Obituary of Marguerite OAKES

MARGUERITE SIDONIE OAKES (Nee DeLichte) August 20, 1916 - January 18, 2009 With great sadness the family of Marguerite announces her passing on January 18, 2009 at Beausejour Health Centre at the age of 92. Left to cherish her memory is her loving daughter Sandra (Allistair), beloved grandchildren Tiffany (Andre) and Troy (Marlene), Son in law Ronald Pouteau, beloved grandchildren Myles and Murray, sister Angele (Barnie) Cameron, and sister in law Lillian DeLichte, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Raymond Oakes, daughter Sharon Rollette, her parents Alphonse and Emma DeLichte, four brothers Remi, Jeff, Michel, and Wilfred, 3 sisters Mary Morcombe, Gerarda Van Den Bussche, and Clara Lemoine. Marguerite was born and raised in St Alphonse, Manitoba. At the age of 14 she left home to work in Somerset Hotel and later Hartwell's Store. She married Raymond Oakes in 1939 and together they lived in Swan Lake and operated Oakes Hatchery. Marguerite, being the determined, independent lady that she was, decided to pursue the insurance business. In order to realize her dream she needed to work 3 jobs daily including the laundry at the Swan Lake Hospital, driving the school bus, and working in De Roo's Hardware Store. After these long days she had to study for her insurance certification. Upon passing her exam Marg's Agency was created. It took a lot of courage entering a career that was dominated in the 60's by men. Marguerite's hard work and dedication to her customers soon developed into a successful business which she retired from at the age of 73. She loved Swan Lake and the people who became her customers and friends through the business. Marguerite loved her yard and garden and was happiest when the flowers were blooming, the apple trees were blossoming, or she was looking out from her office window at the beautiful fields and rolling hills. Marguerite's creativity was seen yearly at the Winter Carnival where she took part in creating unique and prize winning costumes. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed cooking for her family and friends who always appreciated having a special meal waiting for them. Marguerite enjoyed traveling with her family and exploring different places. Marguerite's sense of humour and fun loving ways were infectious. She was loving and kind to her grandchildren who gave her great joy and pride. Marguerite's strength and courage were tested as she had to overcome many health issues. Even in her last days she fought hard to stay with the ones she loved. She will be dearly missed by everyone, The family wishes to thank the staff at the East Gate Lodge in Beausejour, Manitoba for their wonderful care, kindness, and compassion during Marguerite's last few months. She was truly surrounded by angels who cared for her and made her comfortable in particular Maureen, Robyn, and Shane. We would like to thank Dr.Van Rensburg for his insight and compassion. The family would like to also thank Bev and Crystal at the Beausejour Health Centre for their enduring support, kindness, and understanding for Marguerite and her family during her last hours. Thanks to Sean Michaels for his weekly visits at the lodge. A special thanks to Father Gabriel Levesque whose weekly visits and talks were looked forward to by Marguerite. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 24, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Martin of Tours Roman Catholic Church, Swan Lake, MB In lieu of flowers, donations in Marguerite's memory may be made to a charity of one's choice. "To live in the hearts of those we love is not to die."