Born Aug 15th 1934 Courval, Saskatchewan
Died March 29th, 2024 Olds, Alberta
It is with enduring love that we remember Monique Lucille Baril, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend.
The 3rd eldest of 7 children, mom was raised on a farm near Courval and in grade 10 moved to Montmartre, Saskatchewan where she was introduced to her husband Victor Baril, through the match-making efforts of relatives.
They wed on November 11th, 1952, but tragedy struck when the farmhouse burned down. Their first honeymoon winter on the prairie was spent in a 12 x 10 wood granary, fortunately outfitted with a wood stove. What courage and faith! Mom’s Catholic faith was indeed strong, volunteering all throughout her life with the CWL.
Children soon arrived, and large family gatherings were commonplace. Money was scarce but mom was an excellent seamstress and knew how to stretch a penny. An avid gardener and cook, her freezer was always full of baking and the basement stocked full of canning. Mom truly was a farm wife, making countless trips to and from the fields with hot meals. Often, a newborn baby accompanied her on the floorboards of the grain truck as she loaded and unloaded grain.
After the children had grown, Monique and Victor moved several times between Saskatchewan and Kelowna, BC. Never one to sit still, mom found enjoyment in countless hobbies as well as socializing with extended family. She maintained a very close relationship with her siblings and their families, and could often be found in some friendly mischief, especially when a little brandy was involved.
Upon retiring from farming, mom and dad picked up the snowbird travel bug to the states with friends and relatives. They frequently reminisced about these adventures.
Years later, in 2006, mom and dad settled in Olds to be closer to family. Following a lifetime of caring and serving others, mom eventually moved into assisted living residences in Olds.
Monique was predeceased by her husband Victor (2018) to whom she was married for 66 years, son Paul (2011) and granddaughter Morgan (2011). She leaves to mourn children Francoise (Joe) Yurchevich; Rose (Wayne) Lipinski; Michel (Charlotte) Baril; Jacqueline (Brad) Trotter, 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
The family would like to thank and acknowledge Dr. Duong and the devoted health care aides and nursing staff at Olds Hospital Long-Term Care Centre, Encore and Sunrise Manor for your compassionate care and kindness. You wrapped your arms around Monique like family and she adored you in return.
Mom, thank you for all your love, sacrifices and teachings. You always carried yourself with grace and kindness.
A private funeral mass was celebrated at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church.
