Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, Grace Leona Berreault was born on the 5th of October 1980 to Mabel McLeod and Lawrence Berreault. She passed away on May 29th, 2022, in Fort Liard. Today Madam Speaker, I am getting to share part of her eulogy that was developed by her best friend Alana.
Grace was truly extraordinary. Her life could be all kinds of chaos, but she never wore it on her face. She was a true fighter and an energy force to be reckoned with. Grace could and would steer focus towards the lighter side of things, always finding the humour. This is a trait she had at a young age, and she would teach others to apply it in their life.
Alana spoke about the love of baking and cooking they both shared. This was thanks to Grace’s mom Mabel, her aunties Sharon and Kathy, and her uncle Ernie. Alana spoke about their close childhood friendship where they had the most memorable memories as they grew up together. They loved the country music, Johnny Depp’s Crybaby, and of course BBQs.
Madam Speaker, Grace was a hard worker from a young age and excelled in school. She was competitive in sports and a great big sister to her siblings. Even if it was carrying her sister kicking and screaming as they went to school. Grace, when she was really tired, she'd make sure she treated others as they were precious gems. She always had a voice, even if she didn't agree with her, she made sure people understood where she stood, sometimes fighting tooth and nail for others who did not have a voice.
Madam Speaker, she was strong, resilient, and yet beautiful in all her ways. She was a life that shined brightly just so the path of others could be illuminated. With matters that had to do with allthingslife, she was exceptional yet her multipaths were sometimes wild, the outcomes have brought us nothing but joy with the children she has brought into all our lives. I had the honour of knowing three of her older children, and I can say they are a great reflection of her.
Sometimes in life, you needed the itsy bitsy or the full nudge from a loved one who sees in you what you could not see for yourself. From someone who believed you can, even if the circumstances dictated others. Grace was the person that would always be there for you.
In closing, Madam Speaker, I will use Alana words, It brings us great solace knowing that so many of our late family were there to meet her on the other side. She will be missed. We will miss her tenacity, compassion, and selflessness as we go on to others. Madam Speaker, she will be sadly missed. She will be missed by us all.
