NOELLA RIVARD (LACHANCE)

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NOELLA RIVARD

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear maman, Noëlla Rivard (nee Lachance), in Winnipeg at Foyer Valade, on April 28, 2020. She was 97 years of age.
Noëlla is survived by her 13 children: Gilbert (Normelita), Jules, Mariette SMS (Sisters of Mission Service), Rolande (Eugène), Mona (David), Charles-Emile, Paul, Jo-Anne (René), Alain (Jocelyne), Florent (Janeen), Guy (Brigitte), Lise and Marc (Caroline); her 28 grandchildren; her 23 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by three siblings, Emile, Colette and Oscar. Noëlla was predeceased by her husband, Lucien, in 2000.
Noëlla was the eldest of nine children. She helped with the farm and the care of her siblings until the age of 17. Her love of prayer led her to enter the convent of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary at Mount Royal in Montreal, Quebec. After two years as a novitiate, she left the sisters to pursue another career, that of motherhood.
Lucien Rivard and Noëlla were married in the St. Eustache Church on January 27, 1943. They lived on the farm in St. Eustache until they moved to Winnipeg in 1976. Mom's strong faith never faltered, and we prayed the rosary and the many prayers that she taught us nightly. She worked tirelessly on the farm without complaining, and being an excellent chef, we often had people dropping in at meal times. She would simply add more plates around an already full table. Noëlla attended the Scientific Beauty School, and became the "in home" hairdresser for many local people. Mom always took great care in her appearance, and made sure her children did as well. She was our seamstress and made or altered our clothes. She was our nutritionist by serving us well-balanced meals, making sure we ate our vegetables and giving us our daily dose of cod liver oil. Mom was our medicine woman that nursed us through sickness and injuries. She was our teacher in all that we did. She taught us to be kind, caring and considerate of others. She was a good listener, a great friend, an exemplary spiritual leader, a confidante, a warrior for her children, an advisor who guided us through tough times, always letting us make the final decision. We loved her sharp wit and subtle sense of humour. Despite being a very busy lady, she always found time to play with us, whether it was sliding down the riverbank, skating, or playing cards. We always liked it when she joined us. She loved to dance, to travel and to play cards, bridge being her favourite card game. She was always willing to try new experiences and had a wonderful sense of adventure. She loved life and lived it to the fullest as best she could. We were blessed to have had her as our mother.

Rest in Peace Mom, we love you!

The family greatly appreciates the compassionate care that was provided by the staff, the nurses, the health care givers, and Dr. Michelle Gryzbowski at Foyer Valade, 2nd floor.
Donations may be considered to Actionmarguerite Foundation, http://www.actionmarguerite.ca/donations/donate-now/

For those who wish to sign the online
Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca

Chapel Lawn Funeral Home
204-885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 09, 2020