Obituary of Geraldine Paquette

August 23, 1928 – June 5, 2026

With sorrow, we announce the passing of Mary Geraldine Paquette, née Power, as we all crossed into a new day at 12:30 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026 at The Grove Nursing Home, Arnprior.

Geraldine lost her dear husband, Edgar, on May 12, 1990, and has missed him every day since.

Geraldine and Edgar were the proud parents of five girls and were pleased when that family grew to include five sons (technically “sons-in-law”), seven grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Their first-born was Sheila Gallagher (1952-2012), the loving wife of Lawrence (Darlene), the mother of David married to April, and the grandmother of Leah and Griffin.

Lyla Trudeau and her husband Tom helped expand the family further. Their son Matthew, and Kristin (née Tripp) are the parents of Logan and Ivy, and his partner Melissa Meek and her children Tori and Jase were welcomed into the fold. Their eldest daughter, Melanie VanBenthem, and her husband Chris are the parents of Noah, Luke, and Laura. The youngest daughter, Erika Hughes and her husband Steve are “Mom & Dad” to Ryan.

Irene Sherk (the “middle child” of this family) and her husband Dave are aunt and uncle, and have even been promoted to the status of great-aunt and great-uncle to their “great” nieces and nephews of two generations.

Laura Leah Runtz (1961-1999) and her husband Keith (Debbie) are the parents of Sarah Lavoie married to Joe, and the grandparents of Laurelanne.

Esther Sanderson, the youngest (never the baby) is married to Geff, and they are the parents of Garret married to Hillary, and Timothy, the youngest grandchild.

Born August 23, 1928 to Bernadette (née Earl) and Thomas (known as Abbie) Power, Geraldine was known to some as “Gerry”, to a fortunate few of us as “Mom”, and to a very special group as “Granny”.

One of twelve children, she is survived by her brother, Gregory “Kelly” Power and his wife Maureen “Moon”. Geraldine has been pre-deceased by all of her other siblings and their spouses / partners:  Mary “Mayme” and Angus MacDonald, Margaret and Clifford Wingle, Bernadette “Bernie” and Ashton Jarvo, Rita and Hilary “Ray” Coulterman, Maurice and Arvilla Power, Carmel and James “Jim” Dellaire, her twin sister Lila and Joseph “Joe” Friske, Michael “Mike” Power, John “Jack” and Lois Power, Thomas “Tom” Power, Margaret Lepine, and Irene (Roy) Rosebrugh.

Geraldine is survived by her sister (again, technically “sister-in-law”) Esther Dellaire, but pre-deceased by Edgar’s sister Corinne Turner married to Jim, brother Henry Paquette married to Frances, sister Alexina Leblanc married to Ellard, and brother-in-law James “Jim” Dellaire.

Aunt Geraldine has always been close to her many nieces and nephews and has been greatly saddened by the loss of so many.

Geraldine was a dedicated volunteer in her St. John Chrysostom Parish and the Arnprior Community. She is a past-president of the Catholic Women’s League and a member since 1961 – 65 years. Dad was a member of Arnprior Knights of Columbus Council 2082, and both Mom and Dad were actively involved with the council’s activities. Mom also volunteered at the Arnprior District Memorial Hospital, delivered Meals on Wheels, and worked at preparing and serving funeral lunches, parish suppers, and many other events over the years.

She was an excellent cook and baker, known for serving up our favourites (too many to name), ranging from butterscotch pies to Queen Elizabeth cake, and a variety of snacks including chocolate chip, shortbread, and Aunt Mary’s cookies, as well as homemade doughnuts.

Growing up in the country, she developed a “green thumb”, and fed her family, and many neighbours and friends from her garden. She enjoyed the beautiful flowers and plants she nurtured, both in nature and in her home.

Having five little girls, Mom signed-up for night-school courses and learned to sew. She graduated from the Raymond treadle machine she purchased from her godfather many years ago, to progressively advanced electric models. A quilting-frame (sometimes considered a children’s fort) could occasionally be found set up in the living room. Her skills were further showcased in making the five wedding dresses of her daughters, as well as gowns for all of their bridal attendants. She patched, fitted, and adjusted to perfection on many occasions.

Mom and Dad were long-time members of St. John Chrysostom Bowling League, and were eager to try something new and cheer on other sports and activities, especially when family was involved.

One of Mom’s greatest achievements was learning to drive at age 50. It allowed her to be independent and self-reliant, and she advocated for everyone to get their driver’s licence. She was devastated when her reduced vision did not permit the renewal of her licence, but found other ways to continue to maintain her independence as long as possible.

She made the difficult decision to leave her Claude Street home in 2019 and establish The Grove as her new home at that time. She has treasured every one of your visits, and telephone calls – Thank you!

Geraldine’s care and arrangements have been entrusted to the Pilon Family Funeral Home,

50 John Street North, Arnprior, Ontario, where visitation will take place on Friday morning, June 12th from 10:00 – 12:00 noon.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church,

18 Dochart Street, Braeside, Ontario on Friday, June 12th at 1:00 p.m.

The family invite you to join them for lunch at a reception immediately following the Mass.

Geraldine will be laid to rest, beside Edgar, at Malloch Road Cemetery, Arnprior at a later private ceremony.

A Mass is offered on the First Friday of each month in memory of loved ones enrolled with each charitable donation gifted to the St. John Chrysostom Parish Memorial Fund. You may wish to honour Geraldine this way.

Please remember Geraldine in your prayers.