It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of loss that we announce the passing of our loving Mother, Grandmother, Sister and friend Michelle Ann (Desmeules) Nadeau on Saturday December 28th, 2024 at St. Joseph’s Hospital at the age of 66 years with her loving family by her side following a courageous battle with cancer.
Michelle was born on May 24th, 1958 and was the 8th child to Gerald and Elina Desmeules (Rosetti) in Red Lake, ON. She attended Madsen Public School, Red Lake High School, Humber College and Confederation College where she earned her diploma as a Developmental Services Worker, with awards for her outstanding academic achievements.
In 1972, she met her former husband Norman Sr. Nadeau and together they welcomed 3 beautiful children. A Son, Norman Jr (Mickey) in 1975, and 2 daughters, Nicole (Dolly) 1977 and Tracy (S.T. aka Tre) 1979. They moved around between Red Lake and Dryden for several years before settling in Thunder Bay in 1981.
Michelle worked in Central Supply at St. Joe’s Hospital in 1985 through 1994. Unfortunately, her career ended there when she got hurt on the job and this took her back to school to earn her diploma where she would later work at BISNO, Tikinagan, Kenora, Rainy River Child & Family Services as a Child Welfare Worker. After her retirement in 2020, she worked part time at Roseview and at local schools as a lunchroom supervisor. She also volunteered for many years at WesWay offering respite to families of peoples with disabilities and at the Versa Care Centre in North Etobicoke, ON.
Michelle loved her gardens and took pride in her harvests of fresh vegetables, fruits and flowers. Music playing in the background, she would immerse herself. She had even more passion for her children and grandchildren and was their biggest fan, always encouraging and cheering them on. She was so very proud of them all and they were the light of her life. She also loved to travel and enjoyed time out at Pine Point Resort to fish and camp, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with her sisters every year in the winters and a plethora of other destinations with friends and family. She loved the adventure. She was a woman of great integrity, character, morals, generous, courageous, affectionate and loved hard. She also gave the best hugs.
Michelle is survived by her loving children; Norman Jr. (Anja), Nicole (Richard) and Tracy (Lawrence). Grandchildren; Anthony, Dylan (Maranda), Bailey (Austin) and Abigayle. Very special friend Peter. Her sisters Susan (Wayne), Patricia (Adam), Yvonne (Don) and Judi as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Michelle is predeceased by her father Gerald, her Mother Elina and her siblings Gerald Jr, Ellen, Loraine, William and Michael as well as numerous other relatives.
Our family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the TBRHSC Cancer Centre Palliative Care Unit (Dr Ward & Dr. Simpson) as well as St. Joseph’s Hospital (Nurses Nicole & Holly) for their compassion, care, patience and respect to our mom during this very difficult time.
As per Michelle’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held in her honour Saturday January 4th @ 11:00am at Everest of Thunder Bay, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com
