April 14, 1920 - February 24, 2024
In loving memory ~
Dora Brassard, 103, of The Hamlets, died peacefully on February 24, 2024, in Vernon, BC, of a well-lived life. Her presence, her zeal and her fire will all be remembered. She was born on the farm on April 14, 1920, in St. Walburg, Saskatchewan, to Clarice and Elzear Labrecque. Dora was the seventh of twelve children.
Dora married in 1942 at age 22, celebrating 50 years of marriage to Rene Brassard in 1992 and 65 years married to the love of her life "Daddy" before he passed in December, 2004. They had four beautiful boys, Roger, Charles, Jules and Jerry. Dora's boys were the apple of her eye and no one could do wrong. She loved them wholeheartedly and completely and would light up at their mention. She loved to talk about them and hear from them and never wanted to be a burden. She was incredibly proud of each of them and remained an important part of their lives, always. Losing Roger and then Jules was a loss she never fully recovered from.
Grandma, or grandmere as she was fondly called by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was "very ambitious" and did well academically and at work. She was the top of her class for French in the province of Saskatchewan, for three years running.
She worked in insurance and travel, creating a very profitable business that stayed in the family when she moved on. She worked payroll for the school district in Kamloops for 14 years, managing a 4 million dollar monthly budget, and working with 1100 teachers.
When she retired they wrote: "We accept with regret...," and "you will be missed".
Grandma loved to travel, visiting the pyramids in Egypt at 88, and made sure to stay active her whole life. When asked what is the secret to a long life? She replied: "Keep moving".
In 103 years Dora lived through a lot. The great depression, World Wars and so much societal change. She worked numbers all her life, living the last twenty years independently and on her own dollar. She was frugal and smart. She was funny and fashionable, sassy and cute.
We cherish our memories and know that they will always be within easy reach. This won't make her passing any easier or less sad, but what a life that lady lived! She is definitely someone to emulate and celebrate - a guide for getting the most out of life.
Dora is survived by her sister Ronaye Ryane, two sons, Charles (Gloria) Brassard and Jerry (Cindy) Brassard, daughters-in-law Vicki (Jules) Brassard and Sharon (Roger) Brassard, grandchildren Michelle, Danielle, Sean, Nicole, Matthew, Graeme, Andrea, Tim, Kymber, Kelsey, Frances and Leanne along with their families including many great grandchildren, and even great-great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents Elzear and Clarice Labreque, her siblings Edgar, Irene, Robert, Yvonne, Marcelle, Alice, Laurence, Armand, Margaret, John, and children Roger Brassard (2003) and Jules Brassard (2007).
A service will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. Edward's Catholic Church. 11123 Okanagan Road. Lake Country, BC. Interment will follow at Lakeview Memorial Gardens Cemetery. 2850 Dry Valley Road.
Pallbearers will be: Tim Brassard, Matthew Brassard, Graeme Brassard, Ian Stewart, Pete Mullins, Killian Murphy.
It is with much gratitude and love that the family would like to thank Dr. Lindsay Hayward for the compassionate and wonderful care she provided right until the end.
We are also indebted to all the marvelous people who cared for Dora at The Hamlets and to all her friends and family who took the time out of their busy schedules to make memories with her.
In lieu of flowers, memorials or donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valleyviewfuneralhome.com for the Brassard family.