In Loving Memory of

Thérèse Yvonne Gareau

(Maiden: Dandurand)
of Edmonton, Alberta
Feb 17, 2024

La belle flamme de notre chère Thérèse est éteinte doucement après une vie d'amour et de beauté.

Thérèse Yvonne Gareau (née Dandurand) passed away peacefully on February 17, 2024, at Jubilee Lodge long-term care centre; five months after her 100th birthday, marking a century filled with love, joyful living, and many passions: travelling, reading, music, playing Bridge, knitting, birdwatching, volunteer community work, and enjoying time with her extended family.

A proud Franco-Albertan and devout Catholic, Thérèse was born in Donnelly, Alberta. She received a B.A. from the University of Alberta in 1946, and a master's degree in Social Work from the University of Montreal, in 1948. Thérèse married Laurent Gareau in 1948 and they lived in Bonnyville, Alberta, until their move to Edmonton in 1969.

Loved ones remembering and celebrating Thérèse's remarkable long life, while mourning her loss include her children: Marianne, Jean-Paul (Patricia), Robert (Loretta), Simone (Blair); 8 grandchildren: Robi (Julie), Roq (Erica), Élène (Patrick), Lise (Chris), Josslyn (Nick), Céline (Mark), Siona (Alex), Sophie (Mitch); 12 great-grandchildren: Emera (Sam), Teira, Fiona, Sofie, Samuel, Julien, Benoit, Maëlle, Béatrice, Delphine, Thea, Léonie; daughter-in-law, Mary Dumka; sister, Claire Rouleau; and nieces, nephews, and friends.

Thérèse was pre-deceased by her husband, Laurent Gareau; son, André Gareau; parents, Gaspard and Marie Rose Dandurand; sisters, Marcella Roberts and Bertha Bourgeois; and many cherished friends and relatives.

Details of a Catholic Funeral Mass and Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of floral tributes, donations may be offered to the Edmonton Food Bank or The Sign of Hope Society, where Thérèse volunteered for many years.

Excerpt of Thérèse's favourite piano piece, which she played until last August: "For one fleeting hour can make you strong, If you will but heed its call; And then everyday shall be one glad song, Full of love that conquers all." (One Fleeting Hour by Karl Fuhrmann)

Arrangements entrusted to Foster & McGarvey Downtown Funeral Home.