Obituary of Jeannette Margaret Lefaive (née Rivait)

It is with heavy hearts and gratitude for a life extremely well lived that we announce the passing of our dear sweet mother, Jeannette Margaret Lefaive (née Rivait) who passed away peacefully on February 8th, 2023, surrounded by her loving children at the age of 105.

Jeannette was pre-deceased by her devoted husband of 39 years, Jean Paul (1979).

Cherished mother of her children Jerry and Judy, Ken and Dale, Jeannine and Ted Bourgard, Anita and Marc Thibault, Dennis and Pat, and Ray and Mary.

She was the most special Grandma to 16 grandchildren and Grandmama to 27 great-grandchildren: Dan and Jeanne, Natalie Lefaive; Julie and Steve, Megan Prsa; Dave and Jennifer, Ethan, Abby Lefaive; Ronni and Darren, Kara, Reid Gibson; Jeff, Ashlyn, Carter McKay; Jacqueline and Doug, Christian, Connor, Jillian, Avery McLeod; Danielle and Tim, Ava, Sutton Fenech; Noelle and Miguel, Samantha, Lucas, Nathan Gonzalez; Mary Catherine and Walter, Elizabeth, Matthew Chubrick; Christine, Christian, Caitlin Stanislaw; Marc and Siobhan, Maeve, Bridget, Nora Thibault; Michelle and Jaret, Austyn, JJ Wills; Michael and Tara Lefaive; Matthew and Christine, Payton Lefaive; Christopher Lefaive and Jeffrey Lefaive.

Beloved sister of Catherine Anglin, Larry Rivait, Fran Rowe, Margaret Sigouin (Terry), sister-in-law Betty Rivait and the late Margaret Sholund, Annabelle Dayton, Claire Faulkner, Paul Rivait, and Pauline Parent. She will be fondly remembered by her many nieces and nephews.

Her thoughtful ways kept family and friends feeling special as she remembered each of them through the years, with cards, so many phone calls and her infectious smile. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to all the staff and residents at Amica for their kindness over the past 8 years that made Mom’s “golden years” so enjoyable. She loved interacting with the staff, socializing with residents and making new friends who became like family.

Over her lifetime Mom was an active member of her church, St Rose, and later St John Vianney. She was a dedicated member of the CWL and served as Eucharistic Minister at her parishes and Amica. We know she is now at peace in the presence of her Lord.

Jeannette leaves such an enduring legacy of love. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are testament to Jeannette and Jean Paul’s bonds of faith and commitment. She knew the world for over a century. But she never took it for granted. She never wanted to miss anything. She paid rapt attention to everyone she met, from the very youngest on up. That is not an exaggeration. That excitement and interest carried on every day! She was up to date to her very last days on news, weather, social trends and even fashion - all you had to do was introduce yourself and see how she conversed, carried herself and dressed up for 105 years!

God blessed us with her quiet but indomitable spirit, sense of humour, and joie de vivre! We will miss her deeply but we will continue to celebrate her life.

At the request of the family, masks to be worn during the visitation and service are HIGHLY recommended.