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Marie Jean (Turgeon) - The children of Marie Jean sadly announce the passing of their beloved mother Marie, a devoted mother, grandmother and friend. Born March 1, 1919 in Kamsack, Saskatchewan , Marie left home at age 15, eventually settling in Port Arthur, Ontario, where she worked as a housekeeper/nanny for several families and performed housekeeping duties at St. Andrew's rectory. Mom recalled with fondness her years as a member of St. Andrew's Young People's Group. Marie met her husband-to-be Hector Jean at a dance just before he went to war. During wartime, like many local women, Mom worked at Canada Car, joining the group of women known as "Rosie's Riveters". Marie and Hector reconnected after the war and married on Jan 16, 1946. Throughout their life together Mom cared for many young children on behalf of the Children's Aid Society. As her own children got older, Mom took in youth on probation and later, boarding students through the Territorial Students Program. A highlight for Mom was the scroll of appreciation presented to her by Chief Dan George in 1978 for her many years of foster care; love and guidance to Native Children entrusted to her care. Mom also devoted much of her time to the Church; a 54-year member of the Catholic Women's League, Marie served three terms as League president for Our lady of Loretto Parish in Current River where we grew up. After having built a new home for his family, Dad passed away in 1975, and the next few years were difficult ones. Around 1979 Mom met Réal Fortin who eventually took her life in another direction - she sold the family home and moved to Dryden where she made many wonderful friends. Réal died in 1990 and Mom returned to Thunder Bay in 1992. She then moved into the P.R. Cook Apartments where she lived happily for almost 10 years. In 2002, she moved into Bethammi where she resided until her passing. Marie is survived by her son Gerard (Ziz) his wife Lorraine and grandchildren René, Luc and Ariane of Winnipeg; daughter Annette and her husband Cleo and grandchildren Claudine, Daniel and Jason in Thunder Bay; son Daniel and wife Janet grandchildren Brandon, Joshua, Erin and Jeremy of Saskatoon; son Emille (Gonzo) and his wife Kerri and grandchildren Casey and Lucas; son Francis (Frank) and wife Connie and grandchildren Chelsea and Kyle. She is also survived by her sisters Evangeline and Albertine and brothers Paul and Gilbert. Predeceased by her parents, husband Hector, companion Real Fortin, and several brothers and sisters. Marie, through all her many trials, remained a model of faith, courage and love, and that is how she will live forever in our hearts. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 11, 2004 when family and friends will gather for Funeral Mass at 11:00 am in Corpus Christi R.C. Church, celebrated by Rev. P.M. Stilla V.F. Interment will follow in St. Andrew's R.C. Cemetery. Vigil Prayers will be held Monday evening at 7:00 pm in the Chapel of St. Joseph's Heritage. Should friends desire, memorials to St. Joseph's Foundation (Bethammi Nursing Home), The Arthritis Society, or The Thunder Bay Alzheimer Society would be appreciated. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com