Michelle Ann Nadeau Desmeules

May 24, 1958 – December 28, 2024

It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of loss that we announce the passing of our loving Mother, Grandmother, Sister, and friend Michelle Ann (Desmeules) Nadeau on Saturday, December 28th, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Hospital at the age of 66 years, with her loving family by her side following a courageous battle with cancer.

Michelle was born on May 24th, 1958, as the 8th child of Gerald and Elina Desmeules (Rosetti) in Red Lake, ON. She was a Developmental Services Worker who earned awards for her academic achievements. She loved her gardens, her family, and traveling to destinations like Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and Pine Point Resort. Michelle was a woman of integrity, courage, and great affection, known for her warm hugs and dedication to her children and grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

Michelle is survived by her loving children: Norman Jr. (Anja), Nicole (Richard), and Tracy (Lawrence), and her grandchildren: Anthony, Dylan (Maranda), Bailey (Austin), and Abigayle. She will also be deeply missed by her sisters Susan (Wayne), Patricia (Adam), Yvonne (Don), Judi, and numerous relatives, nieces, nephews, and friends. She is predeceased by her parents Gerald and Elina and her siblings Gerald Jr., Ellen, Loraine, William, and Michael.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 4th, 2025, at 11:00 am at Everest of Thunder Bay, 299 Waverley Street. A graveside service will follow in Red Lake at the Red Lake Columbarium on Tuesday, January 14th, 2025, at 1:00 pm with Father Alan Campeau officiating. Donations in her memory may be made to Autism Canada or New Starts for Women Shelter through the Red Lake Chapel, Box 237, Red Lake, ON P0V 2M0.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Red Lake Funeral Chapel Limited.

Peggy Gemmell

1936 - December 6, 2024

It is with sadness we announce the peaceful passing of our mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend, Margaret (Peggy) Emily Gemmell (nee Lemon) in Barrie, Ontario on Friday, December 6, 2024, with her daughters by her side.

Peggy leaves to mourn her sister Ruth, best friend Jeannette, daughters Susan, Nancy (Glen), and Cathy (Mauro); grandchildren Mara (Kevin), Elizabeth (Mark), Monica, Esther (Elman), Dylan, Jay (Taryn), and Ezra. Her special relationship with granddaughter Monica and with great-grandsons Harrison and Ethan gave her much joy. Peggy was predeceased by her husband Ted, sister Laurie, son-in-law Dennis (Nancy), and parents Bruce and Nellie Lemon.

Peggy was born in October 1936 and raised in Northwestern Ontario, where her father was a Hudson’s Bay Post manager. The family settled in the 1940s in the Red Lake area, where they lived in the communities of McKenzie Island and Cochenour. Photos show a happy baby and girl. At elementary school on McKenzie Island, Peggy met Jeannette Pavlovic (now Pauplis), who became her lifelong best friend.

We will celebrate Peggy’s life on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Grenfel United Church (3451 Grenfel Rd, Utopia, ON), and all are welcome. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Peggy’s memory to the Barrie SPCA or Youth Haven in Barrie would be much appreciated.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Red Lake Funeral Chapel Limited.

Cecilia Mae Watt

November 27, 1940 – December 25, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Cecilia Mae Watt, who left this world peacefully in the early morning hours of December 25, 2024, holding the hand of her beloved husband, Don. She was 84 years old.

Born on November 27, 1940, as the youngest of three children, Mae grew up with a deep connection to the land, spending much of her childhood alongside her father. These formative years instilled in her a profound appreciation for nature, hard work, and the bonds of family.

Mae was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her husband Don Watt, daughters Toni Pike (Eric) and Debora Philipps (Dave), her four cherished grandchildren Kevin Lajoie (Dallas), Jennifer Parsons (Philip), Laura Hooper (John Senior), and Tara Poitras (Todd), and her four beloved great-grandchildren Jarrett, Jessica, Brayden, and Alexis. Mae is also survived by in-law Miles Johnson, brothers-in-law Gerald (Elizabeth) Watt and William (Reagan) Watt, sisters-in-law Bev Watt-Malette, Shirley (Stanley) Glushek, Lori Watt, Linda (Greg) Popien, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Known for her resilience, strong will, and commanding presence, Mae was a woman who could talk to anyone and left an impression wherever she went. Her unyielding kindness was matched by a personality that was both engaging and bold. She found joy in simple moments and carried a deep love for her family and the natural beauty that surrounded her throughout her life.

A memorial service will be held at the Carberry United Church on Monday, December 30, 2024, at 2 p.m., where family and friends will gather to honor her memory and share stories of her remarkable life. Interment will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to Easter Seals Ontario or the Carberry Plains Health Centre ~ Palliative Care Unit.

She will be deeply missed but forever remembered. Rest in peace, Mae. You were truly one of a kind.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Red Lake Funeral Chapel Limited.