Pauline Marchand

It is with heavy hearts the family of Pauline Marchand (née Dunae) is deeply saddened to announce she took her last breath on January 3, 2022 at the age of 95 years.  She never feared death; rather she embraced the end of her physical life and was looking forward to beginning the next chapter.  She was born on April 19, 1926 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Pauline (Mom), (Memere) was our family’s greatest treasure.  She was the quintessential matriarch; a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother; an inspiration to us all.  She was the creator of our traditions, the best of storytellers, letter writers and the “Queen of Scrabble”.

Memere had boundless energy; she was never one to be still, idle or bored.  She was incredibly talented and was always making something.  She loved to sew, knit, quilt, cross stitch and making things that challenged her. Her gifts were always meaningful and made with the outmost love and greatest attention to detail. She was constantly using her mind doing crossword puzzles.  In her last few years, jigsaw puzzles were her greatest past-time and her love of watching curling filled many hours in the winter.

She truly loved and appreciated nature, saying that while others may love it as much as she did, she didn’t believe anyone loved it more.  She loved watching birds; chickadees held a special place, however, nothing compared to the majestic owl.

Her door was always open for neighbors, friends and family; when you were with her, you were always made to feel as if you were the most important person.  Inevitably, she would serve you something irresistible she had made.  She enjoyed baking and her cookie jar was always full, but bread and pies were what she loved to make the most.

While in the Lodge, she never felt the need to complain but often gave ‘feedback’.  Memere taught us about generosity, kindness and gratitude.  She was fiercely independent, yet grateful for all her caregivers, appreciating the smallest gestures.  She often remarked, “all angels aren’t in heaven; some are working here”. She lived by the golden rule and was always counting her blessings.  In her words, “the greatest blessing one can have is the love of family”.

Pauline is survived by her daughters; Donna (Robert) Ducharme, Linda (Louis) Michaud; son: Larry (Louise) Marchand; grandchildren: David (Caroline), Bernadette (Colin), Roxanne, Mark (Rhonda), Richard (Catherine), James (Nikki); great-grandchildren: Desirae (Richie), Danielle (Tyler), Devan, Jenna, Hannah, Hunter, Jessi; great-great granddaughter: Morgan; brother: Paul Dunae; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  Pauline was predeceased by her husband: Hercules 'Bud' Marchand; mother: Eudokia Dunae; three brothers: Nick, Pete, Alec; sister: Anna; and all their spouses.

She left us with a lifetime of memories that are ingrained in all we do from the food we cook, to the quilts we make, to our love of Christmas and the stories we share.  She built a beautiful legacy and we will carry on the traditions and memories we hold dear.  Thank you Mom (Memere).  We love you!  We love you! We love you!

A Memorial will be held at a later date.

Memorial tributes in memory of Pauline may be sent to the Bonnyville & District SPCA, 5601 54 Ave., Bonnyville,  AB T9N 2G5 and/or STARS, Suite 100, 1519 35 Ave., East Edmonton International Airport, Edmonton, AB T9E 0V6.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Pauline Marchand, please visit our Tree Store.