Obituary of Louise Rodrigue

It is with deep sadness that the family of Louise Marie Rodrigue of Spiritwood, Saskatchewan announces her passing at the age of 81 years. Louise was born in Los Angeles, California on October 8, 1926. Her family dreamed of homesteading and in 1928 they moved to the Mildred, Saskatchewan area. She attended Mirror Lake School, but due to the fact that Louise had lost most of her hearing and that French was the primary language spoken at home, school, which was taught in English, was difficult for her. After the passing of her father in 1956, Louise and her mother moved into Spiritwood, where they lived together until 1972 when her mother passed away. Louise had never married and was now on her own. The Sisters of Presentation of Mary were very kind to her and they spent a lot of time together, taking her on many outings, playing cards, other games and doing crafts. They looked after her as one of their own. Louise was skilled at ceramics, needlework, quilting, vegetable gardening and growing beautiful flowers. She won horticultural prizes for her flowers on different occasions. She was very fond of all animals, but especially cats. Her favorite cat name was Basil, as she owned a few with that particular name. She had a keen sense of humor and was very expressive. Often it was her expressions, not necessarily the words that would bring a smile or chuckle from others. There was nothing insincere about her. When she gave a hug, you knew you were hugged, as it came from the heart. Visits from relatives were usually never prearranged and if she wasn't at home, she could almost always be found downtown or at the Soup N Such where a soup and sandwich was then enjoyed by all. Diabetes and heart trouble became a concern as she grew older. In March, 2008 she suffered a serious heart attack and was taken to Saskatoon. She recovered well enough to return to Spiritwood, but could not stay in her home alone anymore and was moved into the Spiritwood Health Complex. There she was lovingly cared for until her passing on the evening of July 27, 2008. She will be forever lovingly remembered by her brother George (Rita) Rodrigue of Leduc, AB, her nieces and nephews, Tim (Eileen) Rodrigue of Mayerthorpe, AB, Pandy (Dale) Mudryk of Leduc, AB, Glen (Theresa) Rodrigue of Meadow Lake, SK, Sandra (Wayne) Arscott of Duncan, BC, and Carol Price of Prince George, BC, as well as numerous great nieces and nephews, other relatives, and many good friends. She was predeceased by her parents Juliette and Joseph Rodrigue, her sister and brother-in-law Georgette and Percy Price, and her nieces Corinne and Johanna. A prayer service was held for Louise on Thursday, July 31, 2008 and Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Friday, August 1, 2008 at Sacred Heart RC Church in Spiritwood with Rev. Fr. Paul De Guzman as the celebrant. The altar servers were Luc and Grace Rodrigue and the music director was Bill Martodam. Special music was sung by Shelby and Myra Rodrigue. The cross bearer was Brett Goller and the eulogy was read by Glen Rodrigue. Honorary pall bearers were all relatives and friends who shared in Louise's life and the active pall bearers were Timothy Rodrigue, Glen Rodrigue, Dale Mudryk, Norman Doucette, Louis Willick and Leon Willick. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Spiritwood Health Complex Foundation or Sacred Heart RC Church in Spiritwood. Louise was laid to rest in the Spiritwood Cemetery.