Noëlla Coulombe

Obituary

After 95 years of love, courage, strength and hard work, Mom is at rest. She passed away peacefully on August 24, 2024, surrounded by her family at the De Salaberry Health Centre in St Pierre, MB.

Born on the 24th of December 1928 at the “Coulée des Naults”, halfway between St Malo and St Pierre, she was the daughter of William and Florence (Nault) Carrière. Mom was a direct descendant of MB historical figures, Jean Baptiste Lagimodière and Marie-Anne Gaboury, the first female of European descent to live in the Canadian West.

Mom will be lovingly missed by her large family. She is survived by sons Henri (Yvonne), Arthur (Suzanne), Marcel (Monique) and Richard (Rachael) and daughters Elaine Remenda (Bill), Rachelle Preteau, Madeleine Gentes (George), Rose Preteau,(Noel), daughter in law Rita, 17 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, her brother Aime Carrière (Hazel), two in laws, Maurice Catellier and Yvette Carriere Audette and her special nieces Louise Lafrance and Paulette Patenaude. Mom was predeceased by our father Benoit in 1972, her son Maurice in 2023, and siblings Léonie (Marion), Lorraine (Campbell), Berthe (Pariseau), Wilfred Carrière and Patricia (Catellier) as well as all her Coulombe in-laws.

Having grown up in a rural farm setting during the Great Depression, Mom knew the meaning of hard work and frugality. When she married Dad in 1947, she became more than his wife, she became his business partner as well. Throughout her 66-year career as an accomplished businesswoman, Mom toiled at the family business all the while raising her 9 children. She was an excellent cook at their first restaurant, St Malo Lunch (1947-1958) and then at Ben & Nel’s Restaurant (1958-1970). In 1970, when the restaurant was converted to a full-service grocery store, named Coulombe Store, her duties changed from cook to bookkeeper. It was tough for Mom when Dad died in 1972. Five of her children were still at home but she persevered and became the store’s Manager. In 1988 she co-partnered with her two sons, Henri and Maurice to build a brand new 5400 square foot store. Six of her children, 2 sons in law and a number of her grandchildren all learned from her and worked with her at the store. Although she had no formal training, Mom was a meticulous bookkeeper. Every penny was accounted for, and she would spend hours on end trying to find mistakes if totals did not balance at the end of the day. Coulombe’s family business was an important element of St Malo’s history and community. Mom, affectionately known to everyone in town as “Madame Coulombe”, was very community minded and provided support to many community projects and fundraisers throughout the years. She was very well respected and will be remembered as a community builder. She retired in 2007 at age 79.

Mom has logged thousands of miles by plane, cruise ship, car and tour bus. Annual trips sponsored by her store affiliates have taken her to multiple tropical destinations, US states and every Canadian province except Newfoundland.

Mom was an avid sports fan and followed the Winnipeg Jets and Toronto Blue Jays closely. She was a dedicated Hockey Mom for years and has followed her sons’, as well as her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s hockey achievements. She was the proud “Manager” of the Coulombe family hockey team and accepted trophies on several occasions for Coulombe Family wins. Her Catholic faith was very important to her. She attended weekly Mass at the Chalet until her final days and her Rosary was always within reach. As evidenced by the countless photos on her walls, fridge and in numerous albums, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren meant the world to her. If any of them needed to see her, they knew where to find her- at the store in her office! She had an outgoing, friendly, cheerful demeanor, never flashy and always good natured. She had a sharp wit and a great sense of humour. Mom never had time for hobbies, but she did enjoy travelling, an occasional visit to the casinos and shuffleboard at the Chalet. Our petite attractive Mom loved to have a good time. She was the center of all our family gatherings, and we will be lost without her.

Nous t’aimons Mom.

The family wants to offer our sincere gratitude to the wonderful and caring Home Care and Chalet Malouin staff. We also extend special thanks to Dr Kiani and the staff at the De Salaberry Health Centre who looked after her during her final days.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. preceded by prayers and a eulogy at 10:30 a.m. at the St Malo Catholic Church with Father Paul Nguyen officiating.

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