Alice Marie (Durand) Rheault

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Celebration of Life ~ Alice Rheault

Alice Marie Rheault (nee Durand), of Treherne, MB passed away unexpectedly at her home on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at the age of 69 years. 

Alice leaves to mourn her loving husband of 51 years, Denis, daughter Christi (Darrel) Van Den Bussche, sons Jeff (Candace), Jason (Amanda), Scott (Allison), and nine grandchildren Jaden, Brady, Tessa, Dylan, Parker, Blake, Jack, Kaycee, and Luke.

She is also survived by her four siblings Diane (Bernie) Budd, Elaine (Doug) Buydens, Norman (Lori) Durand, Noreen Durand (Ron Leslie), her in-laws Andre (Evelyn) Rheault, Alice Espenell,  Lorraine (John) Collet, Paul (Annette) Rheault, Simone (Jim) Jones, Lucille (John) Smith, Rene (Leslie) Rheault as well as numerous extended relatives & friends.

Alice was predeceased by her mother Angeline (nee Simoens), her father Henry Durand, her mother-in-law Andrea Rheault (nee Lesage), her father-in-law Roland Rheault,  her brother-in-law Ron Espenell, and her nephews Kirk Buydens and Tyson Rheault. 

Alice was born in Holland MB, she arrived into this world on July 23, 1953 as the oldest of five children.  Her siblings have many fond memories of Alice and appreciated her motherly instincts even from an early age. She grew up north of Treherne in the district of Arbroath on a family farm and learned early the importance of a strong work ethic. 

She attended and graduated high school in Treherne, MB. This is where she developed many lifelong friends, one of them being Denis’ sister, Alice. This was the connection that brought them to meet in the basement of a house party. They started dating, were inseparable, and married October 8th, 1971.

The two started their journey as newlyweds in Landseer MB. Within a couple years Denis had received a job offer in the RM of Lorne and they moved their house to Somerset, MB. This is where  they welcomed their first born daughter, Christi. This new family of three started a business (DAC’S) which kept them busy for a few years until they sold the business and welcomed a second baby, Jeffrey. Alice and Denis loved their new little family so much that they had their third baby, Jason the next year. In 1981, this family of five moved to the Rheault family farm just outside of Treherne where they stayed for thirty-one years and farmed along with Denis’ brothers for many years. It was while living there that they grew to a family of six, welcoming the baby of the family, Scott. 

On the farm, there were many celebrations and memories made and Alice loved having her family grow as she welcomed her son-in -law, and her three daughters in-law. She became a grandmother for the first time in 2001, and her house and heart continued to fill as the other eight grandkids came along and kept her busy playing games, cuddling, and of course, cooking and baking. 

As busy as Alice was as a farmer’s wife and mother of four, she still worked full time and squeezed in as much fun and travel adventures as she could. As her kids were all involved in various sports and activities growing up, Alice could always be found in stands cheering them, as well as their kids’ friends, on.  Denis and Alice became known as “mom and dad” to many of the kids’ friends and they always loved visits with them as they grew into parents of their own. When she wasn’t in the stands cheering, she was in the food booth helping ensure everyone was fed. This habit continued as her grandchildren began their own love of sports. 

Alice had many different careers over the years, but working in the banking industry was by far her favourite, mainly because of the people she worked with and served. 

She retired in 2009 and within a few years moved her and Denis to town where they spent many great days with their neighbours. 

Alice loved to be together with family and friends, which is why her and Denis spent so many summer nights at the cabin at Lake 7 where everyone could gather and spend time around bonfires. Many laughs, memories and more friends were made there. 

Alice’s love for being together with family didn’t just stay in Manitoba. She loved to travel with family and friends. Some of the places that she held dear to her heart were Disney, Europe, New York, Montreal, and of course Puerto Vallarta. 

Mexico became a second home for Denis and Alice. They loved their time in the sun and heat especially over Canada’s cold winter (Alice’s least favourite thing). They spent so much time down there they considered their friends in PV to be their second family, and she was amazing at juggling life in both locations. Her many to-do lists helped. 

Her love for adventure never slowed down, as she only had a few summers without the cabin before she and Denis rekindled their love of camping and bought “Molly” the motorhome. Molly allowed them many more memories with their kids, grandkids and friends throughout Manitoba campgrounds.

Alice was tough. She beat cancer twice in her lifetime and fought back from a heart attack in 2021. She was a fighter and wasn’t ready to go. She had things she needed to do. Alice lived life to the fullest and made sure to tick off her bucket list trips which in her last year included an Alaskan cruise and getting her family of nineteen together on a houseboat in Sicamous, BC.  

She truly was an amazing woman and all those who knew her, loved her. If everyone lived life like she did, it would be a beautiful thing. 

We love you and miss you. Rest easy.

A Celebration of Alice’s life was held on Saturday April 1, 2023 in the Rathwell Community Hall with Sandra Rex officiating. 

Friends that so desire, memorial donations can be made in her memory to the Central Plains Cancer Services, 318 E. Saskatchewan Ave., Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0K8 or to a charity of choice.

Online condolences can be sent to Alice’s family by visiting www.willmorchapel.com.  Jamieson’s Funeral Services of Holland in care of arrangements.

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