Obituary Overview
In Loving Memory
Juliette Florence Pochailo (née Lanthier)
Jan. 8, 1918 – Nov. 2, 2018
Juliette Pochailo died peacefully at her residence in Ottawa on Nov. 2, 2018. She was 100 years old – a century lived with grace, purpose, passion and faith.
Juliette – she would insist on her full name here, though she was more often called Julie; and she was called Juju more often still, not only by grandchildren and great-grandchildren but by anyone who wished to use her nickname, which was uttered so reverently that it is practically without origin – was born January 8, 1918, in Rainy River, Ont., the second of four children.
She grew up in Winnipeg and, as a young woman, marshalled her savings in order to pursue a professional education over the objections of her father, J.A. Lanthier. While the war raged, she studied at the St. Boniface School of Nursing and graduated in 1944. Nursing was not just a job, Juliette believed, it was a ministry demanding total devotion. Patients deserved nothing less.
She married Philip Pochailo in 1947, after meeting the returning airman on a blind double-date. (« They broke the mould with him, » she was fond of saying). They pursued their careers with zeal from Winnipeg to Vancouver and finally to Ottawa, where they settled for good. Their home in Bell’s Corners radiated with love, family and friendship. For decades, it was a gathering place: Christmas parties, meals, summer vacations, drop-ins, teas, chats, drinks, extended visits, surprise parties. Juliette’s generous and dynamic hospitality was legendary to the scores who stepped through her door.
After retirement, Juliette and Philip travelled the world and brought home stories and photographs that dazzled the family, grandchildren in particular. And Juliette was not content to be part of tour groups; she insisted they lead them, which gave the pair an opportunity to travel even more.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Darryl and Barbara Pochailo; her daughter and son-in-law, Lori and Paul Choquette; her grandchildren, Danielle, Nicole, Stephanie, Dennis and Natalie; and her great-grandchildren, Emma, Weston, Jude, Dashiell, Amelia and Samuel.
Juliette was built to move. Though we mourn her passing, we celebrate her life and are grateful she found rest.
Funeral: Tuesday, November 20, 11 a.m., St. Martin de Porres church, 3891 Old Richmond Rd., Ottawa. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Lanthier Bursary at the St. Boniface Registered Nurses’ Alumni Association.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Juliette Florence Pochailo 2018.
Décès pour la Ville: Ottawa, Province: Ontario
