Blanche Claire Marie Rivet

RIVET, Blanche Claire Marie (née Gignac) - Passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Fergus, Ontario, at age 87, with her loving daughters, Laureen and Christine, by her side.

She was predeceased by the love of her life, her husband, Marcel (1979) and by their infant daughter, Louise Patricia Anne (1961). She was also predeceased by her parents, Abe and Jeanne Gignac; her dear brothers, Omer, Abie, Emile, Frank and Dennis; and her devoted sisters Vicky Law, Hazel Morrison and Jeannette Webb. Blanche was also predeceased by her much-loved sons-in-law, Christopher August (2019) and Bill Walker (2017).

She is survived by beloved sisters Rita Capy and Betty Dell; her precious granddaughters, Abby and Lexi Walker, who made her so proud; and by many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Our Mum was born and raised in Spanish, Ontario, on February 28, 1938 back in the Great Depression and then experienced life while her brothers were overseas fighting in the Second World War. To say she knew hardship as a youngster is an understatement, like so many others of her generation. She carried that frugality into her later years, never so much as tossing out a Kentucky Fried Chicken bucket, a bag of sand or a bread tie if they might prove useful later on.

Mum eventually moved to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario to work at Capy’s Restaurant with her sisters before she pursued her studies at the St. Mary’s School of Nursing, class of 1960. She lived her professional life like she lived her private life — with a gentle touch, spreading love and kindness in everything she did. Mum was a registered nurse, working in pediatric medicine and eventually, long-term care in the Soo, looking after folks from the cradle to the grave.  

When our dad died suddenly so many years ago, she was a stay-at-home mom but found herself the sole provider and parent of two teenagers. So, at 41 and bolstered by her Roman Catholic faith, she jumped back into the workforce, resumed her nursing career, sent her girls to university and carried on.

Mum moved to Mount Forest, Ontario in retirement to be closer to family and to help raise Abby and Lexi.

She was eternally grateful for the love and kindness shown to her by her in-laws, Aunt Jackie, Aunt Gisele, and especially Uncle Peter and Aunt Leslee.

In her spare time, Mum enjoyed gardening, reading, watching hockey, knitting, and quilting. Many of us have her handiwork prominently displayed in our homes as cherished keepsakes. She was our role model, our North Star, our beacon of hope. We will miss her cooking and baking which had our friends and relatives standing in line for an invitation, her gentle demeanour and the way she made everyone feel welcome with her warm smile.

We would like to thank the wonderful staff at Wellington Terrace in Fergus for their excellent care and compassion.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Donations to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or the Canadian Cancer Society in Blanche’s name would be greatly appreciated. Donations and online condolences may be made at www.englandfuneralhome.com

“Blue Spanish eyes, teardrops are falling from your eyes. 

Please, please don’t cry. This is adios and not goodbye.”