In Loving Memory of

Celine Jacqueline Savard

of Fort Smith, NT
Oct 6, 1959 - Dec 12, 2016

Celine was born in Nancy, France to Robert Savard and Denise Lafevbre on 6 October 1959. She was one of six children. She grew up as an "army brat" and moved often, mostly in Ontario and Quebec, in her younger years.

Celine was kind and compassionate and a life-long care giver. Her first job, in her teen years, was as a Care Aid caring for the elderly. Later, working at the Eric Cormac Care Facility as a care aid in Edmonton sparked her interest in nursing. She enrolled in the Vancouver Community College nursing program and graduated with a Diploma in Nursing in May 1985. Celine had a fulfilling career in nursing. She worked for several years as a critical care nurse and in interventional radiology in Vancouver General Hospital. Along the way, she did a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Masters of Arts in Conflict Analysis and Management. In 2008, Celine went to Sierra Leone, Africa for 18 months with CUSO-VSO to teach nursing. She completed her and Masters in Nursing became a Nurse Practitioner in January 2013.

In May of 2013, Celine took her first job as nurse practitioner in Fort Smith, NT. She was an excellent practitioner. She was compassionate and kind and always gave her best. She went above and beyond with every patient she cared for. She always took the time to hear the patient's story and listen to their concerns. She was very well liked by the Elders, her co-workers and her clients. She immersed herself in the community and regularly attended community feasts, drumming circles, cultural events and workshops. She was interested in learning about traditions, cultural norms in the community, and healing practices. She often attended wakes and funerals to honor those she cared for and to support their families. Nominated by her colleagues for her outstanding service, Celine received the Premier’s Award for Excellence on June 15, 2016 in Yellowknife, NT. She loved to mountain bike, ski, exercise and walk.

Celine passed away unexpectedly on December 12, 2016 in Fort Smith, NT. She is survived by her partner Marcel Carriere; sister Anne Marie (Richard); brothers Armand (Gail), Claude (Emelia), Andre (Sandra), and Luc; and several nieces and nephews. She is pre-deceased by her parents, Robert and Denise Savard. Celine will be cremated and her remains will be returned to her family plot in Montreal, PQ.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Celine at the Roaring Rapids Hall at 3pm on Friday December 16th in Fort Smith, NT.