Obituary of Emma Mercier

Emma Marie Mercier (nee Brisebois) of Gravelbourg, SK, passed away peacefully at St. Joseph Hospital, Gravelbourg, SK, on May 3, 2012, with family by her side. She was the eleventh child of James and Alma (nee Bouvier) Brisebois. Emma was born on May 11, 1940, in Kincaid, SK. She attended Surviance Country School, Lafleche Convent boarding school, Lefort Country School, Wavy Creek Country School, McDonald Creek School, and graduated from high school at the Convent of Jesus and Mary in Gravelbourg in 1958. In December 29, 1958 Emma married Hubert Mercier. They had three children; Michel was born premature on December 26, 1959 and passed away shortly thereafter, Brigitte was born on April 26, 1961 and Michael was born on August 12, 1962. On November 19, 1965, Hubert and Emma divorced. In 1966 Emma attended Reliance School of Commerce in Regina and started her work career at the Gravelbourg Credit Union. From there she went on to work at the PFRA Gravelbourg district office for 35 years. Emma was actively involved with the Mother’s Association, Figure Skating, Minor Hockey, supervision at the Collége, Recreation Board, Board of Trade, Credit Union, Gravelbourg Lioness Club, Beta Sigma Phi organization. She enjoyed volunteer work very much. In her spare time, Emma enjoyed knitting, crocheting, golfing and spending time with her wonderful friend Elmer Benaschak. Emma took great pride in seeing her children graduate from high school and university. She treasured the time spent with her children and grandchildren. In her time of need, Emma was blessed with the opportunity to be at home, surrounded by loving and caring family, friends and community members, where she was able to retain both dignity and grace. This quality care was extended to her by the nurses, Dr.’s and spiritual care team members at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Emma is survived by her loving family, daughter Brigitte Mercier-Corbeil (Sylvain Corbeil), grandchildren Fabien and Martine; son Michael (Karen Searcy) Mercier, grandchildren Raphaël, and Gabrielle; sister Lucie Pouteaux; brothers Aimé (Gertrude) Brisebois, Adrien Brisebois; sister-in-law Monique Brisebois; best and wonderful friend Elmer Benaschak and the beloved Benaschak family. Predeceased by her infant son Michel Mercier; parents Alma (nee Bouvier) and James Brisebois; siblings Thérèse (Hector) Massé, Trèffle (Irene) Brisebois, Cecile (Gérard) Monette, Rita Brisebois, Guy Brisebois, Yvette (Marcel) Nobert, Marcel Brisebois, Marie (Henry) Bolen; brother-in-law Raymond Pouteaux. Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, May 12, 2012, at 2:00 p.m., from Our Lady of the Assumption Co-Cathedral, Gravelbourg, SK. Cross bearer was Fabien Corbeil. Readers were Fabien Corbeil and Martine Corbeil. Intentions were shared by Sylvain Corbeil and Karen Searcy. Offertory gifts were presented by Roxanne and Pierre Bisebois. The eulogy was shared by Mike Mercier and Brigitte Mercier-Corbeil. Urn bearers were Elmer Benaschak and Martine Corbeil. Music by Leona Bourgeois, Henri Lepage, Raphaël Mercier, and Karen Searcy. Interment took take place at the Ferland Roman Catholic Cemetery. Memorial tributes in memory of Emma to St. Joseph Hospital Palliative Care, Box 810, Gravelbourg, SK S0H 1X0, were greatly appreciated.