Pauline Ross

She is survived by her daughters Patricia (Neil), Sharon (Bob), Joanne (Bob) and Lisette (Earl); grandchildren Jesse, Randi (Ozie), Cailee (Greg), Rory (Nigel) and Laura (Mike); great grandchildren Ajayom and Tejan; sister Gertrude (Vincent, deceased); brother Jules (Agnès); her Godchildren; many nieces and nephews.

Pauline was predeceased by her husband George, sisters Lucille (Denis), Corinne (Tom); brothers Aurèle, Emilien (Cecile), Bernard and infant grandson Shawn.

Born to Amédée Préfontaine and Gertrude Dandenault, Pauline remembered her early years on the farm with much joy and love. At the age of 8 after the loss of her mother, Pauline was sent to the convent in Saint Adolphe where she attended school until her graduation in 1945. Even though the circumstances of going to the convent were sad she talked about the kindness of the nuns and the friendships she made, many of which lasted her lifetime. In 1946 Pauline began training at Saint Boniface Hospital’s School of Nursing. She loved her years at nursing school, again making lifelong friendships. Following graduation Pauline nursed in Saskatchewan: Meadow Lake, Redvers, and Turtleford and it was there she met the love of her life, George. Married in August 1953 they were together through thick and thin for over 59 years until George passed away in 2012.

They began their married life in Norway House Cree Nation, Manitoba where daughters Patricia and Sharon were born. This entailed George taking Pauline to the hospital by boat when she went into labour. In 1956 the family moved to Sioux Valley First Nation, Manitoba where daughters Joanne and Lisette were born. At both Norway House and Sioux Valley Pauline continued to assist visiting health professionals and dispensing first aid and advice to the people in the community. In 1963 the family moved to Winnipeg where Pauline was at last closer to her family. She spent the next years raising her family and making a home where her husband and daughters never doubted her love. Every Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and birthday meant an occasion, whether it be a party, a special meal or a card and cake. In 1974 Pauline decided to take the nursing refresher. Following completion of the program she nursed at Taché Centre until her retirement in 1987. The Taché Centre was where Pauline had her very first day as a student nurse and her very last day as an RN. Anyone who worked with her spoke of a wonderful nurse: intelligent, dedicated and compassionate. Pauline was a talented sewer, knitter, and crafter. Her Christmas ornaments, Raggedy Ann dolls and stained glass were just a few of her creations and many people were the lucky recipient of her talents. If she saw it, she could make it. She was a historian; keeping journals of life’s spectacular and ordinary moments, noting everyone’s birthday and anniversary on her calendar, preparing dozens of carefully put together photo albums chronicling her and her family’s life. She was a competent organizer, a volunteer assisting in school activities, Girl Guides, canvassing for charitable organizations, the Victoria General Hospital and the CWL of Mary Mother of the Church, many years serving as secretary. Throughout all of this Pauline was the quiet watcher, never taking over, always kind, always willing and always wanting the people around her to feel good.

Pauline loved her husband and daughters deeply. When grandchildren and great grandchildren came along she greeted each arrival with excitement and love. She was so proud of her family and it showed! The last years of Pauline’s life were not easy. Health challenges that both she and George faced made for some trying and difficult times. But through it all her strength and the love of her husband and family gave her many happy moments. And towards the end of Pauline’s life when her memory grew dim she never lost the ability to offer a smile in place of a thank you, to give a kiss, and when all the other words were gone to be able to still say “I love you”. We feel these simple things captured the essence of who Pauline was.

A service celebrating Pauline’s life will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2016 at 10:00 am at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard, with Father Kevin Bettens as the Celebrant.

The family would like to thank the staff at Foyer Valade, especially the 3rd floor, along with Debbie, Eugene, June and Nancy for the love and kindness they gave Pauline in her last years.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Actionmarguerite-Valade, 450 River Road, Winnipeg, R2M 5M4 or the Nostalgia Broadcasting Cooperative Inc., 1350A-One Lombard Place, Winnipeg, R3B 0X3, a non-profit radio station that brought much joy to Pauline in her final years.

Thank you for your love Mom.

“And in the end the love you take is equal to the love you make.”