Obituary of de CHAMPLAIN

August 4, 1924 – Rockyford, AB August 31, 2013 – Calgary, AB With sadness we say good bye to Annette, a beautiful mother, aunt, grandmother, sister and friend. Living a full and rich life of 89 years, Annette will be remembered for her steadfast love of family, and her many life long friends, a love of travel that she shared many times with her sister Sue, and her generous and courageous spirit. Annette was the third eldest of nine children, born in Rockyford, AB to the late Leon and Gertrude Plotkins. She is survived by three brothers and three sisters; Leon (Alice), Robert (Alice), Pierre, Suzanne Butler, Lucille (Antoine) Panet-Raymond, Marie and was predeceased by her brother Philip and her sister Evangeline. Annette met her late husband Paul after attending Normal School and teaching in Legal, Ab. Their marriage in 1947 brought a wonderful legacy of five children; Bob (Judy), Paul (Dianne), Rick (Sheri), Guy (Dianna) and Suzanne, as well as thirteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Mom loved and cherished her family and took great pride in everyone. Her strong sense of right and wrong guided her in her family endeavors. As a teacher for many years with the Calgary Separate School Board, Annette helped pioneer the French Immersion Program. She had a great love of teaching and was loved by her students. She was especially happy and proud to attend the University of Calgary, at the age of 45 and at the same time as her two eldest sons, while she completed her bachelor of Education degree. Annette had a beautiful singing voice and was a member of several choirs including a French-Canadian choir and the 1988 Winter Olympics Choir. Her “joie de vivre”, her sense of style, a “classy lady” is how many will remember Annette. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Peter’s Catholic Church (541 Silvergrove Drive N.W. Calgary, AB) on Thursday, September 12, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. There will also be a Celebration of Life McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S “Park Memorial Chapel” (5008 Elbow Drive S.W. Calgary, AB) on Saturday September 14, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Annette de Champlain, a tree will be planted at Big Hill Springs Park Cochrane by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Calgary, AB, T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.