Gaëtane Reina (Amyotte) Bénard

BÉNARD, Gaëtane Reina (1942-2023)

It is with great sadness that the family announces that Gaëtane (Gail) Bénard passed away peacefully at Health Sciences North surrounded by family on April 25, 2023, at the age of 81. Beloved wife and partner of the late Raymond Bénard for 51 years, Gail is now reunited with him in his loving embrace. She will be sadly missed by her children, Joanne (Daniel Legris - deceased), Robert (Katoucha Desaulniers), Richard, Rolland (Liz Morden) and Betty-Ann. She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Andy, Robin (Scott), Tara (Michelle), Brandon, Ashley Bénard-Legris (Nick), Cassidy Carruthers, Noah and her great-granddaughter, Sophia. They brought such joy and love to her life. She will also be missed by the many foster children that she and Ray welcomed into their home. Special mention of Devona Charron. Gaëtane was the daughter of the late Moïse Amyotte, the late Yvonne Amyotte (née Laferriere) and the late Rena Wilson (née Martel). She was a caring sister to Rhéo (Janice), Richard (Jane), Viata Ouelette (Gilles – deceased), Priscilla, Aline Scouton (Ray – deceased), Viviane Francoeur (George), Gertrude, Yvonne Hebert – deceased (Aurèle – deceased), Margaret Ferguson, Jenny Vautour (Matt deceased), Shirley Arbour (Ronald), Hannah May Norman (Rosaire) and Michael Stewart - deceased (Deana). Gail will be remembered for her kindness, sense of humour and never-ending compassion. She truly was an angel on earth and touched the hearts of all those who met her. She spent many years in service to others through her work at Nipissing Manor, and her years with CCAC and the Red Cross as she supported many in their homes during their time of need. Gail was a loving wife, amazing mother, devoted grandmother and exceptional friend. She will be missed by many. The family will receive friends at the McGuinty Funeral Home located at 591 Cassells Street, North Bay on Monday, May 1, 2023, from 2 to 4 pm and from 6 to 8 pm for a visitation in honour of Gaëtane’s life. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at 11 am in St. Bernadette’s Parish in Bonfield. Gail’s family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to Dr. John Seguin and staff, the staff at HSN (Sudbury), the staff at Phil’s Pharmacy in North Bay and the staff at Home and Community Care Support Services for the exceptional care and compassion extended to her. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Covenant House in Toronto would be appreciated by the family. We hope to see many family and friends as we gather in celebration of the life of Mrs. Gaëtane (Gail) Bénard. Online condolences may be made at www.mcguintyfuneralhome.com