“Always in our hearts, forever in our memories”.

Jeannette Girard, our precious Mother, Memere, Grand-Memere, sister, and friend who left an indelible mark on our hearts. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jeannette Therese Girard, on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at the Grande Prairie Care Centre at the age of 80 years.

Jeannette was born in Jean Cote on September 23, 1944. She married Paul Emile Girard in Girouxville, where they established their homestead and had three children: Guy, Gilbert and Diane.

Jeannette had a deep appreciation for farming, operating the farm equipment, gardening, and caring for her family. She will be fondly remembered for her renowned baking and garden. Her grandchildren often assisted her in harvesting the crops, enjoying the fruits of their labour in the process. Their time spent with her was filled with joy, making the work feel effortless.

Jeannettes grandchildren and great grandchildren were very important to her, bringing much pleasure into her life. Jeannette regularly attended her grandchildren’s activities with unwavering dedication, proudly fulfilling her role as Memere. She played an essential part in raising her grandchildren, teaching them many valuable skills including fishing, cooking, baking, painting rocks, and often communicating with them in French. Much of these activities took place at Shaw’s Point, the place she adored most, she spent months each summer there with her family. Regrettably, due to health complications in recent years, she had to cease visits to the lake, which greatly saddened her.

Jeannette derived immense happiness from spending time with her children and grandchildren, regardless of the place or activity. Jeannette was an exceptionally strong and courageous woman; she battled many hardships in her lifetime and always continued to forge ahead with a smile on her face.

Jeannette was more than a treasured mother, grandmother; great-grandmother; and sister; she was an amazing woman who lit up the room with her smile, laugh, and kind heart. She gave the best hugs and kisses and always encouraged her family, even if they were discouraged. She will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

She was predeceased by her mother and father: Laurier and Antoinette Valiquette, brothers Victor and Robert Valiquette, and sister Laurette Brulotte; and her fur babies Tiny and Cricket.

Jeannette’s memory will live on through her children Guy Girard, Gilbert Girard, and Diane Bateman. Her sister Henriette Benoit and Brother Gilles Valiquette. Grandchildren: Nicole Harris, Danielle Johnson, Chelsea McKen, Thomas Girard, Keila Girard. Great-grandchildren: Lincoln Mears, Talon Mears, Luke McKen, Emma Mcken, Avery Murray, Grayson Murray, Jillian Girard and Hadley Johnson.

Bonjour Memere!

I’m not ready to say goodbye, so I say hello.

It was you who took my hand and showed me where to go.

You were the light of my life, and I was yours.

Know that you will always be a part of me.

This isn’t goodbye, Memere, I’ll one day again say hello.

• Love Nikki

A Celebration of Life will be held in Jeannette’s honour on July 26, 2025, at Shaw’s Point Resort in High Prairie, AB

In lieu of flowers please donate to a charity of your choosing.