Obituary of Madeline Bertrand

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of my mother, Madeline “Molly” Bertrand, who left us peacefully on March 7th, 2026 with her family by her side.

My mother is now reunited with her beloved husband Girard Bertrand and her 5 loving children. She was a devoted catholic and her religious faith in God never wavered, only anticipating the day she would meet her lord and saviour.

Madeline is predeceased by her parents, Roger and Lizzy DeVere. Her fathers’ military career took her all over the world, living in Egypt, India, and England. At a later date Molly would follow in her father’s footsteps enlisting with the British Military during World War II. It would be at that time during the war that she would meet the love of her life, Girard.

Molly loved to tell the story of how she met her husband. She would begin with “I was standing on the platform waiting for my train to go home (England). Girard was on the platform waiting for his train to return back to his barracks (England). We made eye contact and then my train arrived. As I boarded my train, I noticed that Girard was sitting 3 rows behind me on the opposite side. We exchanged a couple more glances. When I got off my train, I noticed Girard got off the train as well. He came up to me and said “May I carry your bags Miss”. He walked me home and we talked all the way. I told him to wait at the gate as I went in the house to tell my parents that I had met the most wonderful Canadian Soldier and he was waiting outside at the gate. My parents invited him in for tea. I told my mother, I was going to marry him. Girard sat in the living room with my father and he also told my father “I am going to marry your daughter” which I found out later.”

Madeline and Girard were married February 2, 1944. They enjoyed 36 years of marriage until Girard’s untimely death on October 10, 1980. During their years together they had and raised a beautiful family. Together they had 6 children.

Molly leaves behind her son and daughter in law, Danny and Anita. Predeceased by Geraldine, Jimmy, Girard, Tommy, and John. Molly also leaves behind her son in law Tom Cross.

Molly was “Mimi” to 8 loving grandchildren, who she cherished with all her heart. Michael Cross (Laurie), Jennifer (predeceased Jamie Breault), Girard, Adam (Kirsten), Jamie (Maureen), Kristen (Mike), Melanie (Paolo), Chad (Amy).

Molly was also blessed to have 11 great grandchildren whom she beamed with joy every time she saw them. She referred to them as her “precious treasures”. Loving great Mimi to Sean, Kaitlyn, Ryan, Quinn, Ivy, Rowen, Jack, Aiden, Connor, Karys, and Tanner.

Molly will be deeply missed by many nieces, nephews, extended family members and all who were blessed to know her.

Molly and Girard owned and operated Bertrand’s Moving and Cartage in the early years of their life. They brought the Electric Bingo industry to Canada. They owned and operated Rose City Bingo for over 30 years. Their business helped to support multiple charities throughout the City of Windsor. She employed many people throughout the years and was treated by all with the utmost respect. Molly was a hardworking, dedicated, and fair employer who loved her staff and her customers.

Extended heartfelt thanks to Dr. Bergeron of Palliative Care, Hospice, and the nursing staff from St. Elizabeth’s and to the PSW’s from Ontario Home and Health for their brief but loving and compassionate care for my mother.

A centurian!! I am so proud of my mother for all that she has done throughout her life, and I will be forever grateful that I was her son!

Visitation will be held at Windsor Chapel Funeral Home - Banwell Chapel (11677 Tecumseh Rd. E, 519-253-7235), on Thursday March 12th, 2026 from 3-5pm and 7-9pm. Visitation will continue on Friday March 13th, 2026 at Most Precious Blood Church (1947 Meldrum Rd, Windsor) from 9:30am until time of the funeral mass at 10:30am. Interment to follow at Heavenly Rest Cemetery. In honour of Molly, donations may be made out to the Hospice of Windsor. Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared with the family at www.windsorchapel.com