Obituary of Therese Clodia HUEL

Therese Clodia Huel (nee Soucy) of Gravelbourg, SK, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2012, in Gravelbourg at the age of 85 years. Terry was born on December 26, 1926 on the family farm near Gravelbourg. Terry loved growing up on the farm. She and her brother Gerry would often pull pranks on her sister Margo while they wiled away their time there. Terry was a boarder at the Convent Jesus Marie for all twelve of her school years. She had many fond memories and stories of those days, including secret trips downtown to buy pies and cigarettes, charging everything to her dad. There was also a lot of sneaking around to meet up with boys, which is when Terry first developed a crush on Marcel "Tiny” Huel, when she was about 12 years old. Terry always joked that she was one of the only girls upon graduation that was never asked to join the sisters. After her convent days, Terry went on to Business school in Regina. After completing her course, Terry returned to work at the court house in Gravelbourg and did some relief work at the courthouses in Melfort and Shaunavon. Terry married her forever sweetheart on December 26, 1953. Terry and Tiny built a home on Third Avenue West in Gravelbourg. The neighbourhood was close knit, and many dear friends and special memories were made there. She was the bookkeeper at Huel Motors for many years, until its closing in 1970.When Tiny passed away in October of 1969, Terry was left with two young girls to raise on her own; Jocelyne was 15 and Monique was 10. Terry embraced her role as a single mom, and always put her daughters ahead of everything and everyone else. She raised them in true French Canadian tradition, with all the great colourful expressions that were passed down to her from her parents. She worked hard to make a living for her family. When the garage closed its doors, Terry began working at the Gravelbourg Elementary School. She loved her job as secretary librarian and made many long lasting friendships there. Her coworkers would often drop into the library for chats and kept her up to date with all of the gossip; sharing in the school fun kept Terry young. She loved to have a good time and loved company; it didn’t matter what time of day or night, Terry’s door was always open. She enjoyed travelling and her fondest trips were to Paris, New York and crossing the Atlantic Ocean on the QE2. Terry’s grandchildren were her gems and she had a special bond with each of them. She kept them entertained by lying and cheating her way through card games, the Trouble game and anything else that she could think of. She shared many stories of her younger days with them, some true, some quite embellished. In 2007 Terry moved to the Villa, where she made new friends and was reacquainted with old ones. In June of this year she decided to move to the Foyer, where much to her surprise she made many more new young friends. Terry’s care givers were very dear to her and she was treated like gold. Terry had a full life, an infectious personality and really knew how to make the best of things. She lived her life to the fullest and her positive attitude was like a magnet; people were drawn to her. Terry’s words of wisdom passed on to her children and grandchildren were always, "Have fun while you can. If you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance.” She always did, with much love and laughter. Predeceased by her husband Marcel "Tiny” Huel (1969); parents Philippe and Lydia Soucy; Brothers Gerard (Simone) Soucy, Fernand; and her sister Gabrielle, Terry is survived by her loving family, daughters Jocelyne Huel of Regina, SK; Monique (Michel) Taillon of Assiniboia, SK, grandchildren David (Melanie), Marc, Lynne (Adam); her sister Margo (Stan) Soucy-Miller of Calgary, AB; sisters-in-law Margaret Phillipson of Red Deer, AB, Jeanne Bouvier of Gravelbourg, SK, Denise (John) Gauthier of Kelowna, BC, Marion (Claude) Piche of Gravelbourg, SK, as well numerous nieces, nephews and her many friends young and old. Funeral Mass was held at Our Lady of the Assumption Co-Cathedral, Gravelbourg, SK, on Saturday, November 10, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. with Father Joe Strohhofer and Father Maurice Minne co-celebrants. The eulogy was shared by Monique Taillon. Cross bearer was Camille Bonneau. Readers were David Taillon and Marc Taillon. Prayers of the faithful were shared by Michel Taillon. Offertory gifts were presented by Lynne Taillon and Adam Hobbs. Soloist Henri Lepage was accompanied by organist Leona Bourgeois. Urn bearers were Jocelyne Huel and Monique Taillon. Her service ended with the recessional song by Edith Piaf (her favourite singer) Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien. Interment took place at the Gravelbourg Roman Catholic Cemetery. Donations in Terry’s memory may be made to the St. Joseph Hospital/Foyer D’Youville Foundation, Box 810, Gravelbourg, SK. S0H 1X0 and Our Lady of the Assumption Co-Cathedral Roof Fund, Box 540, Gravelbourg, SK S0H 1X0.