It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jeanne Marie Therese Vodon on April 27, 2021 at the age of 87. Jeanne was a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, auntie, cousin, and great friend to many.

Jeanne Vodon was born in 1934 during the great depression at the Delmaire family homestead at Wauchope, Saskatchewan. Jeanne’s parents Fernand and Cecile Delmaire, immigrated from France to Saskatchewan in a tight knit group of families with deep agricultural roots in search of a new life. They established their unique cultural settlement on the vast prairie flatland near Redvers, Saskatchewan (Wauchope).  Jeanne was the third of five children born to Fernand and Cecile. The family did not start out with much and life was fraught with challenges in uncertain times. This was where Jeanne developed an intense work ethic, unwavering determination, and steadfast love for her family.

Jeanne married Hubert Vodon in 1965 when she was 31 years old. Hubert and Jeanne worked tirelessly to establish their homestead on the north shore of Oak Lake. They had three children, Ida (1967), Denis (1968) and David (1972). Jeanne balanced the role of mother and farmer as the family grew. At any given moment, Jeanne could be in the kitchen making meals, in the barn milking cows, or on the seat of a tractor. No matter the task, Jeanne was reliably trying her best!

When Jeanne’s family was young, a Winnipeg trip might only be considered if it was for a Dr’s appointment and only for the day.  After David moved there, Jeanne and Hubert were happy to take road trips to Winnipeg for any reason and stay the weekend and enjoy a visit on a regular basis.  If there was ever any excuse to delay going back home; Jeanne was all over it! Jeanne and Hubert enjoyed many trips to Florida to visit Denis, Nicole, and family. They loved to travel and eagerly shared stories about their adventures upon their return. Daily life included regular coffee sessions at the Chicken Chef with friends and family. These “sharing sessions” were very important and seldom missed. The Fall Supper circuit with friends Danny and June also kept Jeanne in touch with countless acquaintances from southwestern Manitoba to southeastern Saskatchewan. Jeanne and Hubert travelled extensively to farm auctions to support her sister Annette’s food truck, have a visit with old friends and occasionally source “treasures.” They retired to their condo on Bridge Street where Jeanne enjoyed nurturing beautiful flowers and growing the biggest tomatoes ever grown in a planter. Jeanne would spend countless hours observing the wildlife from her deck, overlooking the creek while sipping a cup of coffee with her condo family. Birds had a special spot in Jeanne’s heart and Hubert would tease her saying, “your ducks are back!” For Jeanne, feeding birds whether chickens on the farm, hummingbirds, or her budgies, “Sweetie” and “George” were a constant in her life.

Jeanne loved nothing more than to be around those she cared about. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Holidays were extra special times for Jeanne as she would begin planning for months in advance. Jeanne was always happiest when family was home, and the house was busy with laughter, food, and drink. During these times, Jeanne would always be the last to bed.  Jeanne cherished every moment with them, she never wanted to miss anything!  When the kids were not home, Jeanne was busy planning the next opportunity to bring family and friends together. Long before cell phones, Jeanne would carry her portable phone with her everywhere and somehow managed to extend the signal over great distances, so she never missed a call from her kids!

Following the passing of Hubert in 2016, Jeanne overcame her fear of water and enjoyed many boating trips on Lac La Ronge with Ida and Dean. With her sweet, loving smile, Jeanne made countless friends wherever she went. Jeanne was a devout Catholic who said her prayers every day. God was part of her daily life and her faith got her through many, many medical challenges so she could get back to her family.

Jeanne is surely missed by her children, their families, relatives, and friends. Jeanne is survived by her children: Ida Johnson (Dean Senga), Denis (Nicole) Vodon and David (Lise) Vodon. Jeanne is also survived by her grandchildren: Jenna Johnson (Matt Anderson), Kyle (Desarai) Johnson, Jesse, Bailey, Levi & Jolene Vodon, and great-grandchildren: Kane, Kasey, Nash & Esme. Jeanne is survived by her sister, Annette (Paul) LeNouail and sisters-in-law Cecile Delmaire, Lucina Decroliere, Denise Vodon, Mary-Louise Vodon and brothers-in-law, Paul LeNouail and Leopold Vodon as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Jeanne was predeceased by her husband, Hubert Vodon, her parents Fernand and Cecile (Roy) Delmaire, as well as her brothers: Henri, Andre, and Emile Delmaire.

Jeanne was laid to rest next to Hubert in a private graveside service at Virden Cemetery on Tuesday, May 4, 2021.

Carscadden Funeral Chapels Ltd. Virden and Moosomin in care of the arrangements.

• Date : 2021-04-27