It is with a feeling of profound loss that we share the news that Rachelle Gouthro (née Lafrenière) passed away peacefully in the early hours of October 28th, 2024. Married for sixty-six years to her husband, Michael, the loving mother of three sons, Brian, Francis, and Mark, and a wonderful mother-in-law to Patti (Brian), Kelley (Francis), and Heidi (Mark), her warmth, humour, and vibrancy will be greatly missed. Her five grandchildren and their spouses; Courtney & Jonathan, Erik & Emily, Brennan [Ben] & Kelly, Stephanie & Nick, and Scott & Mel have many wonderful memories of the times she spent with them, that they will be sure to pass on to her six great-grandchildren; Julia, Annabelle, Declan, Jack, Ruby, and Violet.

Raised on a farm in the francophone community of Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan, Rachelle was the youngest of twelve children. As a young woman Rachelle was travelling from out west to see family in Quebec when she stopped in Oakville, and Mike was asked to drive her to the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) dance. The rest is history. They raised their young family in Oakville, with Rachelle as the primary caregiver, although she eventually returned to the paid workforce where she used her skills as a seamstress to make custom draperies. Always energetic and busy, Rachelle was a talented homemaker, an excellent cook who loved growing food in her garden, making her own bread and homemade soups, and putting up her own tomatoes. She was also a member of the Catholic Women's League at St. Dominic Parish. In retirement Rachelle and Mike decided to move to the smaller community of Lindsay, where she enjoyed being a part of the local Catholic church community, playing cards, going to exercise class, and spending time with friends. They also spent time visiting with their children and grandchildren, traveling to Nebraska and Nova Scotia. Although they lived far away from their Maritime grandchildren, Courtney, Erik, and Ben, it was always a time of great excitement when they would come to visit. Although they lived in different parts of Canada, Rachelle was always very connected to her family and was a favourite auntie to many of her nieces and nephews. She could often be heard on the telephone, speaking in a rapid mixture of French and English to her sisters and other extended family members, and she was always welcoming when one would come to visit. In the last year and a half, Mike and Rachelle moved to a retirement home in Viva Mississauga, where they were given wonderful support by Francis and Kelley, and they were able to spend more time with their grandchildren Scott and Stephanie. During this time, they had the added delight of welcoming the sixth great-grandchild, little Violet, into the extended Gouthro family.

Rachelle will be remembered for her love of life, her care and support for family, and her many small (and not so small) acts of kindness. She made friends wherever she went, as people were drawn to her warmth, good humour, and generosity of spirit. Rachelle had a joie de vivre – always engaged with life, and interested in other people. A toast to you, Rachelle. You will always be with us in our thought, prayers, and memories of your life.

Funeral Mass will be held on Friday November 1, 2024 at St. Dominic Roman Catholic Church, 2415 Rebecca Street, Oakville, Ontario at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Canadian Cancer Society.