MELINA THORIMBERT

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MELINA THORIMBERT (nee BRUNEL) Our beautiful mother, grandmother, sister, friend and hero died on December 27, 2002 at St. Boniface General Hospital. Melina Thorimbert was born December 31, 1922 in St. Lupicin, MB where she grew up on the family farm. She married Julien on November 19, 1941 also in St. Lupicin. Melina was predeceased by her parents, Edouard in 1976 and Alphonsine in 1984; her husband Julien in 1988; her son-in-law Ron Bridges in 1989; and her brothers, Alphonse in 1988 and Leon in 2001. She leaves to mourn her death and to celebrate her life her six children, Lilliane (Bridges) and her children, Michael, Wynn and Genevieve; Annette (Osted) and her children, Denise (Rolf) and Hans III; Hubert (Ted) and his wife Doris and their children, Sean and Carrie Lynn; Gabriel and his wife Lorraine and their son Todd (Leanne) Henri and his son Daniel; and Rene and his children, Christian and Melanie. She also leaves her twin sister Anna (Ernie Enquist) her sister Colombe (Louis Chabbert) her brothers, Gilbert (Germaine) and Roger (Flore) her sisters-in-law, Alice Thorimbert, Cecile (Fred Cenerini), Marie Brunel, Marthe Brunel; and numerous nieces, nephews and good friends whose lives she touched in many ways. Mom and Dad lived in Notre Dame de Lourdes from 1941 to 1957 when they moved to St. Boniface. They worked very hard to ensure a solid future for their children. Mom had boarders and often cooked for ten or more persons every day. Those boarders still talk about the wonderful food she prepared. In 1958 she began working in the cafeteria at St. Boniface General Hospital where her administrative talent was recognized and she became shift supervisor and eventually manager of the cafeteria. Her employees were very loyal because she treated all with dignity and fairness. She retired in 1981 to join Julien in travelling in their camper trailer. They often led a caravan of camper trailers to various places where they and their friends and relatives would fish, watch horse races, talk and play cards. Her cupboard was never empty and drop-ins by friends, children and grandchildren were always welcome. Mom enjoyed music and dancing and getting together with friends and family. We always said that Dad was a very good dancer but he knew he had a very good partner for it. We remember Mom leading the family sing songs before the days of television. No one could walk into her house without being offered something to eat. Her hospitality was surpassed only by her generous spirit. We cherish the memories she leaves for us: her turkey stuffing & relish, her laughter with her boys, her little smirk when she played cards, and the blankets she made for each child and grandchild. All her children and grandchildren were together this Christmas except for Moms special grandchild Daniel. They came from Edmonton, Vancouver and The Netherlands for this last Christmas at "Grandmeres house." Even while she was in the hospital she gave us special memories. Special thanks to the staff on 6A Medicine at St. Boniface General Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9 or another charity of your choice. Prayers and viewing will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 31 at Holy Cross Church, 252 Dubuc St. This will be followed by the mass of celebration at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in the St. Boniface Cemetery, 917 Archibald St. Mom was always the rock of the family. She was our anchor. The legacy she leaves us is the importance of family, the special smile she had, her laughter and, especially each other. You did not deserve the suffering you had this past year, Mom We are glad it is over But, oh, how we miss you! P. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 156 Marion Street 949-4864

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 31, 2002