Obituary of Irene Guillet

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Irene Guillet. Irene, a longtime resident of Chetwynd, BC, passed away with her family by her side, on Saturday, February 29, 2020, in Chetwynd, at the age of 95 years. 

Our momma was born on September 15, 1924 in Carlton, SK to Ernest & Ida Ethier. She was one of 9 children.

Mom met Edward Guillet and they married on April 13, 1943 in Hudson`s Bay, SK. Starting a life of their own, they moved around to many places in SK, AB and BC. They eventually settled in Pine Valley, and moved to Little Prairie in 1958, the place that they loved so much. By this time mom & dad already had 7 children and 4 more followed. They had 11 children, 29 grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren, 13 great great grandchildren, and 3 more great great grandchildren on the way…2 of which are twins!

Dad was busy working very hard to support his family while mom worked very hard looking after her children, cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, sewing clothes and making quilts.

I think we all remember getting into bed at night and covering up with momma`s quilts. Very heavy, warm and cozy… the best feeling ever.

She seemed to be able to make a meal out of pretty much anything.  Coming home after school to the smell of her fresh baked bread was unforgettable. 18 loafs twice a week…and always saving a bit of dough for dough bellies.

With so many kids, mom spent lots of time doing laundry on her ringer washer and sometimes had to work on the motor when it wouldn’t start.

Weekend BBQ`s, baseball games and music around the fire pit are memories we will cherish forever. Guitars, harmonicas, the mandolin, banjos, our family is musical so it was always a good time. Talents have been passed down through the generations. Mom loved old country, Jim Reeves being one of her favourites.

Mom didn’t have much time for socializing, as she was busy with her day to day chores of taking care of her family and household duties.

Growing up a large family was packed full of awesome memories. Christmas and Easter were made special by mom & dad and were the best. Mom was happiest with all her chickens gathered around her, under her wing. Family meant the world to her.

Mom had an Incredible memory, especially with birthdays. With a family this size, that’s quite an accomplishment. Her mind was kept quick and sharp, much like her wit. This was likely due to all the puzzles and word search books she worked on daily.

Hockey stats were another one of mom’s favourite things to track. She could tell you more about players, points, and game scores than anybody.

Mom enjoyed her soaps as well. She picked up on lingo from watching them, like “don’t go there!”

Mom had quite a few sayings that made us chuckle, including, “That’ll be a frosty Friday” and “I’d bet you a nickel”.

We would ask, Mom, “are you warm?” and her reply would be “Well, I’m not cold”. Witty and sarcastic. She liked to tease and be teased.

She also had a love for flowers. Her boys would bring her lady slippers, and crocuses. She loved tiger lilies, and her favourite were pansies.

As I’m sure you all know, the dance floor was a spot mom and dad loved. They would glide around the floor like they were one person. Nobody could dance like them. I`m sure they are dancing together again now. Mom and Dad’s 50^th anniversary was a very proud accomplishment for her. It was like the wedding celebration they never had, with family travelling from near and far to attend. 18 more years of marriage followed before dad passed, making it 68 years together.

Momma lived a long life. Never wanting anything but the love from her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and the love she received daily from our dad. She was happy with what she had. She was not a materialistic person.

When dad passed away on June 27, 2011, she missed him every minute of every day. All she wanted was to be reunited with him. Mom’s years without dad were hard for her.

Years ago, when Dad was courting mom, he managed to get on the radio and sang her a song called, “Thinking tonight of my blue eyes”, or in his words, “Tinking tonight of my blue heyes”.

 A couple day`s before Momma passed away, she wasn`t responding to much at all. She was always in a deep sleep. She suddenly woke up and looked at us. Jeanette told her,”Look at those beautiful blue eyes. Now we know why dad fell in love with you.” She smiled at us, gave a little chuckle and off to sleep she went again.

On February 29, 2020, I`m sure she was greeted with a smile and a, “there`s my beautiful wife.” We find peace knowing that mudder and fadder are together again, forever.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 1:00 PM at the Chetwynd Fellowship Baptist Church. Pauline Haycock officiated with special words by Pastor Bill Evans. Irene was laid to rest with her loving husband, Ed, and son, Leslie, in the Tuscoola Mountain Cemetery following the service. 

For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Irene to the Chetwynd & District Hospital Foundation, Palliative Care Room, PO Box 121, Chetwynd, BC V0C1J0. 

Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium