Rita Monica Gareau
October 18, 1933 – March 20, 2022
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Monica Gareau (nee Pottie) passed away at the Dartmouth General Hospital March 20, 2022. A proud Cape Bretoner, Monica was born October 18, 1933 in West L’Ardoise to the late Michael and Elizabeth Pottie. Monica attended Halifax Vocational High School, graduating in 1952 and met the love of her life, Bernard, during that time. Life as a navy wife took Monica to many different places where she excelled at creating a home for her family wherever we went, including Belfast, Ireland.
A lifelong devotee of the Catholic Church, Monica was a compassionate CWL member who took her faith to heart by visiting housebound parishioners and contributing in parish efforts to support the underprivileged and homeless. She was a long time volunteer for the Canadian Heart and Stroke foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society.
Monica is survived by her loving husband of 69 years, Bernard Gareau of Grand-Mère, Quebec and her six children Michael (Mary Couillard) of Guelph, Charmaine Langille (Ken) of Ottawa, Janice, Paul (Sheri Alexander), Lyse Markert (Jeff), Pierre (Amber Walker) all of Dartmouth. She was Grandma to Jennifer Duncan & Laura Gareau Sanchez; Sarah, Justin & Zachary Langille; Matthew & Veronica Highmore; Alex & Sophie Gareau; Aliza Aldana, Hannah & Rachel Markert; Madeleine & Malcolm Gareau as well seven great-grand children.
She is survived by her youngest sister Helen Cogswell (Joe) of Halifax and predeceased by her other siblings: Doris Votaw, Allister Pottie, Eva Lohnes, Edwin Pottie, Maxwell Pottie. Monica also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Gareau was a welcoming mother to the friends of her children and always had time for a chat and a few questions and, if they were lucky, one of her fine home baked treats. To quote a long time family friend, Jim, “Your Mom and Dad always welcomed me into their home as one of their own. I always thought of your Mom as my Mom away from home.”…a sentiment reflected by so many.
We, her children, would like to thank our father for his steadfast devotion to our mother. Thanks to his unwavering support and loving care, Mom lived out her last difficult months surrounded by unconditional love and affection.
Our gratitude to the Dartmouth General 4th floor west staff and Dr. Ken Cameron for their compassion, understanding and flexibility during these past few difficult weeks.
Visitation will take place Thursday, March 24, 4 – 7 pm at Dartmouth Funeral Home.
A funeral mass will be celebrated Friday, March 25, 10:30am at Saint Thomas More.
Online condolences by visiting www.dartmouthfuneralhome.ca
Should you wish to do so, a donation in memory of Monica to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a Food Bank in your community would be appreciated by the family.
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SERVICES
Funeral Mass
Friday, March 25, 2022
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church
15 Caledonia Road
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Rita Monica Gareau October 18 1933 March 20 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Dartmouth, Province: Nova Scotia