Laurentie Antoinette Gobeil (née Roussel)

February 24, 1928 – January 24, 2021

Our dear mom passed away from cancer, on January 24, 2021, one month prior to her ninety-third birthday, surrounded by the love, care and presence of her children.

Laurentie was born at the only Red Cross Outpost hospital in the British Empire, located in Paddockwood, SK, the third youngest of ten children.  Her parents, Leonie and Joseph Roussel, were immigrants from France.  Pioneer life in Saskatchewan in the 20s was challenging, but fortitude, family, faith and frugality saw them through, and these traits which developed Laurentie’s character, were later passed on to her own family.

Laurentie graduated grade 12 at the convent in St. Louis SK, and then completed Normal school in Saskatoon and became a one-room school teacher at age 17, the beginning of a career which would span five decades and included such rural Saskatchewan school districts as Begin, Bellevue, Carlton, Domremy, Leoville and Albertville, culminating as a substitute teacher in Prince Albert.   Her duties as a young teacher included providing clean drinking water for the students, hauling in firewood, caring for horses and maintaining both the interior and exterior of the school.  She was passionate in her desire to educate and strove to see students reach their potential, treating each one with dignity and respect.

She married Albert Gobeil in 1954 and to this union four children were added.  A tireless worker, mom poured boundless energy and her natural leadership ability not only into the long hours and hard work of raising a family and farm life but also into teaching and later working for Home Care.  Her seemingly endless activities centered around the church.   She was a founding member of the Catholic Women’s League and enjoyed the friendship and fellowship of this group for 62 years. She taught catechism to youth and adults, lead 4-H clubs and contributed to countless other worthy causes as needs arose.

Always a nurturer, Laurentie was a blessing to many including her son Colin who passed away from cystic fibrosis at age 25.  Following Colin’s death, she lovingly cared for her husband until his untimely passing in 1993, after which time she became her mother’s caregiver and lived with her until her mom’s passing at home at age 103.

Laurentie moved from the farm in Albertville to Prince Albert in 1994 and began a new life volunteering wherever extra hands were needed.  The Thrift Shop in Sacred Heart Cathedral run by the CWL was a favourite place to spend time, where she greatly enjoyed the friendship of her co-workers and meeting patrons of the shop.  A living picture of Matthew 25:40, she ministered to “the least” of her brothers and sisters as she would to her Saviour.

Mom’s outgoing personality led her to make and maintain friendships with ease; she had a sharp mind and phenomenal memory. She could recall all the families she ever taught and remember minute details from the past.  She kept current on world news, and loved a lively, loud discussion on topics considered “taboo,” such as religion and politics.  She was proud of her French heritage, and an encourager and supporter of bilingualism.

Her Catholic faith guided her life, from baptism until the last sacrament.  She prayed fervently and loved her church passionately.

Maman, Mémère and Great-Grandma, she was proud of her children, delighted with the arrival of each of her ten grandchildren, and thrilled to be a Great-Grandma to nine.  She was a force to be reckoned with, and an unforgettable family matriarch, who touched each of us deeply. Her steadfast presence at our family events and in the lives of all who knew her will never be forgotten.

Adieu, Maman.

Laurentie is survived by:  Her daughter Alice, (Gustave Gaudet) and their children Vanessa (Yanérick Hains, and their son Matéo), Julien (Jody Abdai and their sons Luc and Léo), Martin Gaudet, and Evan Gaudet (Danica Riou and their daughters Mia and Zoé); her son Roger (Joan Schafer) and their son Paul (Chelsi Penner and their children Paisley and Simon), and their daughter Julie Gobeil; her son Laurier (Beth Bernard) and their children Katie (Kurtis Drader, children Elijah and Izabel), Amy Gobeil (Tyler Little), Donovan Gobeil (Carla Olsen), Stephen Gobeil (fiancée Haley McVey); her sisters, Thérèse Gignac, Geneviève Dirks; sisters-in-law, Lena Roussel, Jeannette Renaud, Irène Gobeil; numerous nieces and nephews and friends.

Laurentie is predeceased by: her loving husband, Albert and her son, Colin; her parents, Joseph Paul Roussel and Léonie Julie (Doumenge) Roussel; her brothers and sisters, Marie, Joseph, Jeanne, Germaine, Agnès, Denis, Léon and Louis.

Private Funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Prince Albert, SK, with Father Roque Concepcion as Celebrant.  Interment will follow at St. James Cemetery, Albertville, SK, with Father Jim Kaptein officiating.  Due to COVID -19 restrictions attendance will be by invitation only.   A video recording of the Funeral Mass can be viewed by following the link provided https://youtu.be/QyF74ItI3vc

The family wishes to thank the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, Dr. C. Cantin, Dr. A. Surkan, Dr. Randy Friesen, and Prince Albert Pineland Home Care nurses for their support to Laurentie and her family during her illness and passing.  Thank you also to friends and family whose expertise and acts of kindness in many forms including prayers, phone calls, flowers and food are greatly appreciated.

In lieu of flowers and in the spirit of Laurentie’s giving nature, consider how you could fill a need in your own community through volunteerism.  Something as simple as a phone call to a shut-in, to donating your garden produce can make a big difference in someone’s life.  Donations to Cystic Fibrosis Canada, 2323 Yonge Street, Suite 800, Toronto, Ontario, M4P 1C9 would also be greatly appreciated.

Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Marianne Turcotte, Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK 306-763-3322.

 

 

• Date : 2021-01-24
• Location : Prince Albert, SK