Mrs. Annette DeGagne Derouard

Annette Lise Marie Derouard

(nee DeGagné)

On August 29, 2011, Annette Lise Marie Derouard passed away peacefully with her three loving daughters and her family by her side after a five year battle against cancer.

Annette was born on September 11, 1957 in Fort Frances, Ontario. She was the third child of eight children born to Ed (Elior) and Theresa DeGagné.

She married Raymond Fernand Derouard on May 2, 1981 her best friend, love of her life and father of her three girls Shandy Rae, Jody Lynn, and Gilly Lise Marie. Although Big Ray passed away on April 15, 2005, she loved him till the day she died and was looking forward to reuniting with him in heaven. Annette’s life was dedicated to her girls and her two grandkids – Jonathon Vincent Derouard-Rocheleau and Hayley Rae Derouard-Rocheleau.

The focus of her life was family and friends. She was predeceased by her brother Daniel DeGagné, and her nephew Bobby DeGagné, as well as her in-laws Fernand and Margaret Derouard; Brother-in-Law Robert Thibodeau; Henry (Bottom) Derouard (brother-in-law) and his wife Ella Derouard; her brother-in-law Don Hager; sister-in-law Louise Novak; cousin Henry Derouard Jr.

She is survived by her devoted parents Ed and Theresa DeGagné, Her big sister Suzanne Thibodeau; her twin sisters Paulette Michalchuk (husband Wes), and Claudette Edie (husband Keith Loucks); brother Luke DeGagné and his wife Lisa; Sister Claire Lindquist and her husband Wally; her little baby brother Mark (Freddie) DeGagné and his wife Kim. Her nephews and nieces: Erin Bishop (husband Ryan, Daniel and Justin); Jennifer Davis (husband Ted, Ty, Shaina, Lexi); Jason Harris; Leah DeGagné (husband Ryan Letkovetsky, Olive); Danielle Noseworthy (Matt, son Doran); Malory Edie; Jessica Michalchuk; Connor Edie; Jacob Michalchuk; Ben Edie; Bo Lindquist; Erika Lindquist; Megan DeGagné; Jenée DeGagné and Daniel DeGagné. Michael Derouard and Val; Jerry Derouard and Ellie; Barb Brazao and Arlindo; Penny Norris and Robert; Donald Hager and Kathy; Stanley Novak Jr. and Debbi; Douglas Novak and Kathleen; Laurence Derouard Jr. and Stacey; Albert Derouard and Stephanie; and Glen Derouard and Amanda.

Annette (Arnie) grew up with her family on the east highway, and started working at an early age at Rodways Drive-in, until she started working with her dad where she gained experience keeping the books and running a business. She was an independent person, and very self-sufficient at an early age with her own home and car. In her early twenties she met Big Ray (Pudgy), and the connection was instant. She worked side by side with him in their family business – Ray Derouard Trucking, and she was proud to be a baker at Safeway for over 15 years. Her life’s focus was family, her girls and her many friends. It was always an open door policy at Hilly Lake, and there was always plenty of food, cards, movies and games. She looked forward each year to her annual Boxing Day “Breakfast”, which was an all-day affair.

She always provided for her girls with love and compassion, whether it was fighting for the rights of Jody’s special needs; helping Shandy raise her two precious grandchildren; or making sure her Gilly “Bean” had everything she needs for hockey, soccer and other sports.

Over the past five years she battled three different cancers with bravery, hope and determination. It was the love and friendship expressed by all that kept her going. It seemed like no matter where you were she always knew someone and always greeted them with a smile on her face that was as large in life as she was. We will miss her dearly.

Prayers will be said on Thursday, September 1, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church.

Funeral Service will be held Friday, September 2, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church with Father Rudy Manaloto officiating. Interment will follow at Lake of the Woods Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Suzanne Thibodeau; Paulette Michalchuk; Claudette Edie; Luke DeGagné; Claire Lindquist and Mark DeGagné.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: Charlotte Lougheed; Angela Schussler; Darlene Hancock; Lorette Lougheed; Theresa Clark; Rachelle Schroeder; Roma Hager; and Nellie Derouard.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kenora Special Olympics.

Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com.

BROWN FUNEAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE ENTRUSTED WITH ARRNGEMENTS.