Beatrice Raymond-Beauchemin
March 6, 1922 - May 28, 2021
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Beatrice Raymond-Beauchemin at Actionmarguerite in St. Boniface, Winnipeg, on May 28, 2021.
She was the beloved eldest daughter of Gregoire and Bernadette Berard. She lived her 99 years to the fullest and was loved so much.
She was an exceptional person every day of her life and an incredible matriarch of our family. She was always the epitome of elegance and grace. It has been said that she will never be forgotten, you only have to look at the back of a $20 bill and see the Queen and you will think of her.
Left to mourn her are her daughters, Michelle (Gerald) and Anita (Maurice); her grandchildren, Karen (Greg), Kelly (George), Crystal and Christopher; her great-grandchildren, Nolan (Kristina), Sasha, Noah, Isaac, and Cailyn; her sisters Lorraine and Patricia (Denis) as well as many Godchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Beatrice is predeceased by her husbands, Onesime Raymond and Raphael Beauchemin; her brothers and sisters William, Armand, Leo, Alfred, Joseph, Adrien, Jacob, Yvonne, Rita, Marie, Annette, Elizabeth, Lillian, and many cousins and friends.
She was the eldest sister of 16 siblings, born and raised in Grande Pointe, Manitoba. Due to such a large family and many chores on the farm she only received a grade 4 education. That didn’t stop her though, she bought herself a dictionary and learned to read and write; She tapped her foot and did addition and subtraction. She learned to sew from a lady down the road and made many wedding dresses, beautiful moccasins, and leather mitts. She even made her own Leather Metis dress. She was so proud of her Metis heritage.
Beatrice later moved into St Boniface Hospital dorms to take her Nurses Aide training.
She continued to support her family by sending money home even though she wasn’t able to visit often due to the distance involved.
Beatrice met and married Onesime Raymond in the 1940s, they moved to Fort William during the war and worked in a factory. When the war ended they moved back to Grand Pointe and started building a home. While her husband was at work, she would be busy. Every time he came home, there was another room or something new.
They adopted two daughters Anita and Michelle whom they cherished and loved.
While they were growing up, there are so many memories of family get-togethers and travels. Her door was always open and the cards shuffled. If anyone stopped by during mealtime she would add more water to the pot, another potato, and galette in the oven. After the meal, the table was cleared and the cards were out. A good time and great laughs were guaranteed.
She married Raphael Beauchemin in 1987, she continued to enjoy life to the fullest, travelling, dancing at the legion, a good game of cards, and spending time with family and friends.
She loved driving. She drove out west many times to visit relatives and enjoyed the view of the mountains. Those travels have so many funny stories, they were never without complication or adventure. She drove until she was 90 years old.
Beatrice was strong and resilient. Her best advice that she has told many is “Never feel sorry for yourself, sometimes life can be hard and difficult, but feeling sorry for yourself is of no good use. When life gets tough, stand up! Ask le Bon Dieux for his help to face what you need to face. Listen for HIS answer. His answer may not always be what you might expect or come when you want it to. So, while you wait for the answer, go make some galette/bannock!”
Memere, you’re loved so much and will always have a place in our hearts. You will never be forgotten. Make sure you save us a dance and a place at the card table.
Due to Covid restrictions, a private service will be held. A memorial will be held at a later date for family and friends.
The family would like to thank the very dedicated, kind, and compassionate staff on 3DE at Actionmarguerite, St. Boniface for their wonderful care. A special thank you to Louise for always looking out for her and becoming her companion during the pandemic when we weren’t able to be with her.
Family invite friends to share memories of Beatrice by signing the online book of condolences at ejcoutu.ca
E.J. Coutu & Co. Funeral Directors
204-253-5086