Jeanine Linnell

Paulson, Linda (Jerry) Pugh, & Dean (Betsy). As well as grandchildren Alexandra, Charisse, Cameron, Claire, Alyson, Megan, Kelly, Jack and Peter. She also leaves behind her great grandchildren Kendall, Charlie, Peyton and Bodan. She was predeceased by her husband Mel in 2015.

Jeanine Ouellette was born into a French family, the youngest of nine, on May 13, 1933 in Cochrane, Ontario. After marrying in 1951, the family eventually settled into Donkirk Heights, Kenora in 1954, in a house built by our father and where they remained until 2014. This idyllic neighbourhood was the perfect setting for the family to grow and our mother to nurture her flowers, vegetable garden and where she developed her passion for cooking - but most of all, baking. Her cookbooks were marked with spills, big X’s through whole pages of what she considered duds, and more often with comments and recipe changes that would eventually become family favourites - but in reality, a brand new recipe of her own design. Her desserts were exceptional but her pie making was truly legendary.

It would be remiss to not mention her love of singing and whistling while she worked. A beautiful voice and amazing repertoire of songs that was the family daily soundtrack. If there was no song being sung or whistling in the yard, then she was not home.

As the family grew older, our mom went to work at the drive-in as the ticket seller & later as the popcorn lady. She loved those days, especially her coworkers & people she met.

Our dad’s work as a pilot took him away for days at a time so finally in her late 40’s she decided it was time to learn to drive. Off she went with her life long friend, both of whom had relied on rides for far too long & were past due to flex their muscles as independent women. She cherished the freedom it gave her.

Our mother’s beautiful smile and her sense of style were often commented on and complimented. Combined with her infectious laugh and sense of humour, she would literally light up the room. She was outspoken and never at a loss for sharing her thoughts. Her best times were always laughing with her many friends at the Donkirk Heights neighbourhood bbq’s, parties and visits to the “corner” at Rabbit Lake with neighbours, kids and snacks in tow for a day at the beach, a 5 minute walk down the road. Little did we know that although she watched us like a hawk at the beach, she was deathly afraid of the water and could not swim.

She was also a daily walker and cross country skier. She could reliably be found walking around one side of Round Lake in the morning and skiing through the bush on the other side in the afternoon.

Her grandchildren held a special place in her heart. She quietly helped those with whom she saw needed guidance and also truly enjoyed being a silly kid with them, laughing and joking until her last days. Nail painting and hair braiding, story reading and perogy making remain their happiest and most cherished memories of her.

Our mother had a self deprecating sense of humour and we can still clearly hear her raucous belly laugh as we would re-tell the story of when she accidentally used her blue eye liner as her eyebrow pencil - only to be told later by a grandchild that something wasn’t quite right. There are innumerable special funny memories to hold closely.

In her later years, with family assistance, she was able to be independent until age 89, at which time she became a resident at Pinecrest. As she settled in, the staff became her new extended

family. We are eternally grateful for the dignity and compassion with which they supported her in her final days. Their patience and guidance in helping the family understand her final chapter was remarkable. Thank you is truly inadequate.

At her request, there will be no service. If friends desire, donations can be made in her name to It’s A Dog’s Life or a charity of your choice.

We love you, mom.

“The song is ended, but the melody lingers on”

Irving Berlin