Mary (Charlette) Villeneuve

Born on Thursday, September 10, 1942; Granny spent her formative years in the isolated wilderness of Kississing Lake, Manitoba, residing on the trap line of Spruce Point. Due to the limited accessibility of the area, her family had to rely on harvesting resources from the land to sustain themselves. Granny's mother and grandmother taught her the traditional art of harvesting medicine. Her father, uncle’s and brothers instilled in her a passion for hunting and fishing, providing sustenance for the family. As a child, Granny developed a fondness for beading under the shade of her favorite tree, creating beautiful designs for moccasins and vests for her family.

In her teenage years, Granny transitioned to Lynn Lake, gaining independence as a young woman. She eventually settled in Cold Lake/Sherridon, Manitoba, where she met Antoinette Leach (Villeneuve), who imparted her culinary expertise. Through her connection with the Leach (Villeneuve) family, Granny met her future spouse, Donald Villeneuve. He would start to court mom meeting her at their special point on Cold Lake, the rest is history.

Mom and Dad married on May 3, 1964. As a dedicated homemaker, Granny was blessed with five children: Chad, Dennis, Debbie, Derek and Joseph. She was blessed with two other sons through her husband, Darrel and Calvin. Granny supported her husband's mining career until a workplace incident forced him to retire. After which they transitioned to commercial fishing, working together in the business. Through their fishing business, they instilled a strong work ethic and family values in numerous children who attended their fish camp. Granny later began fostering children, providing a warm and welcoming home, which brought her immense fulfillment.

After her husbands passing, Granny continued fostering many children caring for them deeply, especially her long-term fosters Chavez, Trinity and Dimitri, whom she cared for over 15 years. In her final years, she fostered Lucy and Morningstar, as well cared for her great nieces, Kellie, Bella and Nikita, who were her little helpers. The family will be forever grateful for their caring of our mother.

Surrounded by family, friends, children, and grandchildren in her final days, Granny continued to offer guidance, encouragement, and teachings, passing away peacefully. Our matriarch was a devout believer in Jesus and the church, she regularly attended Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Cathedral and emphasized the importance of prayer.

Mary passed away peacefully with family by her side Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the Grace Hospital, Winnipeg, Manitoba, at the age of 82 years.

Mom leaves behind her children, Chad (Vicky), Dennis (Glenda), Debbie, Derek (Dawn), Joe; Step-sons’ Darrell, Calvin (Corrina); adopted daughters Melvina, Amanda (Blaine), Colleen; foster children, Chavez, Trinity, and Dimitri; Mom’s little helpers Nikita and Bella; Brothers in law Frank (Margaret), David (Rose), Dennis (Marianne); Sisters in law, Laurette, Terry (David), Christine and Toni Lee (Eric); Grandchildren, Dennis Ashdown, Lacey, Amber, Trent, Lynsie, Donalda, Denica, Lorenda, Saige, Tony, Dalton, Rodney, Madison, Jacob, Delaney, Matthew, Misty, Kaylese, Jason, Clifford, Crystal, Tyler, Rory, Victoria, Kolby, Rowan, Greyson, Rylan, Anaya, Valley.

Mom has left us to rejoin her loved ones, including her husband Donald; her parents Charlie and Jean; brothers Paul, Fred, Peter, Adolf, Joe, Phillip, and George; sister Rose; father-in-law Severe Villeneuve; brothers-in-law Leonard Chastellaine, Donnie Dorion; sisters-in-law Lorraine Tilden, Darlene Dorion, and Yvonne Arnold; and grandsons Mark McGillivary and Travis Sewap. We would like to acknowledge her nephews, nieces, great-grandchildren, great-great- grandchildren, foster children and the many friends and relatives who were important to Mom. If we forgot anyone it was not intentional.