Left motherless as an infant and dispatched to another family as a youngster to earn her keep, Antoinette Tellier overcame early loss and rejection to build a remarkable life.
At 19, Antoinette Chrétien married Albert Tellier of Sainte-Mélanie, Que., who was 11 years her senior. Their arrival in 1935 at a homestead near the northern Alberta town of Bonnyville is family legend: Having no transportation of their own, they were driven by horse and wagon deep into the wilderness by their priest and his visitor, the latter alarmed at the notion of leaving the young newlyweds in so untamed a place. But the priest said, "We leave them with the grace of God. Providence will see to their success."
Divine intervention, along with determination, must have played a role in their survival. Resourceful and hardworking, they cleared land, sowed crops, raised animals and brought seven children into the world - Rejeanne, Germaine, Louis, Lorraine, Gerald, Denis and Roger - in conditions that were extreme and unpredictable. But Antoinette recalled these times fondly. A spirited person who loved to cook, dance and sing, she revelled in gatherings with her family and neighbours, which provided welcome respites from gruelling work.
As the farm prospered and her children became adults, Antoinette pursued her interests in sports and fitness. In her 50s, she learned to swim, bought a bike, took up cross-country skiing, joined a bowling league and taught aerobics classes. She could often be seen riding her bike on the highway, earning many a scolding from the RCMP officers who worried for her safety. A multiple-event threat, she brought home many medals from the Alberta Seniors Games.
After Albert died of emphysema in 1981, Antoinette sank into a deep melancholy from which she was not easily roused. But, with an adventurous heart, she eventually reentered life and travelled widely.
She always found time to help others, logging an unprecedented number of volunteer hours at the local extended-care facility and receiving several awards for her service, including being the first woman named citizen of the year by the Bonnyville Chamber of Commerce.
After Antoinette suffered a stroke on Dec. 17, her family kept vigil at her bedside until she died late Christmas day. She leaves behind seven children, 22 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren, all of whom will be forever inspired by this formidable woman who taught us to surmount life's challenges with courage, and embrace its riches with gratitude.
Louise Riopel is Antoinette's granddaughter.