Gertrude Bourbeau

In September 1932, Gertrude was born near the small village of Ham-Nord, Quebec to Mélina (née Simoneau) and Napoleon Mercier. The fifth child, she was raised on the family farm with her three brothers and two sisters.

Life is not easy on a farm. It is a long walk to the small country schoolhouse, and even as a child traditional farmhouse chores beckon. Our family would often hear snippets of the chores, of cooking and baking and preserving foods required to prepare for winter.

At fifteen, her parents decided to move to Abitibi in northern Quebec. Gertrude decided to stay behind and live with her sister. She was eighteen when she moved to the city of Victoriaville where the beautiful Gertrude worked as a waitress. There is family lore relating to our mother and Jean Beliveau but ultimately it was Georges Bourbeau (who with his brother had bought the restaurant) that, after two years of courtship, won her hand. They married in 1952 and lived together for 51 years.

At first, they lived in Quebec, working as a team with Georges in the kitchen and Gertrude taking care of customers. They started a family of their own and before long decided to move to Ontario. In a span of 10 years they had 7 children together (5 boys and 2 girls).

During that time, they moved to different places in northern Ontario, eventually opening two restaurants in Sudbury. Later following an opportunity, they moved to Toronto where they settled with their family.

Georges was a master chef, but Gertrude was an excellent cook and accomplished baker. Add that to their enterprising spirit and they created a successful catering firm and family business.

Gertrude was the heart of the family. We were blessed to have had such a wonderful person as a mother. Always a strong role model, she raised her children with love. She was a fantastic cook, an amazing baker that enjoyed entertaining friends and family. A wonderful person with a kind heart, she made friends easily. We all have such wonderful memories of her. She was loved and will be sorely missed by all of us and by all who knew her.

Rest well mom and know we all love you.

She is survived by her 7 children, 15 grandchildren and her many great grandchildren.

Visitation and Burial remain private due to the current restrictions surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic. The family appreciates your understanding during this difficult time.