Obituary of Delphine Malvina LEMIRE

October 29, 1917 – January 15, 2012 It is with love and prayers that we remember our mother and grandmother, Delphine. Born in Pibroch Alberta, she was the second of seven children born to Louise and Johnnie Lagasse. As a young woman she accepted a teaching post in a one-room country school near Fort Macleod. It was there that she met and married her husband Paul Lemire, and together they farmed in the Mud Lake area until his untimely death in 1950. Left to raise her two young children Paulette and Emile, Delphine taught in the district until 1959 when she moved her family to Calgary. After 10 years of night and summer school, Delphine earned a Degree in Education, and was the first High School, Home Economics Teacher in the Calgary Separate School Board. Her strong belief in education was demonstrated time and again as she opened her home to nieces and nephews to grant them the opportunity to pursue their schooling. A love of Family and Church were always at the centre of her life and she seldom missed a family gathering no matter how far she had to travel, and always looked forward to visits from extended family. An active member of the Church all her life, it was in answer to prayers that she became aware of Jean Vanier and the L’Arche Community, and was instrumental in establishing a home in Calgary with her son Emile Lemire being its first member. Always a very social and outgoing person, Delphine loved to travel the world and experience new things. After retirement she volunteered at the Kirby Centre for over 28 years, and enjoyed modeling vintage clothing, and more recently being one of the Calendar Girls at the Fountains of Missions. On January 15, 2012, Delphine passed away peacefully. She is survived by her daughter Paulette (Otto) Paulgaard and her son Emile Lemire; three grandchildren Sandra, Monte (Josiane) and Paula (Shane); and five great-grandchildren Chandler, Lacey, Tristin, Lars, and Ivy. She is also survived by one sister Annette (Alfred) Valliers and much extended family. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (10827 – 24th Street S.W.) on Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (10827 – 24th Street S.W.) on Friday, January 20, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the L’Arche Community Calgary through their website: www.larchecalgary.org . In living memory of Delphine Lemire, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403)243-8200