On December 23, Johanne Deschamps passed away surrounded by her loved ones after battling an aggressive form of cancer. At the age of 70, she is leaving peacefully owing to all the love she gave and received. She leaves her family and friends with a legacy of kindness and gentleness.
Johanne is survived by her three brothers, Fernand, Ronald and Luc, and their families; her great love Jacques, whom she met at 16 and reunited with 45 years later; his children and grandchildren; her extended family made up of the children of her former spouses; and her close friends.
Throughout her life, Johanne devoted herself to social causes. She fought for human rights and, specifically, women’s rights, within the community. As part of the Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec, she held a number of key positions. She was the first woman to lead the Education Services branch. Afterwards, she became the first female political advisor of this labour union confederation where her work was applauded by all.
In 2017, she settled in Chelsea, where she played a very active role in many organizations, including St. Stephen’s Parish, the French primary school Grand-Boisé’s sugar house, l’Université du troisième âge de l’Université de Sherbrooke (campus de l’Outaouais), and the Chelsea Ward 2 Residents’ Association.
Johanne was a generous and dedicated woman, who listened to all those who needed her help. Throughout her life, she demonstrated altruism and goodwill to others.
A mass will be held on Sunday, January 26, 2025, from 2 to 3 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Church (212 chemin Old Chelsea, Chelsea). Condolences will be received from 12:30 p.m. A celebration of life will follow for family, friends, and guests at the Chelsea Pub (238 chemin Old Chelsea).
A celebration of her life will also be held in Montréal on February 9 at Centre St-Pierre, 1212 rue Panet in Montréal, from 2 to 5 p.m. to underline the importance she had in our hearts and lives. A toast to all the memories will be shared with her.
In keeping with Johanne’s wishes, those who want to pay their respects can make a donation to the Maison Parent-Roback, a hub of organizations dedicated to defending women’s rights, an initiative dear to her heart.
https://www.canadahelps.org/fr/organismesdebienfaisance/la-maison-parent-roback/
Condolences can be sent to www.cfo.coop