Mae Jacques died May 23, 2009 with family at her side and in her heart. She was elegant, interesting and interested to her dying day at age 92. Born Mae Catherine Davidson in Shoal Lake Manitoba, she remained a lifelong lover of the prairies despite living at various times in Ontario, Florida and, at the time of her death, Victoria, BC. Mae went to Winnipeg as a young woman to pursue a nursing career and at the St. Boniface Sanatorium met a dashing young resident, Robert Jacques, who became her beloved husband of 63 years, until his death in 2004. Over the years, Mae served as her husband’s assistant and regularly accompanied him on his calls to those shut in by immobility or illness. Mae was one of the most effective of her husband’s medical treatments. Until her death, her warm and sunny disposition lifted the spirits of many a “shut-in”. Mae will be missed by her three children, Sharon Driscoll (Richard), Betty Prosser (Frank) and Robert (Pamela Waygood); her three grand-children (Mike, Marsha and Steve) and four great grandchildren (Sydney, Erin, Arman and Ronan). Mae is predeceased by two siblings, Margaret Taylor (Scottie) of Olds Alberta and “Jack” Davidson (Edith) of Plymouth UK. Mae and Bob had a long friendship with the families of the late Leo Jacques and Flo Zunic of Winnipeg and the late Cecile Vallee of Tillsonburg, Ontario. Mae greatly valued all her friends and they reciprocated enthusiastically. She maintained the friends of her youth for life. When writing became difficult, her telephone became her daily link to her friends. Her dear friend, Bernie Bashaw, will miss their nightly chats.
Following the 10:00 am Mass at St. Jean Baptiste Paroisse Francaise, 301 Richmond, Victoria on Sunday, June 7, 2009, parishioners and friends are invited to share in refreshments and remembrances. In addition, Mae’s friends and neighbors are invited to Beckley Farm Lodge at 530 Simcoe, Victoria on Saturday June 6, 2009 at 4:00 pm for refreshments with Mae’s family. Betty Jacques Prosser gave unfailing support to both Bob and Mae in their later life. She enhanced their days and comforted them in their declining health. Special thanks to Michel Bourque and the staff of Beckley Farm Lodge. They gave joyful service to both Bob and Mae in their final years. If you wish to honour Mae, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.
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Bobbi & Dave Moon
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Carole (Thompson) Aitchison Mae and Margaret – life-long friends, from Shoal Lake to Winnipeg to Victoria. Their weekly lunches at Eaton Center in Victoria were very important to Mom – there is nothing like an old friend. I know they stayed in touch as long as they could, and Mae continued to write to Mom right until her death in Brandon two years ago.
My memory is of “Auntie Mae” and of a very vigorous young family growing up in St. Boniface. And I know Mom sent me to St. Michael’s Academy in Brandon because she wanted me to have a uniform like Sharon’s.
My prayers are with you and your families as they honor a life well-lived.
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Barbara Boer Dear Sharon, Betty and Bob
I was so sorry to learn of your mother’s death from her obituary in the Globe and Mail. It seemed to me to be a very good description of Mae’s admirable character. I was pleased to read that her elegance and interests had not waned as the end approached.
It was a privilege and a pleasure to know both of your parents. They never lost their enjoyment of life nor their curiosity despite the difficulties of ill health and necessary dependence. What great role models for all of you and how the family must miss them.
At the moment I am in Halifax (my ancestral home) so regret that I can not attend the BFL gathering to give you my condolences in person.
Sincerely
Barbara Boer
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susn (allery) heim Sharon: My deepest sympathy on the loss of your mom. When I saw her picture in the Winnipeg Free Press, I still recognized her smiling face. It’s been about 50+ years since we attended Sacred Heart Convent together but I still remember the fun times. I also remember your sister Betty and brother Bobby from many visits to your family home in St. Boniface. It would be nice to hear from you when and if you have time.
I just lost my mom 4 years ago at 95 years of age and she also was great right until her last breathe.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.Susan Allery Heim
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Veronica Bagot We were extremely saddened ro read about your mother’s passing. She was held in high esteem by our family as was your father, Dr. Jacques. Mother especially valued their friendship and compassion and was forever grateful for their caring when our dad was very ill.
A ‘hello’ to Bob from me – and again our sincerest regrets.
Nellie Holubowich, Pat Watson, Vernie Bagot and families.
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Irene Jacques My sincere sympathies in the loss of your mother, Mae.
I am a far relative on your Dad’s side of the family. My father is Armand Jacques, son of Joseph Jacques. I had contact with your father in the early 90’s when I was doing some research on our genealogy.
My prayers are with you during this time of sorrow.
— Irene Jacques —
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Marian Greenway My healrtfelt sympathies to Mae’s family. I met Dr Jacques in Flin Flon, Man, in the early 40’s and my late husband, Walter, had known him previously in St Boniface. He was our family doctor and I got to know Mae at that time. He delivered my two children. After we returned to Winnipeg, he continued to be our family doctor at St Boniface Clinic. He was a mentor and advisor to me, and after he retired I used to go to see him for counselling at their home, a converted schoolhouse outside Winnipeg. I moved to Victoria in 1990 and bumped into Mae and Bob on a ferry to one of the islands, and ran into them several times after that. I attended Dr. Bob’s memorial and renewed my acquaintance with Mae – she still had the same smiling face. I know she will be missed by her family and friends, but I know they both will be lovingly remembered by all who knew them. Sincerely, Marian Greenway
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Brian Ayotte Sharon
Larry Martell told me of Mae’s death but it was when I saw her photo in Globe and Mail it really struck me. I can close my eyes and see both your parents. My love and prayers are with all your family. Bless Mae for all she gave. It would be great to see you and Richard sometime,some where……..
Brian Ayotte
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Nancy & Lary We worked at Clarence House and absolutely adored both Mae and Bob. Both were the kindest people we have ever known. They were such great partners with so much love. I will always remember staying overnite with Mae after her eye surgery. It was one of my most peaceful and enjoyable days. Always so kind and gentle.
I can only imagine how much you must miss them both.
Betty & Family,
What a fulfilling life your mother enjoyed, rich with love & happy memories. How fortunate to be so engaged through all her years & have such a graceful leavetaking.
Our prayers are with you.