Obituary of Germaine Blanchard

Germaine Marie Blanchard (née Chorel), passed away peacefully on September 12, 2023, at the age of 97, at the Foyer St. Joseph Nursing Home in Ponteix, surrounded by her loving family. Born on July 3, 1926, on a farmstead near Flintoft, Saskatchewan, Germaine was the cherished daughter of Joseph-Edouard Chorel and Francoise Chorel (née Dufresne). On September 30, 1947, she united in marriage with Robert Blanchard, and together they built a life filled with love and devotion. They were blessed with four children: Roger, Joanne, Joel and Lise.

Germaine's passion for education led her to earn a Teaching Certificate from The Normal Teacher College in Moose Jaw. She began at Notekeu School in Ponteix, where she lovingly guided 25 students from grades 1 to 9 in 1945-1946. Germaine then shared her knowledge at Deniel School in Val Marie from 1946 to 1947. Later, she found her way to Notre Dame Convent from 1949 to 1950. Even after her children entered school, she continued as a substitute teacher at Ponteix School.

She enjoyed gardening, crocheting and knitting. She was very involved in the parish of Notre Dame. She enjoyed cooking and baking bread. She enjoyed providing lunch for the school kids and babysitting all her grandkids. She enjoyed playing cards with friends and family.

Germaine's life centered around her unwavering faith. She played an active role in the parish of Notre Dame and was deeply committed to groups like the Femme de la Federation Catholic Francaise and les Auvergnois. Germaine generously volunteered her time to compile the Ponteix history book and welcomed a weekly rosary prayer group into her home. Her devotion to God and family was unwavering, always ready to assist with childcare and meal preparation. In her later years, she dedicated much of her time to heartfelt prayers for the well-being of all.

Germaine's devotion to God and family defined her life. She dedicated herself wholeheartedly to their well-being, always a steadfast presence in times of need. Her Wikipedia knowledge of family milestones, from birthdays to graduations and weddings, made her the cherished custodian of our shared history.

Whenever a family member was ill or needed additional care, she was always the one to take them under her wing to care of them. Whether it was end of life care, or convalescence from illness. Her nurturing embrace extended to her mother and mother-in-law, whom she cared for at home until their transition to the nursing home.

Germaine leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion. She is survived by her beloved children: Roger/Dolores Blanchard, Joel/Marie-Anne Blanchard, and Lise/Michel Couture. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of her 16 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren.

Germaine is now reunited with her beloved husband Robert Blanchard, daughter Joanne Gibbs/Larson, and sons-in-law Gene Gibbs and Al Larson. She joins her siblings Marie (Jules) Tessier, Fernand (Marjorie) Chorel, Cecile (Andre) Palmier, Liliane (Norman) Fafard, and Rodrigue (Doris) Chorel in eternal peace. Also awaiting her in the heavenly embrace are Robert’s siblings Simone (Laurier) Tessier, George Blanchard, and Ghislaine (Real) St. Cyr.

Prayers to celebrate Germaine's life will be held on Friday, September 15, 2023, at 7:30 pm, followed by a Funeral Mass on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at 4:00 pm, both at the Notre Dame d’Auvergne Roman Catholic Church in Ponteix, Saskatchewan.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in Germaine's name to the Ponteix Foyer St. Joseph, Box 450, Ponteix, SK S0N 1Z0.

"I attribute my long life to the love I received from my family," she would often say, a testament to the power of love that sustained her. May Germaine's beautiful soul find eternal rest, and may her memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to us all.