Rolande Henriette Demers (nee Lajeunesse), late of Debden passed away March 13, 2026, at the age of 89 at Whispering Pines Place in Canwood where she had been a resident for the past 12 years.

Rolande was born on November 11, 1936, in Debden. She was raised on a farm with her 10 siblings and attended school in Debden as well as the Convent in St. Louis. On August 8, 1955, Rolande married Robert and raised their 4 children in Debden. As the 3 girls were married, Rolande had recurring dreams of babies and true to her dreams, they each had their babies within 4 months. Rolande treasured her 9 grandchildren and was so proud of them and their accomplishments. She would often send supportive messages and much appreciated care packages. Unfortunately, due to her health she was unable to enjoy her 12 great grandchildren.

Rolande was a master at knitting, sewing, and a great cook. She knitted many siwashes for her family and others. She sewed the girls’s clothes, a bride dress, doll clothes and accessories for the grandchildren that will be keepsakes for life. Later, Rolande enjoyed working with silk flowers and made some beautiful bouquet arrangements. Her interest in crafting motivated her to open a small craft store with gifts.

Rolande spent much of her time volunteering. She was awarded the Air Canada Heart of Gold award for her outstanding contributions to her community. Rolande would always go that extra mile in what she was asked to do. Her love of working with children had her volunteering in Sr. Marie’s classroom.  Rolande was also a member of the Rivier Associates and the Debden Ladies club.

Rolande was very kind and caring. She would put others needs before her own. She would treat her elderly relatives and friends with a hot meal or baking and a visit.

Faith was very important to Rolande, and she was very involved in her parish. For 25 years, she was the sacristan and responsible for the liturgical decor of the church. Many hours were spent decorating being very attentive to detail resulting in beautiful displays with help from friends Jackie and Claudette. Rolande adopted many priests during their stay in Debden, always making them feel welcomed and cared for.

On November 13, 2013, 2 days after her 77th birthday, Rolande suffered a major stroke that left her with permanent paralysis, unable to speak or walk. She still managed to smile and showed us what true courage is. She is truly a hero with all the challenges she faced in her 12 years of stroke.

Rolande is survived by her husband Robert of 70 years; her daughter Louise Anne (Robert) Fair of Lumsden and their children: Ben (Sara); Jessica (Grant); her daughter Vivian (Larry) Zimmer of North Battleford; their daughters Shannon (Stuart) Binder; their children: Paige, Rylee, Becca; Tammy (Jason) Cameron; their children: Jace, Charlie, Cody, Brett; her daughter Della Demers of Whitehorse; her children Tyler (Alison); Amanda; her son Martin (Frances); their children Dustin (Tasha) Binny; their children: Leo, Elise; Frank Binny; Alicia (Nathan) Johnson; their children: Lauklyn, Lincoln, Levi. She is also survived by her sisters: Eveline Bisson; Sally Gaudet; Helene Gaudet; Fern Ferguson, Irene Whitley and her brothers: Denis, Louis, Flint and Johnny. Her in-laws: Bud Whitley; Jackie Hedman; Elise Lajeunesse; Pauline & Wayne Welte, Med Demers, Phil & Cecile Demers.

She was predeceased by her parents: Roland and Beatrice (Bilodeau) Lajeunesse; her mother and father in-law: Victor and Annette (Couture) Demers; brother Philip, sisters in law: Louisa Lajeunesse; Rosemonde Lajeunesse; Donna Lajeunesse; Lucille Demers; Edna Demers; brothers in law: Gerry Bisson; Wilfrid Gaudet; Fern Gaudet; Huey Ferguson; Bruno Demers.

A funeral service for Rolande will take place on Saturday March 21, at 2:00 PM at St. Jean Baptiste RC Church in Debden SK.

 Memorial donations in Rolande’s memory may be directed to Whispering Pine Place Recreation Dept.( Box 418 Canwood, SK S0J 0K0) 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 and Crematorium, Lynn Anderson Funeral Director, Shellbrook, SK 306-724-4474.

• Date : 2026-03-13
• Location : Debden, SK