Obituary of Noreen Charbonneau

(nee McLachlan) December 13, 1920 - April 17, 2021 Almonte Train Wreck Survivor United Church Women Silver Cross Mother Saying farewell is always difficult and we do so with a heavy heart. Today we announce the passing of our beautiful mother Noreen Jean Louise Charbonneau on Saturday April 17, 2021 at Orchard View in Almonte. At life’s great milestone of 100 years, Noreen’s passing was very peaceful, and she was surrounded by the love of her family. Reunited with her beloved husband of 75 supportive years, Arthur “Art” Joseph Charbonneau. (2018). Born in White Lake, Ontario, the eldest daughter of George and Muriel (Aide) McLachlan, she is survived by brothers, Glen (Pat) and Borden (Joyce). Predeceased by brothers: Howard (Glenna), Mac (Pat), Jack (Dorothy), Jim (Mariann), Bryson (Karin) and sisters Bernice, Vivian (Frank); brothers-in-law: Emile (Marie), Theodore (Mattie), Legori (Antonia), Thomas (Evelyn), Oscar (Donna) and sisters-in-law; Delphine (Harry), Cecile (Ken), Doris (Orville) and Theresa. Loving mother of Carolyn Sparrow (Bob), Margaret Anne, George (Ann) and John. She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Joanna (Jamie), Roberta (Doug), Neil (Kerry), Amy, and Matthew (Tonnette) and great grandchildren Robert and Ole. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Noreen’s life spanned from the end of the Spanish Flu Pandemic to the Covid-19 Pandemic. She was also a survivor of the Almonte Train Wreck. She grew up on the family farm and attended the small schoolhouse in White Lake. She boarded in Arnprior so that she could attend high school and later graduated from the Ottawa Business School. While boarding in Arnprior, she caught the eye of Art at the Bowling Alley and he pursued her until their marriage in 1943. When Art went overseas to serve in the Canadian Army in Europe, Noreen kept the home fires burning back home while Art was away. She was busy working in the government offices during the war effort. When Art returned they started their family and built a wonderful home on Craig Street. Noreen was a long-time member of the Grace St. Andrew’s United Church in Arnprior where she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She was active in the United Church Women and the Christian Women’s Club. She participated in a Bible Study group for many years. When the children were a bit older Noreen worked at Walker’s Store and Arnprior Guardian Drugs. Later, Noreen and Art enjoyed travelling together across Canada and the United States, with special trips to the Caribbean, Hawaii, Alaska and California. She and Art traveled to Europe for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands. She very much enjoyed time spent at the family cottage on the Madawaska River. She was excellent at her handiwork; cooking, sewing and knitting. She was an avid piano player and was known to chord along as her dad Geordie played the fiddle at community socials in White Lake. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you for the unwavering support, kindness and compassion of the staff at Orchard View. In memoriam donations may be made to her beloved Grace St. Andrew’s United Church, Arnprior. Noreen’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Boyce Funeral Home Ltd., 138 Daniel Street North, Arnprior. Private Family Funeral Service will take place SATURDAY APRIL 24,2021 at 11:00 AM The service will be Live Webcast for extended family and friends. Interment White Lake Community Cemetery. ~Mom we cherish our memories of you, your smile, your kindness, your loving way with each of us and your witty sense of humour. You were the wind beneath our wings and you will remain forever in our hearts. We miss you and love you so very much.~. The Funeral Service "Live Webcast" is available just below the "Donations" tab to the left of this page. Please select the drop down arrow above when using a cellular phone or tablet. A recording of the service will be uploaded and available after the service.