashley Johnson of Torrance, CA;

her daughter Darlene Hrouda of Springfield, OR; her children Brett Hrouda, his wife Sara, and their son Logan, Robert Hrouda, and Monica Hrouda;

her daughter Debbie Menard of San Bernadino, CA; her children Cory Menard, Kyle Daniel, and Chelsea Daniel

family friend and "adopted" grandson Wesley Vaughn

her dog Buddy and granddogs Roxy, Bo, and Bear

She is preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Robert Menard, her mother and father, and most of her 8 siblings.

Family and friends are welcome to join any of the following services:

A viewing will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2009 from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Rice Mortuary in Torrance, CA. The rosary will be at 6:30 p.m.

On Friday, August 28, 2009 Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. at St. James Church in Redondo Beach, CA followed by a burial service at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, CA at 12:00 p.m.

Reception will be held at Rice Mortuary from 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Please go to the mortuary's website, www.LAfuneral.com to send the family messages, share memories, and obtain directions to services. You will also be able to view the online video tribute.