KERGOAT: Simone Therese (nee Lajeunesse), 95, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt passed away Sunday, March 27, 2011 at Villa Pascal in North Battleford. Survived by her children: Jackie (Tony) Kramberger, London, ON, Roger (Myra Yuzak), Saskatoon, Claudette (Ron) Bernier, Lanz Point Murray Lake, and Elaine (Bruce Barrett), Saskatoon; grandchildren Luke Bernier (Krystal Krane), Calgary, Joel (Carla) Bernier, Battleford, and Chris (Christie) Kramberger, London, ON; great-grandchildren Noah and Amelia Bernier, Battleford; brothers Camille (Priscilla), Edmonton, Jean-Louis (Sandy), Kelowna, Laurent, Winnipeg; sisters Therese Stewart, Vancouver, Julie (Roger) Paquette, Debden; sister-in-law Marie Rose Lajeunesse, Prince Albert; her husband's siblings, Sister Therese Kergoat, Vancouver, Raymond (Geraldine) Kergoat, Kitchener, and sister-in-law Thelma Kergoat, Thunder Bay; as well as many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Jean-Pierre (Peter); brothers Raymond, Robert, Armand (Lorraine), Edgar (Helene); and sister Gabrielle (Louis) Huot. Simone was born May 28, 1915 in Debden to Athanase and Marie (Larose) Lajeunesse. She was educated in Debden and Prince Albert. She and Peter met at the Saskatchewan Hospital in North Battleford where they both worked, she in administration and he as a registered psychiatric nurse. They married in 1947 and created a loving home where they raised their four children. When her children were teenagers, Simone returned to the workforce in administrative roles, retiring in 1980 from the North Battleford Medical Clinic. She and Peter were founding members of St. Andre's French parish. Simone was very active in the development and fundraising for the church, the school and Villa Pascal long-term care facility, which later became affiliated with the regional health-care system. She served on the board of Villa Pascal for several years. During the past decade, Simone suffered a series of mini-strokes that gradually robbed her of her speech and some mobility. Following Peter's death in 2004, she moved from the home they shared for 50 years to Villa Pascal, where she received excellent care from many thoughtful and caring people. Simone was a strong, independent, fun-loving and hard-working person who took great joy in family, whether it was the lives of her kids and grandkids, annual visits from Peter's sisters and brothers, or memorable summer vacations with the Lajeunesse clan at Morin Lake. More recently, she found joy in the birth of her two great-grandchildren and her visits with them. Prayers were held Thursday, March 31, 2011 at Sallows and McDonald Funeral Home. Funeral mass was held Friday, April 1, 2011 at St. Andre's Roman Catholic Church with Reverend Father Gerard Legaspi as celebrant. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Simone's memory to Villa Pascal, 1301-113th St., North Battleford, SK S9A 3K1. Condolences for the family may be left at Funeral Arrangements were entrusted to Kristeen Nylander of Sallows and McDonald Funeral Home, 445-2418. ____________________________________________________
