Obituary of Bernadette Chaput (nee Lanoue)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Aunt Bernadette on June 25, 2025 at 109 years of age.

Predeceased by parents Alcide and Parmilia and brothers Agenard, (Leah) Don (Dotagne), Armand, (Pat) and Leon(Florence). Predeceased by husbands Leo Chaput (1980) and Larry Pilon (2012). Bernadette is survived by 17 nieces and nephews in the Lanoue Families. Bernadette was born in Tilbury West Township.

Bernadette was a proud French teacher with the Windsor and Essex county Catholic school board for over 30 years having retired in 1970. A tribute to Bernadette was the indelible mark she left with her students some of whom to this day came up to her and remembered her as one of the best teachers that they ever had. Her insatiable thirst for education led her to obtain her BA at the University of Windsor after retiring: she was very proud of that accomplishment. Bernadette had a loving heart and a sharp wit and was dedicated to her family. When we asked her how she managed to be so active and so 'good on her legs' she would say that it was due to her 18 years of aqua fitness for seniors at St. Clair college, which she drove herself to into her late eighties. Bernadette and Leo had a wonderful and active social life in South Windsor and spent many years wintering in Florida. When Leo passed she continued wintering in Florida and over those years she met Larry Pilon. Bernadette persevered in her home and was very active in her church community of Corpus Christi as a member of the CWL and the card club. Besides these activities she loved to sew and to do water color paintings.

We all called her "Ma Tante": she earned our respect and honour and was our link to our past. Every milestone birthday was celebrated with Family, sharing in the joy of such a wonderful, kind and ever smiling Lady. Bernadette has been welcomed into the arms of her Lord and has been reunited with the family she loved. A life well lived and a life well loved. The family would like to thank all the dedicated support staff at Sunrise, especially Sue and Rowena, for helping Bernadette live such a wonderful and well cared for life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice in Bernadette's name.

Visitation will be held on June 28, 2025 at Corpus Christi Church (1400 Cabana Road West) from 10am until the time of the mass of Christian burial at 11am. Interment to follow at Heavenly Rest Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Windsor Chapel Funeral Home- South Chapel, 3048 Dougall Avenue, (519-253-7236). Online condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.windsorchapel.com