TERESA MARY RITA USUNIER

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TERESA MARY RITA USUNIER

(née NOLAN)

With love and fond remembrance, the family of Teresa Usunier (née Nolan) announces her death on August 1, 2025, at the age of 94 at Fairview Personal Care Home in Brandon, Manitoba.

Teresa was born on May 20, 1931, in Limerick, Ireland, to Nora and John Nolan. One of five children, she was raised on a small farm where she learned early the values of hard work, responsibility, and community. Her Irish roots and Catholic faith remained important to her throughout her life.

As a young woman seeking adventure and independence, Teresa opted to study nursing near Dublin. Becoming a registered nurse was a defining event that shaped her purpose and instilled in her a lasting dedication to service and care. She began working as a nurse in Ireland, then she moved to England where she worked with a doctor in the emerging field of plastic surgery.

In a courageous leap across the Atlantic, Teresa and two friends responded to a job posting for nurses at the tuberculosis sanatorium in Ninette, Manitoba. In 1956, the three young women boarded a transatlantic flight and made their way to the unknown world of rural Manitoba. After working at the sanitorium for a few years, Teresa ventured to Calgary but soon returned to Manitoba, where she remained for the rest of her life.

In 1958, Teresa married Benjamin Cameron of Boissevain, Manitoba. Following Benjamin’s sudden passing in 1961, Teresa was left a widow to raise their young son, John. In 1963, she found love again and married Raymond “Red” Barbour with whom she welcomed daughters Patricia and Ann. Teresa was by Ray’s side until his death from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in 1981. She later married Vital “Butch” Usunier in 1986, and they shared many happy years together until his death in 2007.

While raising her family and navigating life’s challenges and opportunities, Teresa continued to pursue her calling in nursing. Her professional journey deepened when she joined the staff at Fairview Personal Care Home in 1970. Over the years, she held various positions, but truly thrived in her role as Director of Nursing. As the Director of Nursing, she fostered a culture grounded in compassion and professionalism. She believed that every resident deserved dignity, joy, and respect. She worked to make Fairview a true home – with celebrations, outing and personalize care at the heart of its mission. In the later years, when Teresa, herself, became a resident at Fairview, her family members were humbled when staff still spoke with admiration of Teresa’s legacy of strong and respected leadership.

Teresa cherished the friendships that she nurtured throughout her life. She had a unique ability to form lasting, meaningful connections and was unwavering in her loyalty. Known for her quiet strength, resilience, and attentive presence, she offered both comfort and joy to those around her. Teresa treasured the time spent with friends whether laughing, playing games, traveling, sharing a meal, going for drives, or getting into shenanigans. Teresa was a devoted friend who never forgot a birthday, always sent a card, and made regular visits to those who could no longer leave home. Her relationships were grounded in kindness, attentiveness, and genuine care.

Service and a commitment to others was cornerstone to her life. Her faith informed how she chose to live her life. Teresa volunteered with several committees and boards and generously supported numerous charities. Her example of kindness and quiet strength inspires those who knew her.

Teresa is lovingly remembered by her son John (Gladys) Barbour; daughters Patricia Bourdeau D’Hui, and Ann (Sheldon) Barbour-Stevenson; grandchildren Nolan (Mindy) Halliday, Evan Barbour (Lucas Debien) and Eric Barbour; great-granddaughter Luna Halliday. Teresa will be mourned by her sister Philomena Muloney and many extended family members and friends in Canada and Ireland.

Teresa was predeceased by her husbands Benjamin Cameron, Raymond Barbour, and Vital Usunier; parents Nora and John Nolan; siblings Mary Ryan, Monsignor Michael Nolan, and Jack Nolan; son-in-law Larry Bourdeau’Hui.

Prayers will be held Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332 8th Street, Brandon, MB.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Augustine’s Roman Catholic Church, 327 4th Street, Brandon, MB.

Be of Service – A Bit of Advice

Do all the good you can

by all means that you can

in all the ways you can

in the places you can

as long as you can.

-given and written by John Wesley

Condolences: www.brockiedonovan.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Aug 06, 2025