February 4, 1924 - July 20, 2021
On a fine February morning in 1924 Annette was born in Montreal as the middle child to her family of four sisters and one brother. She would recount the horse drawn carriages on the streets that passed her home in Montreal, always followed by the scoopers. French was the first and last language she spoke, and was always the one that she used for counting. In her youth she would listen to radio programs with her family, including one that spoke of the future when man would land on the moon! This generated much laughter in the family.
Annette's hands were never idle, she was always building and creating- from rock walls, to knitted and crocheted blankets, hand sewn clothing, culinary delights, and oil paintings. This set the tone for her remarkably colourful view on life and unique way of thinking. Always a fashionista, Annette would often make her own clothes with added flair, never copied, always stylish, and she never stepped outside without her lipstick!
In the early 1950's, Annette was working as a secretary for a pulp and paper business when a dashing young accountant swept her off her high heeled feet. Harry and Annette were married in 1955 and their adventures together began. They started by moving across Canada, eventually settling in Alberta to start their family. Harry's job brought them to Barriere in 1977 where they lived until Harry's passing in 1989. Annette was always a night owl who always waited up for her children to return from their evening social activities, often staying up and watching old movies with them on the TV.
Annette loved the outdoors - from downhill skiing on Mont Tremblant as a young adult, to camping with Harry at lakes across B.C. She was often found tending to her flowers and vegetables in her garden, and feeding the cats, crows, and hummingbirds - she was happiest when the wind was in her face.
In 1994 Annette met George Gaudreault, and they married in 1995. They travelled the world and saw sights she had only dreamed about. Annette returned to Kamloops in 2005 when George passed away. This allowed her to spend more time with her granddaughters who loved to visit Grandmaman at lunch and after school.
Annette was unconventional, resourceful and resolute. Her parting words were always to:
"Love lots, trust few, and paddle your own canoe".
Left behind to cherish their memories of their time with Annette are her son Gerry (Janet), granddaughters Jessica (Desmond), Hillary (Casey), Nicole (Jordan) and 3 great granddaughters. Also her daughter Lisa, grandchildren Kyle, Josh, Michael, Kaylene, Valerie, Candace and 14 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Margot and family in Montreal.
A private service will be held later this year.
The family would like to thank the staff at Overlander Long Term Care and Dr. Howie for their kind and compassionate care during Annette's last years.