Mrs. Vaillancourt,  May you rest in peace.  Thank you for all your work at St. Joseph's.  We miss you.

These is the Eulogy prepard by my Mom, Jacqui Hubbard, Cecilia's daughter.
Cecilia T. Vaillancourt
Born in Humboldt, Saskatchewan on August 14, 1919, the second child of Frank and Catherine Berg, Cecilia was baptized Zezela because her father was an illiterate farmer.
At the age of 11, she lost her mother in childbirth and was forced to leave school in grade 6 to care for the younger children.  While her father was married twice more and had other children (18 in total), Cecilia remained at home, helping on the farm until aged 19.  Although lacking in formal education, she certainly never stopped learning and loved books, especially about the lives of the Saints and Jesus' Mother Mary.
Moving to Toronto in 1938, she worked many jobs, waitressing, factory work, food prep at the Timothy Eaton Store, and even at a laundry for baby diapers.  Anyone remember cloth diapers?
But the job she loved the most was wife to Louis and mother to not only her children, Shirley (who died at 18 months) Reg and Jacqui, but also her many foster children; Muriel, Ray and Leona are here today.  There was always an open door policy at her house.  The more the merrier.  And of course she was incredibly proud of her grandchildren. Keith and Carrie.  
The church had always been an important part of her life but became even more so after the death of Louis in 1969 and all the children had left home.
For many years at St. Joseph's Parish, she was a member of the CWL; ran the book store; was a Lector, a Eucharistic Minister;  As a devout member of the Legion of Mary she took communion to the sick at home and in hospital, visited the Don Jail; served meals at Good Shepherd Center; taught First Communion / First Confession and Confirmation classes.
Right up until a compound fracture of her leg forced her into a nursing home at age 92, she was the first one at the church each morning to open the doors, turn on the lights and prepare the alter for daily mass.  And she did it all without fan-fare or the need for recognition.  She did it for her God.
Finally, in her 97th year, He called to her.  There is little doubt that the Gates of Heaven opened wide.  "Welcome home; my good and faithful servant."

There is only one God; and there will only ever be one Cecilia! You will be forever in my heart! ❤

Dear Jacqui: I would love it if you read this at the funeral because if I was able to come, I would have been honored to do it myself but since I am unable to go, would you do it on my behalf or get someone else to do it if it is to much for you to handle.

I wish I could be here today to share in the common bond we all have, but circumstances prevent me from attending but I will be thinking and praying for you all. I am at a loss for adequate words to express my sadness for you and your family. I had the blessed opportunity of knowing your mom by her taking me into her home with no questions asked to show me that she cared about my situation. She was my special angel, and I know Heaven just received one of the most special angels ever and I am sure she has many jewels on her crown. Your mom was truly one of the most open and giving human beings I have ever met. I am so blessed that I was able to be part of her life for so long. I have learned life-long lessons through her kindness to me. It is as a result of her that I walk through life with a bigger heart for others as she was such a great example to me at my very young age. She was an example for all of us to follow, the way she embraced life and consciously lived by her own motto, "Learn something new every day and share what you have learned to others." Your mom touched my life in a BIG way and it some ways, it has made me the person I am today. I learned from the best and she leaves on a legacy for me to follow in her footsteps in the way she treated people in a Godly manner with the up-most love and respect. I have no idea what you must be going through in losing what I think is the one of most important persons in your life. I know your mom was that to me, and with this loss comes so many layers of heartache for you and so many others. Your mom was such a lovely woman. I often think about all the times we spent together and all the amazing things she did to comfort me in a time when I needed it most. She was such a pleasure to me and I felt so much like I was part of her extended family. She treated me like her daughter and I felt so loved by her. I also had the privilege of being a part of Leona and Murial's life whom I call my sisters and I love them both. I have learned so much from your mom and will remember her always. My heart aches for you and your family during this time. Your mother was such an amazing person and she will truly be missed by me. My motto to all of you present here is, "Love yourself and don't forget to be kind to your heart and to others." God will handle the rest. My heartfelt condolences. I know we never lose the people we love. We live the rest of our lives with them in our hearts. I know I will never forget her. I will not say goodbye Mom Vaillancourt but till we meet again. Much love sent your way. Love Lina.

May she rest in peace.   I so missed her when she left St. Joseph's.  She appreciated plants and gardens like I did and we worked together with the much needed pruning of all the shrubs and roses.

Love Jenny

I didn't know Mrs. Vaillancourt personally, but heard through her granddaughter, my friend Carrie, what a wonderful person she was.  I was always amazed at the stories of her grandmother's incredible resolve and inner strength.  Her faith was very strong. She was quite an inspiration.  We extend our sincere sympathy to the family and hope that, in time, happier memories of times gone by will bring you peace and comfort.

OBITUARY

Mrs. Cecilia Vaillancourt

August 14, 1919 – March 11, 2016

Giffen-Mack and Trull Funeral Home

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