March 15, 1950 -December 17, 2021
It is with great sadness, that we announce the passing of Claudette Lambert; sister, auntie, Godmother, sister-in-law, dear friend, and cherished community member. Claudette passed at the Pine Falls Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer.
Claudette was the first born child of Irene (Hèbert) and Ovide Lambert. She was predeceased by her parents; brothers Michel and Roger; and great nephew Hunter Boulet.
Claudette was born in St Pierre Jolys, Manitoba. She spent her early years in Sandy Bay, Manitoba, and moved to several small towns with mom and dad. They settled at The Rock area behind the Pine Falls paper mill. She attended elementary school up to grade 6 in Pine Falls. She spent grades 7 and 8, attending St. Joseph’s Academy in Winnipeg to hone her French skills. She returned to Pine Falls to finish high school. Claudette was very social and joined many sports teams. Claudette was easy going and made many life time friends at this time.
In 1973, she obtained a professional teaching certificate from the Department of Education in a condensed two year teacher’s program due to an extreme shortage of teachers at that time. While teaching full time, Claudette took evening and summertime courses to complete her Bachelor of Education degree by November 1987.
Claudette put her French language skills to use when she began teaching in St Georges, Manitoba. When the school closed, staff and students were moved to Powerview School, where she continued her successful teaching career in the French Immersion program.
Over her long teaching career, she became very close to both staff and students. An avid card writer, she was always sure to ask any new staff their birthday. She found the time to write every staff member personal notes in both their birthday and Christmas card. Claudette was sure to get cards out to our extended families as well. She included all four generations on this list. Her aunts and uncles, her siblings and in-laws, their children and spouses, and of course the great nieces and nephews were among many to receive correspondence from her. She wrote letters to the younger generation during the Covid days to encourage writing during household lock downs. Imagine the authentic writing she inspired with this kind act. She was sure to put a smile on your face or even bring a tear to your eye with the kind and personal letters she would write in every single card she sent. She always saw the best in everyone she met.
It was interesting going to the post office for Claudette. You could see she was receiving mail from staff or family that had moved to other cities or out of province or even to other continents. Her friendships were dear and life long because she made the effort to stay in touch.
Claudette never worked a single 40 hour work week in her teaching career. Not possible if you volunteered as much as she did. Even after retirement, she was at school every day before 8:30 a.m. and often not leaving until late in the evening. She went in early each fall to help teachers and the administrative staff to prepare for that first day with students. She was always available in the staffroom working on a multitude of jobs for staff support.
Claudette was affectionally nicknamed the ‘Gate Keeper’ by some community members. This was because you would see her repeatedly at the door of many community or school events working the admission table; selling raffle tickets, or organizing auction tables. She spent countless hours helping with drama productions and other school events.
Claudette obtained her Radiotelephone Operator’s Restricted Certificate on December 15, 1988. This came in handy with staff outings on houseboats. She enjoyed many sailing adventures on Lake of the Woods and Lake Winnpeg with friends.
Claudette travelled extensively. She has been to many countries in Europe, and many states in the US including Alaska and Hawaii. She has even been to Disney World! So many memories made with friends and family.
Claudette loved to sing. She had a great voice and was part of many school and church choirs. She was a member of the Sunrise Singers community choir. As a family, we were always singing together on a regular basis while doing the dishes after a family meal.
Claudette is survived by her sisters Gisèle Lagassé (Pierre), Janine, Denise Geib (Stan), Rita Boulet (Mike), Hélène Woodward (Brian) and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
We would like to thank her many close friends who spent countless hours with Claudette both at her home and at the hospital. She loved the company, stories, laughter, and the singing entertainment which brought her great joy!
A special thanks goes out to the staff at the Pine Falls Hospital. Everyone was always professional and supportive. We were treated on a daily basis with kindness from the moment we entered the screening area at the front door and throughout each day from the health care aids, nurses, doctors, and support staff.
Due to Covid restrictions, the family will be having a private gathering. At a later date we will host an outdoor celebration, or as Claudette would say, “A party” to share memories and laughter with friends and family.
Claudette believed in paying it forward and generously donated to several organizations and charities over the years. At Claudette’s request, in lieu of flowers, you could choose to donate to a charity of your choice.
Our thanks also go out to the staff at Sobering Funeral Chapel in Beausejour. Libby provided such gracious service during these troubled times. This is a true art and it was greatly appreciated.
Offer Condolence for the family of Claudette Alice Clara Marie Lambert
Print This Obituary & Condolences
Micheline Lafreniere
My heart is very heavy with this sad news. I will always remember meeting Claudette on the very first day of my teaching career. She took me under her wing and helped me become the teacher I am today. I will always cherish the memories, and I know her spirit will always be near by, giving me the nudge of encouragement when I need it. I’m sending my love, hugs and condolences to all of you. May you all find the courage to get through this difficult time.
Donna koshelanyk
To the family of Claudette, my deepest sympathy goes out to all of you. I have seen what the true meaning of the word “love” means, you all share as siblings. Claudette was very lucky to have all of you in her life while she was in the hospital and I am sure when she was at home to tend to all her needs to make her as happy and comfortable as possible. I personally only knew Claudette as a patient, and it was a pleasure knowing her, since am not from the Pine Falls area. Claudette will truly be missed by everyone she knew and taught as a teacher.
Again condolences to the family. Donna Koshelanyk ♥️
Janine Lambert
I just want to take another opportunity to say “Thank You” for all your kindnesses, entertaining me and distracting me when I needed it, and fun stories. I know I would have enjoyed spending more time with you and Rose.
Big hug,
Janine
S. Sheane
She definitely has a special place in heaven So glad to have known her she was one of a kind
Karen Rubadeau
My sincere condolences to all of the Lambert family,on the loss of Claudette. She will be missed.
Lorie Finkbeiner
To all the family, I am so very sorry to learn of Claudette’s death. I didn’t know her well but have one fond memory that still brings a smile. It was a school Christmas concert early in her teaching career, and her class was going to sing “Joy to the World”. Only Claudette and her class knew a secret, though. I can still see the shocked faces on the rest of the faculty — and the sheer delight on the children’s faces when they burst out with “Jeremiah was a bullfrog” from the Three Dog Night song. I think Claudette never lost the ability to make people smile, and that’s a gift, a memory, for her family to treasure. My thoughts are with you.
Natalie grondin
Rita, mes sincères condoléances. Claudette. Patiente. Souriante. Encourageante. Elle rendait tout le monde autour d’elle heureux. Que de bons souvenirs!
Carrie peloquin
I treasured your friendship and pass my condolences on to this beautiful family.
The truth is Claudette made all her dearest friends and students feel like family.
She invested herself and her life to education, to students and to her Powerview school family.
She will be missed tremendously.
Carrie peloquin and family
Tammy Johannson
I had the privilege of getting to know Claudette through Powerview School. My daughter was lucky to be taught by this amazing lady. I will forever cherish our talks and discussions. I will miss you my friend ❤️ Condolences to the family
Bruce Carlson
Nothing but good memories of Claudette. Deepest sympathy to the family.
Monique & Frank Hawranik
Our sincere condolences to the family.
Claudette was a great teacher, always smiling, so helpful and always volunteering. She will be greatly missed.
Rest In Peace Claudette
Monique & Frank
Jean Fountain
I have lots of fond memories of Claudette…. condolences to her family.,,,
Jean Fountain
Aline
Where to begin….. she was by far my favourite teacher❤️! Loved my elementary school years at St. Georges school! So many wonderful memories spent with her!
Camping at Lee River, going to the Red River Ex, spending the day at her place teaching us dance moves to Abba! Cruising around in her car with her sister Rita in another car playing some car game where we’d stop, run around and switch cars! So fun!
I remember walking around St Georges on a Saturday just praying she’d drive by and invite us on an adventure!!!
Thank you for the wonderful memories ❤️❤️
Rest In Peace
Aline (Caya) Tataryn
Rene et Colette Hebert
My sincere condolences to all of my cousins, on the loss of Claudette.
I remember the good times we had when we visited Oncle Ovide & Tante Irene
and all the cousins on the rock in Pine Falls. When I think of Claudette
all I see is her smile. RIP cousin.
Rachel
I have to agree with Aline, the best teacher by far. We loved being in her company, she always had an adventure up her sleeve just for us, she made us feel very special, which I have treasured all my life. Our condolences to the family, she will be greatly missed but forever in our thoughts ❣️
Paul & Rachel Raymond
Luke Wahsqounaikezhik
Claudette was my teacher at Powerview school. It was sad news hearing of her passing. I am truly grateful for all she has taught me and all she has done for Ecole Powerview School. Im deepest condolences
Loralie
So very sorry to hear of Claudette’s passing. She was such a beautiful kind woman, and she will be deeply missed by everyone whose lives she touched.
Joël Lamoureux
This is very touching tribute to a beautiful and kind person. Sending love and condolences to Claudette’s family and friends.
Emily
Mlle Lambert was a wonderful teacher who was able to strike the fine balance between both being kind and compassionate and pushing her students to do their best. Her dedication to learning was apparent to all, and she made Powerview School a better place. Condolences to her family and friends.
Louis & Nita van Rooyen
Our deepest condolences on the passing of Claudette to all her family and friends. Claudette had a beautiful voice in the Sunrose Singers for the while I was conducting. Keep singing in Heaven, Claudette! You will be missed!!
Louis and Nita van Rooyen
Ray Lagassé
To my amazing god mother. My boys and I love you and miss you very much. You have touched so many people in so many ways. I will always have my favourite memories, 7UP overboard, the Gimli trips, “gate keeper” at my wedding social, If I had a million dollars tape…. There are so many more. RIP my dear Aunt. We will see you again some day but until then I will remember your kind heart and warming smile. Thank you for all the letters over the years to me and my boys. They always brightened our day. I am the person I am today because of the important people in my life and Auntie Claudette was one of them. We are all better people for having known her throughout the years.
I’d like to send out an extra special thank you to all the hospital staff, her incredible friends and family for all the care, visits, thoughts and prayers… you are all amazing people that made her last days and months a little easier for her. Thank you all so much.
Carol Zakula
From the moment, Claudette took me under her wing shortly after I moved from the US to teach in Powerview in 1975, I knew I’d been blessed with the best friend anyone could ever ask for. Years of sharing adventures in teaching, socializing, ski trips and numersous travels, daily fun-filled chats and soulful talks about life and just about everything; enjoying her endless kindness and generosity– most especially sharing and drawing me into her precious family….experiencing warmth and devotion that went far beyond even the amazing French Canadian joie de vivre they all introduced me to.
Knowing Claudette Lambert has changed me forever, and I know that I am only one of an endless stream of other blessed people whose lives she touched.
Claudette, you are much loved and forever remembered. Memory eternal to my dear friend.
Vic
Thank you everyone. Really enjoyed reading all of these messages. Seems like everyone saw her the same way my family and I did. ❤️
Victor (nephew)
Denis Hebert
What a nice eulogy. Claudette was a favourite niece of mine. So happy that I got to spend a few hours with her this past summer. What a good and beautiful person. I will never forget her beautiful smile and loving personality. Rest in peace Claudette and my deepest condolences to your family.
Uncle Denis.
Lise Audette
My sympathies to the entire family and her many friends.
Claudette will be missed by many. I know I will miss her smile and getting her cards and fun newsletters.
She was proud of everyone’s achievements no matter how small, and she encouraged everyone to learn. A teacher in the truest sense of the word.
She loved her many nieces and nephews and their families and the feeling was obviously reciprocated.
Rest In Peace my friend.
Odile Dubé
Claudette was a most wonderful person. I had the pleasure of knowing her for just a few yrs. During that time I was able to witness her unselfishness, her love of giving and her jest for life!
My condolences to all members of her family.
Odile
Rene & Karen Foubert
My sincere condolences to all of the Lambert family,on the loss of Claudette.
I got to know Claudette through my wife Karen who taught in Powerview School for seven wonderful years .
Claudette was such a good listener and always demonstrated a genuine interest in you and your family.
Claudette was the only person that I know that could stand in water , float and still read a book without moving except to turn the pages in the book !
She always made you feel welcome at her place or one of the family get togethers .
At the staff “parties “ she would always make everyone welcome , laugh and had a great time , even myself who was not a teacher !
“ We will always remember her laugh and smile .”
Love Rene and Karen Foubert
Nancy Copeland
Offering my sincere condolences to Claudette’s family and friends. She will always be remembered in my heart as a loving and caring person. Her kindness and beautiful smile was a signature of her personality with anyone she met.
She will be especially remembered for her dedication and perseverance to the students she taught over the years. Always encouraging and understanding and taking them under her wing to help in any way she could.
Rest in peace. Gone but never forgotten.
Leonne Brisson-Kelsch
My husband and I met Claudette in 1992 when we joined the école Powerview School staff. It was apparent that Claudette was a Master teacher and a loving, caring and generous person. Oh, my, and fun loving too! She became a dear friend that influenced our lives over the years in so many positive ways. It was great to reconnect with her over the last while and visit with her in her beautiful condo and at the hospital. Although she was weak and definitely very ill, it was with shock that I heard of her passing a week after my last visit with her. I wasn’t prepared to let her go. When I think of pure, unadulterated goodness, in every sense of the word, I think of Claudette. She was a radiant light that will continue to illuminate our path over the years. We were blessed to have been on her long list of friends. She will be forever in our hearts and prayers. God bless her beautiful family who took such good care of her. You were truly her angels. Sincere sympathies. Léonne Brisson-Kelsch and Albert Kelsch and family.
Coleen
Claudette was one of the nicest and most beautiful souls you could meet here on earth! I will never forget how I was so quickly welcomed by her in my first year as a teacher. I spent many hours laminating with Claudette and Rita and was lucky enough to join them on their Wednesday Selkirk aquacise trips and adventures. A lot of laughs and great conversation. Claudette always led with her heart and I am blessed to have known her as a teacher and as a friend. A true angel. May you continue your soul’s work in Heaven!
M’Liss Bunting
It has been 40 years since the first day I met Claudette as a first year teacher at Powerview School. Like many before me and after me, she was always there as a wonderful friend and mentor. Along with Carol Zakula, we had some amazing, never to be forgotten adventures in Las Vegas, Laguna Beach, California and New York City. Claudette loved fun, laughter and good times with friends and encouraged others to live life with these things in mind.
When my husband passed away in 2017, Claudette wrote that she could not stop thinking of me and wrote many letters that were uplifting and comforting. All of her kindness and true goodness will be treasured forever.
How to live our lives, how to treat our family, friends and students…we need to look no further than to Claudette.
I’m sure that she will continue to guide us all from above. Rest In Peace my dear friend.
Carlos Parra
To Janine and all family members my deepest condolences for Claudette passing.
Being away never erased wonderful memories shared with you all.
May her soul and body rest in peace.
Evan fontaine
Mrs Lambert she always had a heart of gold from far and beyond. It was an honour to know her. She will guide us from above. Thank you for crossing paths in this world – it was a honour.