Small but mighty!
Thérèse Marie Richard (née Lapointe) may have been a quiet woman, but strong and fierce, she was a woman who touched many hearts.
A loving mother, wife, sister, grandmother and great grandmother Thérèse lived to an incredible 99 years of age. She died peacefully at Pioneer Manor on Monday, February 14, 2022, with family by her side.
Thérèse was born on October 11, 1922 to Odilon and Odianna Lapointe and grew up in the Hearst/Joques area. She married Joseph Richard (deceased in 1969). She also lived in Manitouwadge and since 1969, Val Caron has been her home.
Having been raised by her father and grandparents, Thérèse unfortunately had to leave school in Grade 3, yet taught herself to read and write by reading the newspaper. How amazing!
A mother who always put her children first, she raised 5 children; Roger Richard (Marilyn Vaillancourt), Lucille Salach (Henry), Berry Biederman (Rick - predeceased), Juliette Richard (predeceased in infancy), Joseph Richard and Mark Richard (Sibylle Haller).
Thérèse continued her selflessness and poured her heart into helping with her numerous grandchildren; Angie Watts (Marv), Brad Biederman (Tamara), Lena Salach (Cory Peddigrew), Nathalie Richard (Greg Quirk), Michelle Richard (James Robinson), Jessica Biederman (Al Bell), Amber Salach (Matthew Schultze), Shannon Richard (Nanda McAllister) and Dallas Richard (Mackenzie Pattison).
Thérèse is also the cherished great grandmother of Olivier, Alexandre, Vanessa, Shevonne, Scarlett, Portia, Everly and Emerson.
Predeceased (2012) by her siblings, Rita Bass and Gédèon Lapointe, a set of twins, as well as her niece Janet Bass in 2021. Missed by nieces; Sandra, Margie, and nephew Richard Bass and their children and grandchildren in the USA and also by many cousins.
Our beloved Thérèse was a hardworking, gentle soul. She was a devout Catholic who led by example. In her free time, she enjoyed reading, gardening, going to the cinema and walking in her neighbourhood with her two best friends, Thérèse Rhéaume and Delia Morais. She dreamed of being a journalist and learning to drive one day, although her son Joe enjoyed driving “Miss Daisy” everywhere. Tirelessly, he devoted his life to his mother’s wellbeing and happiness.
Our family will miss our sweet Thérèse more than words can say. We are comforted in our thoughts that heaven has welcomed her.
A heartfelt thank you to the staff at Pioneer Manor who provided care and support to our family. Also, our sincere gratitude to the dedicated staff at the Health Sciences North.
In lieu of flowers, donations in honour of Thérèse can be made directly to Health Sciences North for diagnostic equipment.
A gathering for a celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Dear Lucille,
I just wanted to offer my condolences at the passing of your sweet mom.
You and I met on 4N at HSN, both looking after our moms there.
My mom was Joan Guse and she too, went to be with Jesus on March 17, 2022.
I know first hand your grief, but also your relief, knowing your sweet mom has “run the good race”, and ‘fought the good fight” and is in the arms of her Lord and Saviour.
Your mom sounds like she was a wonderful woman 🙂
Sandra
March 23, 2022
Dear Lucille,Henry and Family
My condolences to you and your family. May the many memories of your dear mother help you and your family celebrate her life. How lucky you were to have her in your life for so long.
My deepest sympathy
Betty-Ann Giusti.
February 27, 2022
Roger, Lucille, Berry, Joe and all the families. My sincerest condolences to you and yours with the passing of your dear Mother. She leaves many treasured memories for you to cherish.
Hugs and Prayers to all,
Lorraine Drozdowsky (Johnson)
formerly of Manitouwadge
February 26, 2022
My deepest sympathy to the whole family. I’ve known Mrs. Richard all my life, we were neighbours for several years, as I was growing up. We were like family. I even taught Berry in grade 5. My prayers are with all of you.
February 25, 2022
Our heartfelt sympathies are expressed to Lucille & family along with Berry & Joe…nice memories of the times we shared with you & your dear Mother…her love will continue to live on in her family
Hugs & love to all, Nancie & Sandy
February 23, 2022