Jeanne Dianne Braconnier (Piche)

September 21, 1929 - January 20, 2022

Heaven received a feisty “fireball” on January 20th at 12:06 am. There is nothing more precious than memories made…and mother… you gave us so many to smile upon. Thank you!

Jeanne “Mere” was born to Robert and Sarah Piche, in Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan. She was farm raised and “prairie tough” with a heart as big as the province she was born in. Mere grew up on hard work in a family full of love and fun, surrounded by her 10 siblings. When the stories of her older brother’s antics were shared, it brought smiles to us all who had the pleasure of listening.

In 1949, Jeanne married the love of her life, the most handsome man in the town, Rosaire Braconnier or “Blondie”, as he was known to all. He and Mere moved to North Battleford Saskatchewan to start their family. Dad was a mechanic at International Harvester, and Mere went to work as a nurse’s aid at the Battleford Psychiatric Hospital with her brother Arthur. The hospital was where Mere learned to fend for herself and there grew the rich stories, that she would pour out to us as children, and have us sitting on the edge of our seats with excitement! Our parents first child, Yvon Robert, also known as “#1 Son”, was born in North Battleford on a sunny day in May a year later. He was followed by his brother Claude Jean aka “The Scrapper” two years later in July.

In 1956 our parents and family packed up and moved to Ashcroft B.C. Why Ashcroft of all places? We still ponder this decision to this day! Mere was a nurse at the small hospital in town and Blondie ran the “B/A” station called, “Rosie’s Service”. In 1956, another baby came along, Sarah Lynn, lovingly referred to as “The Spoiled One”. She was born on her dad’s birthday, a perfect gift, as she was the only girl. Jeanne had a difficult delivery, and was advised to not have any more children, as she was so tiny herself. Well, as French women tend to be stubborn…Jeanne gave birth to Edgar Louis, still known as “Baby Brother” in May of 1959. The doctors said “impossible”, our mother said “attainable!”

The move to the lower Mainland came in October 1964, Yvon the eldest rode shotgun in the furniture truck, while the other three kids and Mere took the train to New Westminster, B.C. where Rosaire was already settled and working. The French community of Maillardville, Coquitlam, would become their new home. In 1966, Mere and Rosaire settled in on Stewart Avenue, and like all houses of that era, it was tiny, but it was always filled with laughter and love.

Mere’s first grandchild came in 1973. Mere was ecstatic, and never had a baby been blessed with more clothes and outfits, as she was a “master seamstress” and would spend many hours on the kitchen table cutting out patterns for kid’s toys and clothing. In 1976, another two grandchildren would enter the mix. At 47 years old, Mere had three grandchildren, and we as her own children, became obsolete! She doted and spoiled her three new “babies” with every opportunity!

Grandchildren and family were Mere’s mainstay, and in the years that followed, Jeanne was blessed with 5 more “bundles”, through births and marriages. Her happiest moments were always when she was surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

In 1994, Mere lost our father, Rosaire, to a lengthy battle with cancer. Mere was by his side every step of the way. After dad passed, Mere immersed herself in her crafts, knitting, sewing, painting, and crewel work. The sheer number of knit hats, she crafted for B.C. Children’s Hospital, adorned with knit grapes, strawberries, and flowers, could never be totalled! People were astonished at the speed those tiny fingers flew while knitting. We are quite sure every family member has at least 3 or 4 sweaters in their closets fashioned by mother’s “fastidious hands”.

Mere moved to a condominium in Langley in1998. It was her dream scenario, as it was within walking distance to “Michael’s Crafts” and “Fabricland”. The crafting continued with stuffed animals and toys…how many people do you know who own a handmade mink teddy bear? In our family… we know a few!

In the last 18 years, Mere was blessed with 12 great grandchildren. To say our family tree was getting larger all the time, is an understatement! We now have a total of 34 in our immediate family, including spouses, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Mere, you lived a full life, and the lessons, and the love you showed us all will never be forgotten. You will forever be in our hearts, and on our minds, on every occasion. We will always remember your expressions when you would see a grandchild, a newborn or one of your full-grown! The laughter you brought to our children, will be etched in their memories for a lifetime. The “coal black eyes” we received when you wanted to make your point…or the tenderness you showed when we were hurt or upset, lives within us all, as guidance.

We love you Mere; so happy you are once again waltzing with Dad, on Heaven’s endless dance floor.

Love always

Yvon (Trudy)

Tara (Donovan) Aidan, Kiran, Asher

Claude (Sheila)

Nicole (Andre) Daniel, Madeleine

Craig (Alex) Malena

Lynn (Keith)

Jeffrey

Edgar (Kelly)

David (Tess) Ellie, Meadow

Keri (Adam) Jakob, Jordan ,Charlotte

Brady

Alex (Hillary) Austin

Also Survived by her Siblings: Albert, Arthur, Denis, and Claude, as well as countless nieces and nephews who all mattered to Mere.

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