Obituary of EDME “TUFFY� MELANSON

EDME "TUFFY" MELANSON Peacefully on Monday, May 28, 2012, Edme "Tuffy" Melanson passed away at Parkview Place at the age of 83. She is survived by her loving granddaughter Crystal; sisters, Ovidia (Ron), Doreen (Al), and Joyce; brothers, Donat (Cynthia), Joseph, and Thomas, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Edme was predeceased by her parents Henri and Pearl; brothers, Raymond, Ernest, Howard, Roger, and Robert; sisters, Anna, Mildred, and Rita, as well as her daughter Diane. Edme was born on July 28, 1928 prematurely and wasn't expected to survive. When she proved everyone wrong, she got the nickname "Tuffy" which is the name everyone knew her by. Edme left school at 13 to work and help provide for the family. She had numerous jobs throughout her younger life, everything from babysitting, house cleaning, and working with sugar beets. She later went on to the Grain Exchange, Norquay building (where she was known as "Heidi"), and Sargent Park Pool as head cashier in the canteen. Edme was the kind of person who was always looking after others. As the eldest of fifteen children, she often took care of her siblings. She was a favorite Aunt to her many nieces and nephews. She was a loving Mother and Grandmother. Her home was a place where family would gather to celebrate birthdays, holidays, and barbecues. There was always an endless supply of cookies and candy on hand for everyone. Edme was an amazing daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She touched many hearts and has left everyone with many great memories. The last few years haven't been the easiest of times for Edme. The person who was once so full of life was slowly disappearing and eventually succumbed to the disease that is Alzheimer’s. Even in the end she still gave everyone around her a smile. Special thanks and deepest gratitude go out to the staff at Parkview Place. Thank you to everyone on the 6th floor who took such amazing care of Edme and made the last few years of her life special. We thank you for that. Many thanks to Dale Melanson for his time, care, and always being there through everything. A Memorial service will be held on Monday, June 4 at 12:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Reception to follow. A private interment will be held at a later date. Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba