26-Dec-1934 - 9-Nov-2023
Thérèse Bernadette Quesnelle passed away peacefully on November 9, 2023, in Midland. She is now reunited with her sweetheart, Herman.
Born in Penetanguishene during a blistering snowstorm in 1934, Thérèse was the fifth of fifteen children born to Herbert and Eliza Lalonde, and the first of her siblings to be born in a hospital (a real claim to fame).
In 1936, she and her family moved from Lafontaine to the farm with the round barn, on the 12th concession, in Perkinsfield. She then began school at Lefaive’s Corner, a two-room school where she would later go on to teach at.
In 1948, she moved on to high school at L’École Secondaire de Lafontaine and graduated from grade 12 in 1952. She often spoke about this time and would fondly recount that she rode with her father – who did a 7am milk delivery to Penetang - as far as the corner of Lafontaine Road and Robert Street West, and then rode the bus to Lafontaine. It was during these bus rides that Thérèse – with the help of “the Penetang girls” - learned to speak English.
After high school, Thérèse embarked on what was arguably the greatest adventure of her life – she moved to Ottawa in September of 1952 to attend Teacher’s College. She had never gone further than Midland or Elmvale, but now, a 17-year-old Thérèse found herself traveling by limo-taxi to the country’s capital. She studied hard but also had the time of her life. She returned to Perkinsfield, a newly minted teacher, in 1953. She was forever grateful to her parents for the sacrifices they made to allow her this experience that so impactfully shaped her life. She began her first job as a teacher in 1953 at Dorion’s School – Methodist Point.
Though Thérèse had known Herman most of her life, it wasn’t until after her return from Ottawa that the two became an item. She often reminded her family that Herman was a good, handsome and strong man who attended mass with his parents in Perkinsfield, every Sunday. She also reminded them that in the beginning Herman often preferred to trout fish on Sundays after mass, then go on dates. But ultimately their love for one another prevailed over trips to the creek, and they were married on September 15, 1956. They remained lovingly committed and dedicated to each other for the next 57 years, and beyond.
After marrying, Thérèse and Herman began to grow their family, having five children together. Her children were Thérèse’s proudest achievement. Some of them even had the privilege (or misfortune, depending on which one you ask) to be taught by her at Sts. Martyrs Canadiens, in Perkinsfield. She was a force to be reckoned with both at home and in the classroom.
Upon retirement, Thérèse dedicated herself to her family and homestead. In 1981, she and Herman left their farm and moved to the home they built together on Baseline Road. It is here where they spent their golden years, and where Thérèse adoringly welcomed her grand-children and many of her great-grandchildren.
Thérèse had many passions and hobbies which kept her busy. She was a talented quilter and knitter. She could quilt or knit nearly anything, and with the precision of a Swiss watch. She taught herself how to do folk-art and spent many hours meticulously painting furniture built by Herman and destined for her kids’ homes. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed summers by her pool or at a campsite. She was also a skilled baker, most famous for her homemade bread, which if you ask her family, was the stuff of legend. Walking into her home, filled with the scent of fresh bread, and being offered a thick slice, was an unmatched joy. Homemade bread was Thérèse’s love language.
Thérèse was the cherished Mom, Mémère and Mimi to her five children, Ernie (Julie), Louise (Brian), André (Anne), Robert (Brigitte), Jean-Paul (Mary Beth), her eleven grandchildren; Nicole (René), Melissa (Jonathan), Gerry (Meridith), Stephanie (Nicholas), Kristen (Dubbie), Chris (Shianne), Ashlyn (David), Natalie, Jacob, Jefferey (Alexandra), Emily (Therry) and her thirteen great-grandchildren, Briaim, Bennett, Piper, Kayline, Lawson, Kyla, Josh, Declan, Jack, Mason, Ella, Eddie and Fivel. She will be missed dearly.
Her family would like to thank Dr. Helt and the nursing staff at Hillcrest who treated her with such kindness and empathy. A special heartfelt thank you to Brenda Shultz, who did not leave Thérèse’s side on her final day.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Church in Perkinsfield on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at Tiny Township Town Hall.
In memory of Thérèse, her family would appreciate donations to Hospice Huronia-Tomkins House or GBGH Hospital Volunteer Program.
Arrangements entrusted to LeClair Cremation Centre
