Obituary of Jacqueline Germaine Mezzo

MEZZO, Jacqueline "Jackie" Nov. 24th, 1928 - March 5th, 2015 Leaving behind precious memories, a legacy of love, music and faith, Jackie has gone to meet her Lord. Jacqueline Germaine Mezzo, late of Leask, passed away peacefully on Mar. 5, 2015 at the Wheatland Lodge. Jackie was born to Eugene and Marie Lagoutte on Nov. 24, 1928 in Valley St. Claire near Cadillac SK. In 1932, her dad took a homestead in the Leask district, now known as the Royal Community Pasture. Jackie, born legally blind attended the Institute of Nazareth French School for the Blind in Montreal, Quebec for 8 years, the English School for the blind in Brantford, Ontario for 4 years, graduating in 1947. Jackie’s happy reunion with her beloved family, was short lived, in 1949 she was confined for 21 months with tuberculosis and pneumonia in the Prince Albert Sanatorium. Jackie worked for the CNI, Birks, St. Paul’s and the University Hospital in Saskatoon. Jackie met the love of her life, Frank Mezzo, they married in 1957. Frank worked on road construction and Jackie always travelled with him until 1963, when they bought her parents farm. Jackie worked alongside Frank doing typical farm wife duties: gardening, cooking, baking, preserving, cleaning and doing whatever had to be done. Jackie was an overcomer and never complained about being blind .She had a fantastic memory and made everyone feel special and loved by remembering their birthdays and anniversaries. Frank and Jackie each had an amazing sense of humor and loved to laugh. Their home was always open to friends and family. Frank’s health deteriorated and in 1986, the farm was sold and they moved to Leask. December 1994 Frank passed away. She missed him dearly, Jackie’s strong faith, her strength and independent spirit took over and she once again fully embraced life. Jackie loved to play her accordion accumulating a group of jam session friends who gathered not only to dance, sing and play together but to share their music to lift spirits in nursing homes and senior centers. Her sparkle and laugh was contagious and she brought joy to many. During these years, she was able to connect at a deeper level with her dearly loved family as they all relaxed into their retirement stage. As her mobility deteriorated, Jackie moved from her own lovely home to a small suite in the low rentals and in 2011 to the Wheatland Lodge. Though her final years were difficult, her faith and spirit stayed strong. Jackie’s family is truly thankful for the dutiful and caring support received from her loving, faithful friend and power of attorney, Mary Stocker, and all the staff at Wheatland Lodge. Jackie is lovingly remembered by her siblings: Gabrielle Verbonac, Martha(Irvin) Ziegeman, Roland(Stella) Lagoutte, Jean(Alex) Budan. Her sister–in-law Margaret Lagoutte, brother-in-law Charles(Dawna) Mezzo, special friend Mary Stocker, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is predeceased by her: husband Frank Mezzo, Parents, Eugene and Marie Lagoutte, Brothers, Camille(infant) and Hubert Lagoutte, Sisters, Andree(Paul) Bourassa, Paulette(John) Straf, Parents in law; Louis and Lydia Mezzo. Brothers in law: Ernest Verbonac, Paul Robin ,Louis, Matthew(Agnes) and Fred Mezzo, sister in law, Esther(Don) Adrien. A Prayer Service was held on Tuesday March 10th, 2015 and the Mass of Christian Burial held on Wednesday, March 11th, 2015 both Services held in the St Henry Roman Catholic Church, in Leask, SK. Memorial Donations may be directed to the Wheatland Lodge Auxilliary, Leask, SK. Family and friends wishing to send private online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com Arrangements entrusted to Lori Saam of Beau "Lac" Funeral Home, Spiritwood, SK 306-883-3500 The family of Jacqueline Mezzo wish to extend our sincere thanks for all the expressions of sympathy we received during this time of bereavement. Thank you for the many condolences, cards, visits, phone calls, flowers, gifts of food, prayers and kind support. We also send our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the staff of Wheatland Lodge for your dedicated and caring service to Jackie and to Lori Saam and staff of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home for your very personal and fitting service.