Lorette Yvette Annette Marie Ottenbreit (Bourassa)
October 17th, 2019
Lorette Yvette Annette Marie Ottenbreit (Bourassa), late of Regina, SK passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 17, 2019 at the age of 86 years at Regina Pioneer Village with family by her side.
Lorette was born in Radville, SK on May 28, 1933. She was the second youngest of 11 children born to Léa (Labbée) and Emile Bourassa. Mom was raised in a completely French speaking home. She attended St. Olivier School. On her first day, she was surprised it was completely in English. She graduated in 1950. As a young lady, Mom was often the center of everything fun. In Mom`s graduating class comments they said, “Lorette was destined to discover a cream to remove freckles”. Mom did not appreciate the beauty of her freckles. Mom was an accomplished pianist and played for many Bourassa sing-a-longs in the family home attached to her father’s business, E. Bourassa and Sons. After graduation, Mom moved to Clearfield, SK, as a Study Supervisor in their country school. In the summer of 1951, Mom moved to Regina where she worked as a Stenographer (secretary) for the Department of Social Welfare, Child Welfare Adoption Division and then the Department of Highways.
Mom and Dad (Del Ottenbreit) met on a blind date set-up by sister-in-law, Agnes and Agnes’ sister Louise, who just happened to be Dad’s rooming house landlord. On Monday, September 5, 1955, Mom and Dad were married. Their first home was a suite in a house with shared washroom facilities. They bought their first house at 947 Cameron Street. In 1963, they moved to their home on Hillsdale Street where Dad still lives.
They had four awesome children: Janice, Ken, Randy and Jason. As a stay-at-home Mom, she was active in her family’s interests. Mom was active in the CWL for over 50 years. She served as a member, President and Past President. There was often a note on Mom’s baking that said, “Do not eat, for funeral”. We are not sure how many thousands of dainties she made. The family often got “the funeral edges”. Mom enjoyed many trips to various provinces and states, as well as, New York City, Paris, London, Hawaii and the Mayan Riveria. Mom loved the sun. She enjoyed being outside tending to her flowers (orange and yellow marigolds). Her garden could hold its own to any country garden. There were always jars of pickles and beets on the go. Mom was an exceptional cook with many signature dishes including family favorites of Steak Rolls and Sweet Ribs.
Mom was also an amazing seamstress. She always had numerous tailored projects on the go. Her clothes were always beautifully made and fit perfectly. She made many gowns for the Knights of Columbus events she attended with Dad. She created wonderful craft projects and did numerous “all-nighters” to finish many a Christmas gift for us and her grandchildren. Her crafting “gene” was shared by Janice and Randy. Mom was also a big baseball fan and enjoyed watching Ken and Jason at Columbus Park. After raising her family, Mom also worked part-time for an accounting firm and later for the University of Regina supervising exams.
Mom and Dad celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2015. Later that year, Mom moved to Pioneer Village. She looked forward to her daily visits with Dad, who always brought a sparkle to her eye. We will miss Mom’s presence. She will always be remembered with love.
Predeceased by her parents Emile and Léa (Labbée); daughter Janice Lea Flaman; granddaughters Adrianne and Emily Ottenbreit; great-grandson William Jacek-Flaman; sisters and brothers-in-law Annette (Art) Dionne and Marguerite (Paul) Mondor; brothers and sisters-in-law Eugene (Agnes) Bourassa, Albert (Madeleine) Bourassa, Romeo Bourassa, Euclide (Louise) Bourassa, Roland (Anna) Bourassa, Armond Bourassa, Lionel Bourassa and Lois Bourassa; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Edward (Mildred) Ottenbreit, Hilda (Joe) Basile, Bob Striker, Norman Dean and Ruth Goebel.
Surviving to celebrate her life are her husband and best friend of 64 years, Del; sons Ken (Carolyn) and their children Katherine, Margaret and Matthew; Randy (Deb) and their children Eli and Avery; Jason (Alana) and their children Justin and Ryan; son-in-law Peter Flaman and children Russell (Amanda) Jacek-Flaman and their children Thomas and Léa; Tanner Flaman; Brent (Ashley) Flaman; brother Raymond Bourassa; sisters-in-law and brothers-in law Alyce Bourassa, Jenny Bourassa, Rita Bourassa, Aileen Striker, Leona Dean, Delores (George) Fischer and Wilf Goebel.
A Celebration of Lorette’s Life will be held on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Anne’s Parish, 1701 Cowan Crescent (access via Macpherson Avenue), Regina, SK with Father Ken Koep, Celebrant.
Flowers gratefully declined. Donations in Lorette’s memory can be made to Dr. Paul Schwann Health Centre or a charity of your choice.
Messages:
Dear Del & Families: We send our sincere condolences on the recent passing of Lorette. She was a sweet lady that we got to know through St. Anne Parish. We know that even though Lorette had diminished health in the past few years, her loving presence as a faithful wife, a dedicated Mother, Grandmother & Great-Grandmother, will be truly missed. May all your cherished memories of Lorette fill your hearts during this time of loss. "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep." (Romans 12:15) With our prayers, Louise & Larry Tessier
Uncle Del... our deepest condolences to you and your family on Aunt Lorette's passing. She will be dearly missed.
Ken - Thinking of you and your family at this sad time. I have fond memories of your Mom at all the St. John and St. Anne events. I’m sure she will be missed greatly by your family. Chris Bolen
Dear Del and family ... thinking of you at this time of sadness and sending my sincere condolences. Lorette was a kind, sweet woman and I enjoyed her company when we were together at Ottenbreit family functions. She will be missed dearly by loving family and friends.