Peacefully with her daughter by her side, Carmen (Ménard) Lavallee Bertrand passed away on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, in her hometown of Sudbury, Ontario. Born to the late Edgar and Lucienne Ménard on October 24, 1941, Carmen was in her 83rd year. With the loss of her son Denis Lavallée (2010, Cecile) and her daughter Lynne Lavallée (2021), Carmen was a silent warrior, fighting the heartbreak of a grieving mother. She found pockets of light through it all and never gave up. Her strength will be remembered along with her love for a game of Yahtzee, sense of humour, kindness, and a freezer filled with her beloved homemade meatballs and spaghetti sauce that she was always quick to share.
Also predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Alma Dépatie (Léo) and her brother and sister-in-law, René Ménard (Geraldine). Carmen is survived by her daughter Diane Nicholson (Paul) and their children Devin Nicholson (Colleen) and Meagan Nicholson-Leliveld (Andrew), her daughter-in-law Cecile Lavallée (Rick) and her children Rob Brisebois (Stacia) and Jocelyne Sauvé (Shawn), and her son Pierre Caron (Jennifer) and Joshua Caron (Cindy) and Rebecca-Lynn. She will be remembered with fondness by her nieces and nephews, and great-grandchildren Payton, Holden and William.
Carmen found blessings amongst struggles and joy amongst sorrow. A special thank you to the nurses and staff at York Extendicare, Cecile Lavallée and Julie Dépatie for the time and care they poured into Carmen. As per her wishes, family will gather privately to honour the life of Carmen. Cremation services entrusted to Simple Wishes of the North, Sudbury.
Donations can be made on Carmen’s behalf to Maison McCulloch Hospice, Sudbury.
Cremation services provided by Simple Wishes of the North, Sudbury.