Martha M. DeGagne

Marthe (Martha) Reine Lumina (Gagne) DeGagne was born at St. Boniface, Manitoba on November 5, 1928 to Berthe Marie (Sanche) Gagne (1903-1976) and Phillippe Joseph Gagne (1902-1981). She died in her sleep at Birchwood Terrace on October 19, 2017.

She was the eldest of seven children. Four sisters Jeannine Rowden (1930-1969), Rose Cowan (1933-2015), Yvonne Scott (1935-2015), and Louise Anne Gagne-Chuhie, and two brothers Herve (1941-1990) and Joseph.

She was predeceased by her husband Robert (Bob) Noel DeGagne (1925-1985), and by one grandson (Solomon Emmanuel Darbeshire 1983-2009). She lived in her own home until her 89th year when her dementia became such that it was no longer safe for her to do so, and then moved to Birchwood Terrace Home for the Aged.

She is survived by all fourteen of her children, 21 of her grandchildren and all 18 great-grands.

Reine DeGagne (Dean Miclash, Solomon Darbeshire, Angela DeGagne); Claudette and Gary Weeks (Ben and Jewel Weeks, Evangeline, Camille; Jesse and Laura Weeks, Lincoln; Daniel and Olivia Weeks, Samuel); Doreen Villeneuve and Chris DeGagne (Elvis DeGagne, Angela DeGagne); Anne and Dan Shankowsky (Jen and Rich Roberts, Colton, Callie; Evan and Cassidy Shankowsky, Kieran); Colleen and Pete DeGagne (Pamela and Rocky Gargulio, Aislynn, Logan; Gilles DeGagne); Gail and Pat DeGagne (Shauna and Chris Clarke, Ethan, Henri and Liev; Michelle and Colin Ward, Lumina and Hope; Diaina and Jared DeGagne); Thomas DeGagne; Donna Morriseau and Phil DeGagne (Jorge); Barb and Paul DeGagne (Cameron, Julia; Christopher McLeod and Ashley Kapacila, Faith, Hope and Zak); Monique and Greg Charlton (Tara Thompson and Lane Charlton, Diem; Eryn Charlton); John DeGagne and Karen Tabe; Joanne and Frank DeGagne; Scott DeGagne; Etsuyo and Greg DeGagne (Amelia and Claire).

Fluent in both French and English, Mom grew up in Fort Frances and learned to love the outdoors at the family camp her father built on Rainy Lake. She loved to be outdoors at any time of year. In her younger years she loved to skate and was an accomplished figure skater - it was on a bus trip to compete at a skating event in Kenora that she met the love of her life; they married within months.

She was an active member of the Catholic Women's League for 51 years, was a member of the G-Clef choir, helped at Agape hot lunches for those in need, volunteered at the Jail, and was always ready to help a neighbour. Mom played the organ at church and was active in the church choir as well. At home she loved to play the piano and sing, usually with a little one on her lap, between her hands, loving the music and banging on the keys. She was quick to sew or knit clothing or toys - we loved getting new pj's or toys from her.

Learning to drive in her late 50's after Dad passed away, she grew to enjoy her new freedom and would drive friends to church or other events. Giving up her vehicle in her late 80's was difficult for her, but family and friends all stepped in to help out. She loved her "retirement job" - helping out on the playground at Our Lady of the Valley School and also École Ste-Marguerite Bourgeoys where she watched over the children at recess - she was Grandma to them all. She also helped out every Saturday with the mass at Pinecrest Nursing Home for many years.

In her later years she loved the gazebo in her back yard where she would sit and nap or watch the flowers and variety of birds, squirrels and deer, and even the occasional fox or bear. She loved being a part of it all.

The family would also like to thank and acknowledge the staff of Birchwood who, over the course of Martha’s stay, cared for her with empathy and professionalism. We also appreciate many of the residents at Birchwood who knew Martha, became new friends, looked out for her, and gave her comfort.

Prayer Service will be held on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at 7:00 pm at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, October 26, 2017 at 11:00 am at Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church with Father Rudy Manaloto officiating. Interment will follow at Lake of the Woods Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com

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