Obituary of Marguerite Rose Simpson Barillet

May 9, 1942 – Fort Chipewyan, Alberta

November 3, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Marguerite Simpson Barillet, who passed peacefully and surrounded by family on the evening of Thursday, November 3, 2022, at the age of 80 years.

Marguerite was born in Fort Chipewyan, AB, on May 9, 1942. She was a survivor of the Holy Angels Indian Residential School in Fort Chipewyan. Thereafter, she moved to Edmonton, AB, in the 1960s, where she spoke passionately about reconciliation and advocated for residential school survivors.

She was an extraordinary storyteller and demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout her life. Despite the challenges of being a residential school survivor, she had a big heart and a gentle soul and showed endless love for anyone who crossed her path. She had a great sense of humour, and her favourite saying was “Tom-took-a-look.”

Marguerite loved spending time with her friends and family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed reading, and writing, and spent countless hours listening and dancing to her favourite music from artists including, Bob Marley, Fats Domino, Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, and Arethra Franklin.

Her most memorable trip was when she went to Menton, Cote D’Azur, Paris, Monte Carlo, and Amsterdam with her late husband, Christian Barillet.

Marguerite is survived by her three daughters, Cindy Simpson Jurado (Calgary, AB), Yolanda Lewis (Nashville, TN, USA), and Claudia Simpson (Edmonton, AB); her two sons-in-law, Judd Jurado (Calgary, AB) and Randy Lewis (Nashville, TN, USA); her son, Gregory Auger (Edmonton, AB), and daughter-in-law, Leona Courtrille (Edmonton, AB); her thirteen grandchildren, Jessica Jurado (Calgary, AB), Jade Simpson (Calgary, AB), Jasmine Flores-Ramirez (Oceanside, CA, USA), Trinity-Hope Lewis (Nashville, TN, USA), Stephany Wodzinski (Nanaimo, BC), Darrell Wodzinski (Portland, TN, USA), Jesse Auger (Edmonton, AB), Chris Auger (Edmonton, AB), Dallas Courtrille (Edmonton, AB), Sarah Auger (Edmonton, AB), Josh Simpson (Edmonton, AB), Trista Shott (Edmonton, AB), Tara Simpson (Fort McMurray, AB); as well as several great-grandchildren.

Marguerite is also survived by her brother, Ralph Simpson (Fort McMurray, AB), and sister-in-law, Denise Sheppard (Fort McMurray, AB); her four sisters, Peggy Simpson (Fort McMurray, AB), Evelyn Simpson (Edmonton, AB), Norah Simpson (Edmonton, AB), and Agnes Simpson (Edmonton, AB); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Marguerite was predeceased by her loving husband, Christian Barillet; mother, Pauline White Deer; father, William (Billy) Simpson; sons, Timothy Wodzinski and Vernon Simpson; Cindy’s dad, Edwin Messerschmidtsons; Yolanda and Timothy’s dad, Frank Wodzinski; sister, Regina Simpson; brothers, Leonard Simpson, Ernie Simpson and Gilbert Simpson.

Marguerite’s family would like to thank the Intercare Chinook Care Center staff, where she spent the last year and a half of her life. We would also like to thank the healthcare workers at Rockyview General Hospital, who supported her in the last few days of her life. Our family thanks you all for the service and care you provided and the love and thoughtfulness you shared. Thank you for everything.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Marguerite Simpson Barillet, 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.