Obituaries

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Gabrielle Gervais (nee Courtemanche) Obituary

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The passing of a holy soul – never to be forgotten

loving sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. 

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Gabrielle “Gay” Alma Gervais, previously Gabrielle Courtemanche, passed away peacefully in Extendicare, Haliburton, Ontario, on the evening of January 8, 2025, at the age of 86. Born in Sudbury, Ontario, she was the daughter of Aldea Richer and Jean-Baptiste Courtemanche, and sister of Maurice, Gilberpe “Jill”, Laurette, and others just to name a few. Gabrielle and some of her siblings were fostered by Marie, who loved and cared for them all deeply. 

Gabrielle went to the University of Ottawa to become a school teacher. She was strong-willed, respected by her peers, and a devoted Catholic. So devoted that, she almost became a nun -but before she took her final vows, Raymond Hector Gervais had swept her off her feet and proposed to her in a Catholic church. They married on July 18, 1959, in Sudbury, as witnessed by Edmond Gervais and Jean-Baptiste Courtemanche. Together they built a life in Sudbury and then moved to Toronto, before finally settling their roots in Haliburton. They welcomed daughters Dianne, Helene, and son Raymond. 

Gabrielle’s love was never-ending and knew no limits. She helped foster many children over the years while raising their own. Sometimes, there were as many as 13 mouths to feed at a time. Everyone would sit around the big kitchen table and await a feast of homecooked food and even enjoyed a family trip to Florida with Ray and Gabrielle paying out of pocket and squeezing 13 kids in a Caravan. Even if at times that child would step out of line, Gabrielle would make sure each and every child felt her love. 

In her retired years living in Haliburton County, she remained an active member of the community. Gabrielle would volunteer at the Lily Ann Thrift Store, continue to spread the word of God to children learning the Bible and assist her husband with cleaning and operating the Silver Maple Motel. When she had time to herself, she enjoyed reading, playing Solitaire or Mahjong on the computer, or watching TV with her dog. She also enjoyed the company spent with her grandkids, John (Audrey), Sarah (Jeff), Raymond, and Arianne (Riley), and great-grandkids Emma-Rose, Erin, Sophia, Chloe, and Brayden. 

Gabrielle Gervais had lived a full life surrounded by people who loved her. She had a kind, loving heart. She will be missed greatly.  

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Visitation & Mass of Christian Burial

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Friends are invited to call at ST. ANTHONY'S  ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 27 Victoria St, Haliburton, ON K0M 1S0 on Monday, January 13th, 2025, for a Funeral Mass beginning at noon (Visitation one hour prior). As an expression of sympathy, donations in Gay's memory can be made to Haliburton 4C's - Lily Ann Thrift Store or to St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the HALIBURTON COMMUNITY FUNERAL HOME 13523 Hwy #118 Haliburton, Ontario K0M 1S0 705-457-9209. 

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me 

By David Romano 

 

When tomorrow starts without me 
And I’m not here to see 
If the sun should rise and find your eyes 
All filled with tears for me 
 
I wish you wouldn’t cry 
The way you did today 
While thinking of the many things 
We did not get to say 
 
I know how much you love me 
As much as I love you 
Each time that you think of me 
I know you will miss me too 
 
When tomorrow starts without me 
Please try to understand 
That an angel came and called my name 
And took me by the hand 
 
The angel said my place was ready 
In Heaven far above 
And that I would have to leave behind 
All those I dearly love 
 
But when I walked through Heaven’s Gates 
I felt so much at home 
When God looked down and smiled at me 
From his golden throne 
 
He said this is eternity 
And all I promised you 
Today for life on Earth is done 
But here it starts a new 
 
I promise no tomorrow 
For today will always last 
And since each day’s the exact same way 
There is no longing for the past 
 
So when tomorrow starts without me 
Do not think we’re apart 
For every time you think of me 
Remember I’m right here in your heart 

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