Paulette Selby

Marie Janine Cecile Paulette Selby (nee Garneau)

Paulette passed away peacefully on July 17, 2019. She will be lovingly remembered and forever missed by her family. She is predeceased by her husband Thomas and her daughter Carol. She is survived by her children, David (Grace), Judy (Bruce), Kathleen (Stewart), Tim (Chris) and Paula (Les); her grandchildren Natasha, Nadia, Joanna, Nicholas, Daniel, Haley, Robyn, Adam, Aiki, James, Abby and Nick. Great grandchildren Teegan, Tristan, Finn, Richard, Alexandra, Ava and Emmy. Her family meant everything to her. She was proud of each and every one of us.

Paulette was born in Montreal, Quebec, on Dec 21, 1923. She graduated from the convent Notre Dame de la Trinité Pointe aux Trembles in 1941 and worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway as an office clerk. This position was created for women to replace the men who had gone to war. After the war, Mom worked for a huge printing shop on Park Avenue in Montreal for a few years.

On a holiday west, Mom boarded a train and travelled to St. Lazare, Manitoba to attend her cousin’s wedding. This is where she met Dad. Six months later they were married in Montreal and started their life in Lazare. Quite an adventure for a 23 year old who had never been out of Montreal before. Paulette and Tom were blessed with six children and were married for 67 years, until Dad’s passing in 2014. 

Paulette worked at the bank in Lazare for a short time, but with six children, quickly realized her time was better served as a volunteer in her small community. She was involved with the Ladies Auxiliary, Girl Guides and was instrumental in bringing the Seniors Leisure Centre to fruition. She served as President of the Senior’s Club for a few years. Mom also loved to play cards. They would often play Bridge competitively against other members from surrounding towns.

After Dad retired, Mom and Dad went on few trips together. The most memorable, Mom will tell you, was one down memory lane, where they visited cousins and war time friends in England, since Dad had been stationed there during the war. Their next trip was one to the Maritimes. They toured the islands which had always been a dream of theirs. They also visited family in Vancouver, Whiterock, Calgary, and Lester Beach. They loved it.

In later years, Mom and Dad moved to LaBroquerie to be closer to family as most of us lived in Winnipeg. Nothing made Mom happier than a visit with her grandchildren! Finally, they decided to move to the Cathédrale Manor, in Winnipeg. This was a great decision as the staff and the people there gave Mom a wonderful home where she felt safe and secure. Her final move was to Foyer Valade, a personal care home, where she lived for almost a year.

Mom will be deeply missed by her children, grandchildren, family and friends. There are so many people to thank. It didn’t matter where Mom lived, somehow all the staff, especially at Foyer Valade, were gentle, kind, patient and ensured Mom was comfortable and lovingly cared for…

Mom, we hope we make you proud. We thank God everyday He chose you to be our Mother. 

A Celebration of Paulette and Tom’s lives will be held in St Lazare on July 25, 2019 at 2:00.

In lieu of flower, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.