Félixine (Toots) Anne Mailhot

Félixine was born on her family's homestead in Union Point, MB, on February 6, 1924. As a child, she much enjoyed going to school and graduated grade 12 in 1942. She then trained as a teacher at Normal School in Winnipeg. While working as a teacher in Lac du Bonnet, MB, she met the nephew of her billets, Paul Mailhot, an infantryman on a brief leave before departing for Europe for service with the Royal 22e Régiment. They exchanged numerous letters during the War and upon his return to Canada in 1945, began dating. Married on July 19, 1947, they settled in his hometown of Gravelbourg, SK. In 1951, they moved to St. Boniface, MB, starting their new life on Goulet St. before Paul constructed their home in St. Norbert in 1961. There they raised their family and lived out the remainder of their lives along the Red River. Félixine was a devoted and loving wife who truly supported her husband Paul in sickness and in health until his untimely passing in 1984.

Toots was remarkably active well into her advanced age, enjoying visits with family and friends. With her smile and outgoing personality, she loved a good party, an occasional glass of wine, and hitting the dance floor at the many celebrations she attended. She was always up for adventures, including waterslides and rollercoasters. Félixine was a talented choralist, singing in the choir of l’Église Saint-Norbert and La Chorale des Intrépides well into her 80's. She kept herself healthy in body and mind by entertaining an ever increasing number of loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren, doing aerobics, participating in weight training and other exercise classes offered by Pembina Active Living 55+.

Félixine, Mom, Toots, Grandma, Mémère, Ma Tante was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to many. Félixine leaves to cherish her memory her children Dolores, Lionel (Darlene), Philippe (Val), Lizanne (Brian), Nicole (Jean) and Ronald (Elizabeth); son-in-law Alan; her grandchildren Alaina (Dean), Dionne (James), Bryan (India), Renée (Brad), Janelle (Matthew), Kyle (Karlene), Paul (Kathleen), Danielle (Steven), Alyse, Patrick and Rhéal; her great-grandchildren Eryn, Austin, Craig, Saul, Garret, Kingston and Sabbath. She is also survived by her sister Marceline Pilon and her brothers Jean-Léon (Marie), Adélard (Simone) and Cyrille (Lucille). Félixine was predeceased by her beloved husband Paul, her parents John and Célina, her brothers Adrien and Michel Ouimet, and her sisters Yvonne Barten, Marie-Reine Doucet and Simone Caron.

Félixine’s family extends their sincere thanks to Dr. Beth Whitaker, staff of WRHA Home Care and Victoria General Hospital for their excellent care. Mom also wanted the family to thank Claudette MacDonald, Dora Gervais and the many other friends and family who provided support and good company over the past year.

Funeral mass will be celebrated by l’abbé Roland Lanoie at l’Église Saint-Norbert, 80 rue Saint-Pierre, Winnipeg, MB, on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. Audio/Visual presentation will take place at 9:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Félixine Mailhot may be made to a charity of your choice.