Huguette Roy

COATICOOK – Huguette Roy, age 86, of Coaticook, Que., died peacefully on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021 at the residence of Bois Castelle. Huguette was born on Jan. 6, 1935, in St. Aurelie, Québec. She was the daughter to the late Edward and Emilia (Labbé) Maheu and was one of fourteen children. As a youngster, Huguette’s love for the outdoors proved to be the quality of her life. She learned to be successful in working the family land alongside her husband Gerard. In her later years, Huguette and Gerard operated a group home in Colebrook, then returned to Canada for retirement. Christmas Eve was a very important occasion for Huguette and Gerard as they welcomed the entire family into their home for a festive and traditional holiday, celebrated with homemade tourtieres and practical gifts that cascaded from under the Christmas tree. Seeing her family together was a delight and blessing to her. Huguette wrote in her diary daily, and was a wiz at crossword puzzles. She appreciated music and gardening, and would often be found singing among her flowers. Huguette valued the art of storytelling, and felt joy in sharing memories of yesteryear. She was adored by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will always remember her for her panteufs and the children’s songs that she sang in French. She made every one of her family members feel special and seen. During her time at Bois Castelle, Huguette enjoyed the constant companionship of her youngest brother, Nolin “Tino” Maheu, who regularly took her for rides to the Coaticook creamery for ice cream. Unable to physically connect with her U.S. family since the onset of Covid, Huguette kept in touch by texting and sending messages through social media. She maintained a positive mindset and was curious about the details of her children’s lives. Her messages always began with Good Morning or Bonjour, and were a gift to those who loved and missed her. Huguette is survived by her five children: Lyse Grandmaison, Ghislain Roy (Valerie), Yvon Roy (Arlene), Denise Sage (Morris), and Sylvie Crete (Gaetan); grandchildren Natalie Grandmaison Lindley, Bridget Grandmaison Freudenberger, Daniel Roy, Jamie Roy Puccini, Jules Roy, Megan Roy, Alan Mathieu, Jenny Mathieu Champagne, Josie Mae Crete, and Steven Crete; seventeen great-grandchildren; and siblings Yvonne (Gaston) d’Anjou, Marcelle (Marcel) McLure, Serge (Helene) Maheu, Julienne (Norman) Bishop, Renelle (Ronald) Menard, Igan (Anne Marie) Maheu, Nolin “Tino” (Ginette) Maheu, and Denyse (Erick) Maheu. She is preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Gerard Roy, in December of 2020; sons-in-law Herve Mathieu, Jr. and Renaud Grandmaison; and siblings Joseph (Estelle) Maheu, Victoire (Leopold) Dorval, Irene (Rosaire) Gilbert, Ange Emile (Claire) Maheu, and Marielle (Maurice) Hebert. There are no public calling hours. A graveside interment service will occur on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021, at 11 a.m. in St. Brendan’s Cemetery in Colebrook, . Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Local funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in the U.S. and Charron et fils in Coaticook.

Huguette Roy

January 6, 1935 - August 20, 2021