Obituary of Florence Catellier

It is with extreme sadness that the family of Florence Catellier of St-Malo, MB formerly of McLennan, AB announce her passing at the age of 65 at the St.Pierre Hospital. Florence passed away peacefully holding her mother’s hand the evening of January 21, 2021.

Florence was born in Vita, MB on July 14, 1955 to Laurent and Elsie Catellier. She grew up on the family farm in Vita with her siblings. When she was in grade 8, the family moved to a farm in LaRochelle, MB.

In 1977 her adventurous and independent spirit took over and she moved to Edmonton, AB to start a new journey. While in Edmonton, she obtained her GED which she was very proud of earning and studied for two years at university. In Edmonton she met Elmer Degner

Never one to shy away from an adventure, her and Elmer decided to move to High Prairie, AB. There she found employment as an E.A. for the High Prairie School Division. She absolutely loved working with her students. It was the perfect job for her. She had vacation time at Christmas and during the summer which she would take advantage of by coming back home to LaRochelle to visit family. We absolutely loved when Flo would come and visit. Her surprise visits were the best. She would call up her parents and say “Is the coffee on?” And 20 minutes later she would be walking in the door with a huge smile on her face. 

From High Prairie she moved to McLennan, AB. She made lots of wonderful friends there. Especially her friend Adam that even came to visit her family in Manitoba with her.

Finally after 42 years of living in Alberta she decided to move back home to Manitoba. We were thrilled to have her back. She moved in the Chalet Malouin in St-Malo where she was surrounded by her family. She loved receiving company and getting to know the new generation of nieces and nephews that she was a great auntie to.

Florence will be forever remembered for her beautiful smile, singing “You are my sunshine”,her contagious laugh, big hugs and kisses, and a pure heart of gold. She was the “letter writing” auntie. As soon as her nieces and nephews learnt to write they had a new pen pal. Letters were constantly going back and fourth from Manitoba to Alberta. This tradition even continued with her great nieces as well. 

Florence leaves behind her mother Elsie Catellier, her sisters Shirley (Gilbert), Verna (Jerry), Diane, Carol (Manfred), sister in law Lorelei, foster brother Charlie (Melanie) and her best friend Adam in Alberta. She is also survived by her numerous nieces and nephews whom she thought of as her own children. 

Florence was predeceased by her father Laurent Catellier, her brother Andy Catellier on November 24, 2020, and her brother in law Guy Fontaine.

Thank-you to the staff at St.Pierre Hospital for the care you gave Flo.

Thank you to lab technician Lisa for being so caring with Flo. 

A private family service is being planned.

We miss you so much already. You will forever be in our hearts and will always be our sunshine.