Obituary of MARIE THERESE BRELAND

MARIE THERESE (TERRY) BRELAND Thérèse passed away peacefully at age 74 at the Victoria Hospital on October 8, 2011. She was predeceased by her Mother Marie Melanie Breland and many family members, whom she fondly termed "the old ones". "Thérèsa" to her family and "Terry" to her friends, she will be deeply missed and her memory will be dearly cherished. Therese wished to thank Dr. Craig Hildahl and Dr. Ian Maxwell for their care and kindness over the years. Thérèse was born November 2, 1936 at Misericordia Hospital on a snowy afternoon. Her family was from St. Francois Xavier; where Thérèse had her summer get-away, "The Shack", for gardening and family gatherings and where Thérèse will be laid to rest beside her beloved Mother. Thérèse was fiercely proud of the Breland family, which has roots that go deep into the history of Manitoba. St Francois Xavier was originally named after Thérèse's great, great, great grandfather, Metis leader, Cuthbert Grant, whose daughter married the Honorable Pascal Breland. A member of the first Manitoba legislature, Pascal was known as king of the Metis fur traders. Thérèse is also a descendent of Alexis Lesperance, leader of the famed La Loche brigade, which would travel annually by York boat from Red River to Athabaska country via Norway House and York Factory. Although Thérèse spent her early years on a farm near Margaret, Manitoba, Winnipeg was home base for her. She attended St. Mary's Parochial school and was a graduate of St. Mary's Academy. From a very young age Thérèse provided love and care to aged members of the family: first, her Aunt Emma, and then her Uncle Pinky and then her Mother. A devout Catholic, Thérèse sang in the choir at St. Mary's Cathedral and will be buried with her service pin from the Catholic Women's league. Thérèse worked at McLeod's for thirty years and Manitoba Telecom Services for thirteen. She particularly enjoyed working in the credit department where she was an enthusiastic and impressive skip tracer. Thérèse loved movies, music, cats, travelling and, in her own words, her own opinions. She has travelled widely in Canada, Europe, Mexico, Israel, the Holy Land, finding special beauty in Scotland and Egypt. People valued Thérèse' opinion because they knew that she always spoke her mind for better or for worse. Often difficult, never boring, Thérèse had an enquiring mind, seemingly endless energy and a keen appreciation for life and art and people. It seemed as if Thérèse was always one step ahead of everybody else and that with her ready wit and a certain intensity, she could not only handle any situation, but also make the situation humorous and memorable. Thérèse once said she began each day by saying, "This is the day which the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad." Therese, you had a genius for life and, even though our hearts are breaking, we will remember you with joy. Prayers will be said on Monday, October 17 at 7:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 18 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Cathedral, 353 St. Mary Ave. with Rev. Msgr. D. Ward Jamieson officiating. Reception to follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Thérèse's memory to Rossbrook House.