Alma Jeanneau

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Alma Rose Jeanneau on Friday November 1st, 2024, at Oliver Lodge in Saskatoon Sk. 

Alma was born January 21, 1935, in Saskatoon, to Joseph and Blanche Loiselle. Shortly after, Alma, and her brother Marcel, were adopted by uncle and aunt Onile and Emelia Loiselle, who were known to her from that point on as Dad and Mom. They lived in the small town of Prud’Homme. Alma thought she hit the jackpot as she claimed to have been raised with a silver spoon in her mouth. Onile owned a barber shop, pool hall, ice cream parlor and candy store. She recalled being quite spoiled with treats and love. Growing up she was somewhat of a tomboy; she was very athletic and enjoyed singing and dance. She had a happy childhood. In the mid 50’s, at a party, Mom met the love of her life, Joseph Jeanneau. She was head over heels and never left his side. Jos was this stunning attractive man full of kindness, grace and intellect. Jos admired her persistence, beauty and charm. Alma was remarkably talented and spunky, (things Jos felt he lacked). Opposites attract. They married in 1957 and together formed an inseparable bond and raised 2 children, Denis and Marc. The family followed Jos from city to city until one day a phone call from a prominent dentist, Edmour Gaudet and wife Thérèse, enticed them to move to Prince Albert's French community. The community flourished from this move. 

Alma received the prestigious honour of Prince Albert Citizen of the Year in 1975 for her community work and involvement in the French community, Meals on Wheels, John Howard Society, PA Winter Festival, Brownies & Girl Guides & several other volunteer positions. In her humbleness, she had refused this award in 1974; she thought someone else merited it more. The following year, the nominating committee insisted she be honoured for her excellence in the community.

Alma had talent, grace and a deep concern for humankind. Her life revolved around her Catholic faith. She sang and danced at annual celebrations at senior citizen care homes, jails, the penitentiary and other places. Alma MC'd events and starred in plays at the P.A. Winter Festival. Give her a microphone and she would entertain in song and dance. She kept the community aware of upcoming events as well as her thoughts on what was going on in the community (good & bad) with daily calls to the J.J. Cennon “Wake up Shake Up“show. Some days she would really shake things up; J.J. nicknamed her Sarge or Sergeant Major. She opened the doors to her home, for the Prince Albert French community, by starting a meeting place for French Canadian youth, in her basement, called (CAL) Centre d'Amitier et Loisire. It was a place where young people played games, sang, danced and made arts and crafts.

Jos & Alma built a cottage at Wakaw Lake and spent summers there with family and friends. Their winters were spent in Mesa, Arizona, where Alma continued her remarkable talents in organizing a multitude of entertainment events. Jos and Alma decided to move to Saskatoon in 1979 and it was a great sorrow for their friends and the Prince Albert community. 

 Alma's involvement in the Saskatoon community flourished for years. She was very involved with the church, the French community, MCing the French pavilion at Folkfest and much more.

In her mid 80's, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and spent her final years under the giving care of her family at Wakaw Lake and the wonderful staff at Oliver Lodge where she was visited by family and friends.

Alma will forever be remembered for her kindness, grace, talent and love for her community. 

Alma leaves to mourn her passing and cherish her memory: children Denis (Donna) Jeanneau and Marc (Judy) Jeanneau and her grandchildren Daniel (Deejai), Joel (Stacy) and Stefan (Pauline) and great grandchild Hadley as well as her siblings Murielle (Tim) Koe and Jackie (Cosmo) Zavaglia.

She was predeceased by husband Joseph and brothers: Albert Loiselle and Marcel (Eleanor) Loiselle and sisters: Aline (Alcid) Bussiere and Lucille (Johnny) Brodeur as well as numerous in-laws.

 A Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, November 13th, 2024 at 11am at St. Martyrs Canadiens Parish, 1007 Windsor St., Saskatoon, SK.