Gilberte Dupéré (née Bédard) passed away in Gatineau on August 12, 2023, peacefully and surrounded by love. She was 92 years old.
Gilberte was born in Montrock, ON on June 7, 1931. Her father, Jérémie-Charles Bédard, was one of the first employees of the Abitibi paper mill. She was born with her twin brother Gilbert, at the center of a family of 11 children, guided by her mother Marguerite Boucher. It is undoubtedly at the center of this large family that she learned to assert herself and to share.
In 1952, Gilberte married Paul-Émile Dupéré, and together they had five children: Suzanne, Nicole, Gilles, Lise and Dima. Gilberte was very fond of her large family and the get togethers which included her siblings, her parents, her nephews and nieces and her children. There were always songs, games, laughter and LOTS of food.
She and Paul worked hard to support their family and experienced many hardships. Despite this, there was always time to laugh, help others, and a belief that everything was going to be okay. They welcomed many people into their lives and homes. The country house was often a gathering place. Gilberte even learned Portuguese in order to better help a family of newcomers. She liked to organize parties which included themes, games, costumes, and of course food. After Paul retired, they sold the house and travelled. They bought a trailer at Gillies Lake in order to spend more time with family, especially with her twin brother Gilbert. They went to Florida in the winter.
After almost 40 years of marriage, Gilberte found herself a widow. She continued to go to the trailer in the summer and lived with her sister Jeannette in the winter. She reunited with her childhood friend, Lucien Bernier and they spent beautiful but very short years together. Lucien died a year after their wedding.
Despite this second loss, she continued to give: volunteering at the hospital, with the Canadian Mental Health Association, visiting the sick and taking great care of her brother before his death. She lived in Timmins and grew closer to her nieces. She loved spending time with them and also going to lunch with a group at the mall.
Gilberte had an impact on everyone she met. She said what she thought, she was mischievous, but above all she had a big heart and loved to give.
Ten years ago, Gilberte moved to the Outaouais to be closer to her children. She loved visits with her children and grandchildren, having coffee with her friends at the Bistro and, in particular, breakfast at the restaurant. The first years were beautiful but the last few, more difficult. Due to needing more care she had to move to a smaller residence. A visit to the Emergency room became eight months in hospital waiting for a bed in long-term care. Fortunately, she was able to end her days at the Centre d’hébergement Ernest-Brisson in Gatineau. The family would like to thank all the staff at the Centre for their excellent care and support.
Gilberte went to join her parents, her brother Gilbert, and her sisters Mariette, Anita, Hélène, Noëlla, Jeanne, Jeannette, Rollande and Anna for a big Bédard party. She also joins her beloved husband Paul and daughter Suzanne, as well as her dear friend Lucien.
She is survived by her children: Nicole (Bob), Gilles (Micheline), Lise (Michel), Dima; as well as her grandchildren: Sofie (Sean), Benoit (Lisa), Jean-François (Vanessa), Pol (Teri), Manon (Mark), Michelle, Mathieu and Maxine (Kelvin) and four great-grandchildren: César, Maximus, Echo and Malakai. She will also be missed by her sister Clarice, her many nephews, nieces and friends from all over.
There will be a celebration of life for family and loved ones on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at the Relais des Jeunes Gatinois, Door D, 315 Migneault Street, Gatineau, QC. The family will greet you starting at 1:00 pm and the celebration of life will begin at 1:30 pm.
If you wish to honour Gilberte’s memory, make someone laugh, do some volunteer work,
give some of your time to help someone or visit someone who might be lonely.
If you want to contribute to a cause, we encourage you to get involved or donate to The Dementia Society of Ottawa or the Canadian Mental Health Association (Timmins).
Donate Today | The Dementia Society (dementiahelp.ca)
Donate - CMHA Cochrane-Timiskaming (cmhact.ca)
Your messages of condolences can be sent to: www.cfo.coop
Quelle tristesse d’apprendre le décès de ta maman. Elle est partie pour le grand voyage l’âme en paix en te sachant là, à ses côtés, comme tu l’as toujours été dans les dernières années de sa vie. Tu as pris soin de ta maman et c’est à ton tour maintenant de prendre soin de toi et de te reposer. Une pensée spéciale pour Jean-François et Pol. Nos plus sincères condoléances à toi et à toute ta famille.
Ns avons été choyé de te connaître, comme une maman qui venait, ns voir et encourager Micheline pour son cancer, et toujours avoir le positif. Bon voyage ma belle Gilberte et salut Micheline la haut avec toi, dit lui bonjour et que je vs aime tous deux Gilles xox
Tellement désolée d'apprendre que ta maman est décédée. En lisant la notice nécrologique, je me suis dit qu'elle devait être une personne extraordinaire. Malgré ton chagrin, je suis certaine que tu garderas de bon souvenirs d'elle. Je suis de tout cœur avec toi. Sincères condoléances à toi et à ta famille. Gros bisous Lise!
Quelle vie bien et pleinement vécue. Votre mère semblait généreuse et sociable. Qu'elle puisse retrouver sa famille et ses amours et de la crème glacée.
Nos sympathies pour le décès de ta maman.
Mes condoléances, Dima. Votre maman semble avoir beaucoup donné dans sa vie. Elle mérite bien un beau repos.
Nos condoléances les plus sincères à toi Lise, Michel et la famille.
Nos plus sincères condoléances à toute la famille.Mes parents Joe et Pearl Faquette ainsi que nous Audette et André avons eu la chance d'entretenir une belle amitié avec cette formidable Gilberte.Elle sera reçue à bras ouverts par Joe et Pearl et nous garderons pour toujours de très beaux souvenirs de notre amie.
Dear Dima, we're sorry for the loss of your dear mother. May her memory be a comfort and a Blessing to you and your family.
Our deepest condolences
Nous venons d’apprendre le décès de Gilberte. Ma mère Denise était son amie à Cité Jardin. Nous offrons nos sincères condoléances.