Obituary of Yvonne Briere

Yvonne Marie Briere of Lafleche, SK passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2015, at the age of 105 years. Yvonne was born on November 20, 1909, to Wilfred and Marie-Louise (nee Berube) Gagnon, in St. John, North Dakota. When the family settled in Lafleche Yvonne was the fourth child, and three more siblings followed. Yvonne attended St. Mathieu Convent and graduated with her Grade 12. She was then employed by the RM and Post Office. Yvonne and Albert Briere were married in Lafleche on October 27, 1931. They raised a family of five children on a small farm south of town. Albert passed away on March 3, 1964, and Yvonne became a widow at fifty five years old. Shortly after, she moved her house to town. Yvonne loved to fill her days spending time with family. She was an active member of the CWL and Club 50. Yvonne looked forward to her weekly games of Bridge and Canasta with friends. Rummy Tile and Yahtzee were favorite games that Yvonne played with her family. She loved to cook and bake, and two of Yvonne’s famous recipes were maple walnut and poppy seed chiffon cake. She was also know for her beautiful cake decorating. Yvonne enjoyed knitting, quilting, gardening and canning, and many of these hobbies have been passed on to her family. She also liked watching soap operas, and would never miss an episode. Yvonne was a beautiful soul, and fond memories will be cherished by her loving family. Yvonne is survived by her daughter Jeannine Jalbert; daughter JoAnne (Al) Hicks; daughter-in-law Lucienne Briere; grandchildren Susan Frank; Marc Briere, Celeste Briere, Colette Briere, Michelle Balaski; Sherri Sproule, Karen Asselstine, Daniel Jalbert, Lee Anne Patterson, Cathy Kirkpatrick; Stan Hicks, Sara Clark; and their families. She is predeceased by her husband Albert Briere; daughter Charlotte (Howard) Dundas, grandson Russell Dundas; son Gerard Briere, granddaughter Monique Briere; son Raymond Briere; son-in-law Roger Jalbert. Prayers were held on Friday, March 20, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. with Yvonne Jalbert presiding. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday, March 21, 2015, at 1:00 p.m. Both were held at Ste Radegonde Roman Catholic Church, Lafleche, SK. Celebrants were Father Joseph Strohhofer and Father Maurice Minne. Cross bearer was Jacobie Sproule and altar servers were Julien Jalbert and Joanne Vinish. The eulogy was shared by Glenn Sproule. Readers were Sherri Sproule and Karen Asselstine. Prayers of the faithful by Samantha Way, Nicole Patterson, Sara Clark, Laurenne Kohle, Emily Asselstine, Megan Asselstine, Celeste Briere, Charlotte Briere and Michelle Balaski. Offertory gifts were presented by Eilysh Kirkpatrick, Chase Kohle and Chloe Kirkpatrick. Ringing of the bells by Lee Anne Patterson. Pallbearers were David Asselstine, Adam Patterson, Stan Hicks, Dan Jalbert, Glenn Sproule and Kevin Asselstine. Honour guard was formed by the Catholic Women’s League. Music was shared by Terry Kirkpatrick. Interment took place at the Lafleche Roman Catholic Cemetery. Memorial donations to the Lafleche and District Health Fund Inc., Box 250, Lafleche, SK S0H 2K0, and Masses, were greatly appreciated.