<div itemprop="description">The world may seem darker, but heaven is certainly brighter with the passing of Denise Bechard Germain. Born on March 12th 1936, she celebrated her 90th year before passing away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones, on April 9th 2026. Denise joins above her husband Robert Germain, son Peter Germain, and 6 of her 7 siblings. She is survived by her oldest son Paul, her daughter Susan (Doug), youngest brother Roger (Anna-Marie/Sam) and beloved grandsons Robbie and Luke. <br> <br> <br>Denise was born in Verdun and attended St. Willibrord's Catholic School. At age 13, her family moved to Greenfield Park. She attended O’Sullivan’s school of Business after high school and began working as a typist at Canadair. Her beautiful smile captivated a young draftsman named Robert Germain. They were married 9 months later on July 16, 1955. <br> <br> <br>In 1964, with two small busy boys, Denise and Rob would move to Pointe Claire where they welcomed their daughter. Denise and Rob loved the West Island, and made many life long friends on Braebrook. Dances and parties at the LHRA were some of their favourite activities. <br> <br> <br>Denise stayed home to raise the family and do all the hard work that a mom does. She took in sewing projects and taught some sewing classes at John Rennie’s Adult Education. She also took a large part in rallying to keep Terra Cotta as a park. In the mid-seventies, Denise returned to work as a typist at The Bay. She blossomed among the friends she made there. <br> <br> <br>Denise caught quilting fever and was an active member of the Lakeshore Quilting Guild. After she and Rob retired, they traveled and enjoyed their time together until Rob’s illness took him in 1994. <br> <br> <br>Grieving, Denise joined a Bereavement Group and met Real Dansereau who would become her partner for many years to come. Together they spent much time at his cottage in Les Cedres, quilting together and travelling. One of their biggest trips was to Europe, where Denise always dreamed of going. <br> <br> <br>She embraced being a grandmother to Susan’s boys Robbie and Luke. Despite them being in BC, she talked and visited them often, establishing a loving and close connection to them. Affectionally known as ‘Grandma Dick’ to the boys, their friends, and families, it was always a fun and exciting event when she was around. Her superpower was love. <br> <br> <br>After Real’s passing, Denise left her home on Braebrook and moved into The L’Esterel apartment complex. Here, she would thrive with new adventures and friendships. <br>She began making tote bags, and making them and then giving them away. When it became difficult for her to cut fabric, I would do it for her. My mom sewed, and baked, right up to the last fall that she had in February of this year. <br> <br> My beautiful mom peacefully passed away in her own room ,with the sun shining through her window and love surrounding her. Just as she brought sunshine and love to everyone she knew. <br> <br> <br>Bright, lively smiles, infectious laughter, and a tide of sewing projects follow her memory. Despite the innumerable hardships she faced throughout her life, she never faltered in her compassion and kindness. She had a smile and kind words for everyone. <br> <br> <br>Appropriately, her last words after she said “I love you” to everyone were “Someone better take my thread and sewing needles”. <br> <br> <br>Rest assured, Denise, they will be well taken care of. <br> <br>Denise and family would like to thank the CLSC, Dr Bruce Garfield, Dr Genevieve Richer, and the staff of 3W at the Lakeshore General Hospital (especially Frances) for making her last years, months, and weeks, much more pleasant. <br> <br>In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada would be much appreciated. <br> <br> <br> <br></div>
