Born to Abel and Mary Anne Genaille on February 3, 1944, on the shores of Duck Bay Manitoba. Mary had 8 siblings: Theresa, Joe, Elizabeth (Lizzie), Gordon (Shorty), George, Rose, Walter, and her only surviving sibling Robert. In addition, Mary was predeceased by her husbands, William Ledoux, Lucien Robinson, Hank Unrau, daughters Maryanne Neilson, Brenda Ledoux, Sandra (Jenny) Ledoux and eldest son David Ledoux. Losing so many children left a profound effect on Mary, no mother should have to experience such loss.
Mary’s early years were spent in the community of Duck Bay Manitoba. Her father Abel was a commercial fisherman and an avid outdoorsman who worked the trapline. Family life revolved around hunting and fishing and the changing seasons. Mary and her siblings were taught by their mother Maryanne how to prepare all sorts of game for food, in addition they were taught how to harvest roots and berries for trade and how to prepare berries for consumption. Life was tough but, in many ways, much simpler than today.
As Mary grew older, she moved throughout Northwestern Ontario with her own family in the 1960’s and 1970’s finally settling in Wabigoon on Polar Star Road in the 1980’s where she would spend the rest of her life. Mary was no stranger to adversity throughout her life and faced many challenges raising her children, at times by herself. Throughout it all, she stayed true to herself and maintained her home, something that she took great pride in. As a homemaker Mary was not only creative but a natural. She would design and create her own arts and crafts and put them on display at home. Everything in its place with the correct matching colors. Visitors would comment on how the house looked like a museum with such beautiful things on display. As her children grew up and left home, this talent would only expand to her yard. Mary had an eye for detail, and was proud to show it.
As Mary approached her senior years, she become more active within the area. She rekindled her friendships with old friends and made new ones. Mary had touched many lives, and her stories of her adventures were legendary. She truly lived life on her terms. As time rolled on and she began to wind down, she became this wonderful little old lady that was always so happy to see you. Cute as a button and as attentive as ever, she would hang on your every word as she spoke with you. She will be missed.
Mary is survived by her partner Fred Lacosse, brother Robert Genaille, daughters Ramona Cockerill, Rachelle Robinson, Dina Robinson, son Lucien Ledoux, as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren all of whom she loved dearly.
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