Claire Alice Beauvais

Beauvais, Claire Alice (née Bourgeois)

It is with heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Claire Alice Beauvais, surrounded by the love of her family and in the peacefulness of her home, on November 26, 2017 at the age of 95 years. Predeceased by her husband Emile Beauvais. Loving mother of Ghislain (Debbie), Gaetan (Robertine), Reynald (Lucie) and Gaetanne Taylor. Cherished grandma of 6 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Claire will be sadly missed by her many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Predeceased by her parents; Azarias and Juliette Bourgeois and by her 7 brothers and 3 sisters. Family will be receiving visitors at the McGuinty Funeral Home (North Bay) on Wednesday November 29th, 2017 from 7-9 pm. Funeral mass will be celebrated at Paroisse St. Vincent-de-Paul on Thursday at 11 am. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. In Claire’s memory, donations to the MS Society would be gratefully appreciated by her family. Online condolences can be made at www.mcguintyfuneralhome.com

Claire Alice Beauvais/ Mme.Beauvais
(The 'OG' CAB)
December 24, 1921 - November 26, 2017
Today my Grandmaman Claire left us to join her beloved. 95 years young, a month shy of 96. She will surely walk through those pearly gates. They won't even have to check their books as she was without a doubt the kindest, most generous, loving, and welcoming woman this world has known. 
Grandmaman was a teacher and later in life taught at Hearst College. Her students loved her and sent her off in a limo when she retired at 65. Grandmaman was a most excellent knitter, especially of socks, mitts and hatts which she gave to all of us, but specifically to the church to fill up the giving tree to those in need.  
A devout Catholic she watched mass on Sundays on the TV when she could no longer attend in person. Prayed the Rosary at a minimum of 3 times daily. But in all her devotion to Christ, she never allowed that devotion to bleed unto ignorance. She welcomed and loved all people, all family, regardless of what the good book says. Kindness and love always came first. If ever someone embodied the Word of Christ, it was her.
Growing up in a Francophone family is no joke. People joke about Italians being loud but sweet Jesus you ain't never heard French folk gather. In my overly sensitive youth I'd often yell at them all to stop yelling (irony in spades). They'd laugh because they were talking. But when they were in the midst of these 'talks' if Grandmaman spoke in her soft voice, you shut up and listened.
Grandmaman helped me out when I first moved away to school, as University, an EDUCATION, was a priority. Women were NOT little ladies. We could be skilled in arts of home and formal education EQUALLY! When I ended up changing routes and going to Teacher's College, well it was yet another way I followed in her footsteps. Big footsteps. The biggest. (She wrote her memoirs years ago! And a math textbook for her Adult Ed students! I mean come on. Amazing!)
There are so many things I think of when I think of Grandmaman. Her MS rarely comes to mind because it didn't come to hers either, even being bedridden for the last 17 years. That was her 'lot' in life and complaining never solved anything.  Instead, I think of her gentle voice, and her kind soul. Watching Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune and The Price is Right. Knitting; always knitting (have to keep the hands nimble and serve the Lord). Search a words (have to keep the mind working). Bingo scratch tickets. Sweets (Mmmm, chocolate). Carafes of Coffee. Vitamin carousel (Vitamins are the key to life and health). A cigarette lasting 3 to 4 cigarette breaks (no joke. This always killed me). And a hilarious choice in sitcoms.
She lived a good, long, at times hard, but rewarding life. She was loved by all. I aspire to her strength, wisdom and courage. My Ma taunte Gaetane ensured she had all she needed and wanted the last 27+ years, an often difficult task that many would pass on. Grandmaman remained and passed peacefully in the comfort of the family home. [❤]
To all my family. I love you. 
Tout mon amour. Repose avec grand-père au paradis. 
Xoxox [❤]
 

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