Obituary of Marie Therese Gorieu

November 18, 1925 - St. Boniface, Manitoba

May 16, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Born to Antionette and Joseph Brodeur in St. Boniface, Manitoba, Terri was the only girl and the second of five children. She grew up in the warm embrace of her extended family and recalls many wonderful memories of times with her grandparents, aunts and uncles. When she was young, the family moved to Domremy, Saskatchewan where she spend her childhood and adolescent years.  Her mother taught her many skills and she learned how to sew, knit, cook and clean. She loved music and played the piano, sang and participated in theater work. Her parents taught her to pray and to believe in God from a young age. 
 
After her high-school graduation, she went to Saskatoon where she attended Normal School, training for teachers.  She was a person who had the patience to teach and help young minds. She had just completed her studies when the war began, and she moved to Ottawa to work with the naval department in the office areas. After the war, she moved back to Saskatoon and there met the love of her life, Andre (Andy) Gorieu. In 1946, they were married and moved to Lethbridge so Andre could attend school to become a meteorologist.  They soon welcomed a daughter, Evelyn and a year later welcomed a second daughter, Lorraine. They enjoyed their time in Lethbridge surrounded by family and many friends.

In 1952 Andy was transferred to Fort St. John as a meteorologist for the Government of Canada. Dad and Mom made many life-long friends during this time as it was a close-knit group of people that lived in the government housing near the airport. Two more daughters were welcomed to the family, Eloise and Genevieve while in Fort St. John.  

The skills her mother had taught her flourished and her sewing skills were put to good use as she was always making the girls outfits to wear. She was into recycling long before it was the “thing to do” taking clothing passed down from family, tearing it apart and making clothing for the girls. Each garment was designed with care and the girls always had beautiful new dresses to wear especially at Christmas and Easter. She also loved to knit and crochet and her cooking skills in the kitchen always produced delicious meals, bread, and many traditional French dishes. She passed on her love of music to her daughters and as a family, we were always singing in the car as we travelled. She became actively engaged in the Girl Guide movement becoming a leader and encouraging the girls to participate in brownies and guides. Throughout all this time, Andy and Terri passed on the faith to their children through family prayer and weekly attendance at Sunday mass.

In 1958, Andy was transferred to Whitehorse, Yukon to continue his career. Here the family grew, this time with two long-anticipated boys, Marc and Albert. Mom continued to be a homemaker and care for her children. Andy and friends built a cabin at Marsh Lake, about 35 minutes out of town where the family spent many long, wonderful summers enjoying this beautiful place.  

The family once again moved this time to Edmonton in 1964 where a new home was bought and new memories were made. Then in 1967, Andy was transferred to Calgary where a new home was built in North Haven and the family settled in for a long stay. Sadly, Andy passed away in 1970 and Mom became the bread-winner for the family. Her faith buoyed her spirit during this time and she relied on God to give her the peace to continue to work and raise the children. She worked in the SAIT library and loved her involvement in helping students in their quest of learning. In 1973 at 43, she decided to go back to university and obtained her degree in Social Work in 1977.  She began to work for Canadian Mental Health a year later and developed a program for those experiencing loss through the breaking of relationships or death. Her compassionate nature made her an excellent mentor to many and she developed many other good friends during this period of her life.  

After retiring in 2000, Mom continued to look for ways to be involved in the community joining the Good Companions Senior Organization. Still enjoying to sing, Terri joined two senior’s musical groups and learned to play the kazoo. The group even travelled up to Edmonton to perform at the Alberta Legislature!  She continued to be a caring and compassionate friend and companion to many whom she met through these activities. She loved to cross-stitch and many of her children and grandchildren received beautiful pictures that they can cherish as a memory of her.

To her delight, she was blessed with eighteen grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild and she always enjoyed time spent with them. They each have many memories and stories to tell of their Grandma Gorieu.

Therese is lovingly remembered by her children Lorraine, Genevieve (Gary), Marc (Caritha), Al and two sons-in-law, Glen and Clyde.  She is also survived by her eighteen grandchildren, Charlene (Wally), Janine (Lyle), Karin (Greg), Shane (Kathy), Krista (Tom), Kevin (Jeannette), Scott (Sara), Heather, Brad (Cynthia), Andrew, Meagan, Erica (Nathan), Byron and Grant. Also fondly remembering her are fifteen great-grandchildren, Kurri, Austyn, Jaryd, Ashley (Rolin), Brandon, Zoe, Taylor, Thomas, Tanner, Isabella, Sebastien, Piper, Audrey, Cassian and Callum. She was proud to have one great-great-grandchild, Decker. She was predeceased by her husband, Andre (Andy), two daughters, Eloise and Evelyn, and a son-in-law, Ralph as well as her parents and siblings. Terri will also be lovingly remembered by her nieces, nephews and others who knew her. 

Her legacy is one of great love for family, friends, and our God. Terri had a beautiful soul and a loving spirit. She lived a life of kindness, strength, faith and hope. There are so many wonderful memories to recall. Mom loved and was loved. We will miss her more than words can say and she will remain forever in our hearts.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church (5340 – 4th Street S.W., Calgary, AB) on Friday, May 26, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the church hall. She would love for family and friends to come together and celebrate together as she is now in Heaven enjoying being home with her God and family members. We bet there is a party going on!!

Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Marie Gorieu, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

Click Here to View Marie Gorieu's Memorial Card