Obituary of Denise Labre

August 11, 1956 - Hawkesbury, Ontario

August 24, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we announce Denise Labre of Calgary, AB, passed away on Tuesday August 24, 2021, at the age of 65. She was surrounded by the love, support and prayers of her family and friends in her sudden passing.

Denise was born in Hawkesbury, ON; the fifth of fifteen in our “little” Labre clan. She spent her childhood and early adult life in and around small towns and farms in the Hawkesbury area. In 1976, she set her sights for “out west”, and moved to Calgary, AB, to join her siblings who had moved out there previously.

Her favorite memories were from spending time with family and friends; whether it be weekend get-togethers, holidays and special occasions, or even just getting together for a coffee and a chat. She had many, many stories and fond memories she loved to share of her time spent with family and friends. She enjoyed laughing and joking around, and was happiest while being surrounded by a bunch of smiling faces.

As she always had a love for children, and had spent many years babysitting her nieces and nephews, she was ecstatic when she became a Mom herself in the 1980s. She lived by the phrase “it takes a village to raise a child” and her love and compassion for children has given many fond childhood memories they look back on.

Denise enjoyed reading, day road trips, movies, hook-a-rugs, puzzles and games, and especially, cartoons. She will be most remembered for her strength and courage when facing adversity, her kind, loving and compassionate nature, and her willingness to help anyone in need.

Denise is survived by her daughter Amanda; brothers Maurice (Karen), Claude (Lydia), Marcel, Richard, George, and Gilles (Marie-Josee); sisters Diane, Anna, Louise, Pauline (Yvon) and Francoise (Kiah); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

Denise was predeceased by her mother Ina, father Osias, and brothers Rheal, Jean, and Paul.

The family would like to thank More T’a Life Homes (Mavis, Arianna and Mercy; with a special shout out to Denise’s best friend Michael) for their incredible compassion and care, and making Denise's final years full of joy and wonderful companionship. She often spoke highly of all of you, and loved each of you dearly. We would also like to thank the medical teams in ICU and Unit 66 at the South Health Campus for their above and beyond care in Denise’s final days.

A Celebration of Life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB) on Friday, October 1, 2021 at 10:30 a.m.  Graveside Service to follow Prairie Sky Cemetery (12800 100 St SE, Calgary, AB).  For those unable to attend in person Ms. Labre’s service will be streamed live, the family asks you contact them for details. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Denise, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Deerfoot South, 12281 - 40th STREET SE, CALGARY, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525