St. Paul church, Aylmer, Gatineau region, QC

St. Paul church

1840-2011

The first church was built in 1840 and was replaced by a larger one in 1878. A considerable increase in the Roman Catholic population led to its replacement by a 3rd church in 1894, but it was damaged by fire in 1895. Repairs on the church were completed in 1905. Yet another fire, this one suspicious, ravaged the church in 2009.

 Despite the community's desire to rebuild the church once again, the parish's present finances are insufficient. Therefore, the church will be completely demolished this year...2011.

Albert GUAY killed his wife, Rita MOREL

Born in 1918,

the son of Joseph Arthur GUAY  and Marie Éva LANDRY, 

Albert married Rita MOREL (Wilfrid+Imelda DIONNE) 

on 1941-08-30 in St-Roch parish, Québec City, QC. 

Albert earned a living as a jeweler in the city and all went well with the marriage, or so it seemed.

Eventually, Albert met Marie-Ange ROBITAILLE, a 17 year old, with whom he fell in love. In order to continue legally with this relationship, Albert decided that he had to get rid of his wife, Rita. If she died, he would be the beneficiary of her $10,000 life insurance. This would cover his debts and he would be free to marry Marie-Ange.

Having contrived of a plan, Albert talked about it to Marguerite RUEST-PITRE, who, in turn, requested the help of Généreux RUEST. The latter had access to sticks of dynamite; therefore, he made a bomb using the sticks and a timer. Albert then planted the bomb in a suitcase that would be placed in the baggage compartment of a plane that his wife, Rita, would be taking to go to Baie Comeau, QC.

On September 9, 1949, Rita MOREL and 17 other passengers boarded the DC-3 plane of Quebec Airways left from Ancienne Lorette, QC heading for Baie Comeau. The plane blew up in mid-air above Sault-au-Cochon, about 70 km north of Québec City, QC.

On Septembre 23, 1949 Albert GUAY was arrested for these murders and sentenced to death in February 1950. He was hanged January 19, 1951 at Bordeaux prison in Montréal, QC. Généreux RUEST, who helped Albert make the bomb, was hanged at the same prison on July 25, 1952 as was the 3rd accomplice, Marguerite RUEST PITRE. She was the last woman to be hhanged in CANADA.

GUAY

(1)

Jean GUAY

Marie DUMONT

Saintes, Saintonge (Charente-Maritime), FRANCE

(2)

Jean (GUYET) GUAY

Jeanne MIGNON

1652-11-10

Québec City, QC

(3)

Jacques GUAY

Marguerite CHAUVEAU

1693-11-26

Lauzon, QC

(4)

Jean-Baptiste GUAY

Angélique PLASSAN

1730-02-06

St-Étienne-de-Beaumont, Bellechasse Cty, QC

(5)

Pierre GUAY

Marthe FILTEAU

1754-09-09

St-Étienne-de-Beauamont, Bellechasse Cty, QC

(6)

Charles GUAY

Marie Barbe PICARD DESTROISMAISONS

1794-10-28

St-Pierre-de-la-Rivière-du-Sud, Montmagny Cty, QC

(7)

Joseph GUAY

Julie DUBORD

1843-02-21

St-Gervais, Bellechasse Cty, QC

(8)

François-Xavier GUAY

Mathilde LEBLOND

1872-02-12

St-Gervais, Bellechasse Cty, QC

(9)

Joseph Arthur GUAY

Marie Éva LANDRY

1911-11-28

Ste-Marguerite, Dorchester Cty, QC

C'est la vie" on WOON 1240

"C'est la vie"

hosted by

CONNIE LEMONDE

on Woonsocket, RI radio starion WOON 1240

"C'est la vie" is a 5 minute ENGLISH radio program during which Connie LEMONDE reads the biography of a local resident of Rhode Island. She interviews the person and then writes-up the bio for radio transmission. The French title of the program is due to the fact that many interviewees are of French-Canadian descent, as is Connie. Some of the subjects are identified at the end of the program while others have asked to remain anonymous since all are living in the area and their stories are quite personal.

By sharing these biographies, Connie wishes to show that adversities as well as good times are part of everyone's life, and that we can benefit from them eventually, at least with hind-sight.

"C'est la vie" may be heard twice a week, every week:

Friday at 9:05 a.m. (09h05)

Saturday at 8:00 a.m. (08h00)

To be brought to the radio station

via the Internet,

just CLICK on the title above.

The programs are archived; therefore, you may listen to them at your convenience. This is a great opportunity to get to know New Englanders who have lived through life-changing experiences, and who are willing to share them.

Jérôme LEMAY (1933-3-2011), Jacqueline LEMAY (1937- )

Guitarist, song writer, composer, singer, comedian,

Jérôme LEMAY

was born 1933-04-20

in Bearn, Témiscamingue County, QC

He died

2011-04-20

in Cité de la Santé Hospital, Laval, QC.

His sister

Jacqueline LEMAY

is also a

guitarist, song writer, composer and singer,

born 1937-05-23 

in Guérin, Témiscamingue County, QC.

For more information about these wellknown Québecers,

do a Google search.

LEMAY

(1)

François LEMAY

Marie GASCHET

Angers, Anjou, FRANCE

(2)

Michl LEMEY/LEMAY dit POUDRIER

Marie DUTAUT/DUTOS/DUTEAU

1659-06-15

Trois-Rivières, QC

(3)

Ignace LEMAY dit POUDRIER

Anne GIRDRD/GRARD

1687-11-24

Charlesbourg, suburb of Québec City, QC

(4)

Joseph LEMAY dit POUDRIER

Geneviève FRÉCHET

1728-11-15

Saint-Nicolas-de-Lévis, QC

(5)

Joseph LEMAY dit POUDRIER

Geneviève AUGER

1752-07-24

St-Louis parish, Lotbinière, Lotbinière County, QC

(6)

Joseph LEMAY dit POUDRIER

Madeleine LEVASSEUR

1791-03-07

Bécancour, Nicolet County, QC

(7)

Jean-Baptiste LEMAY

Marie-Claire LECLERC

1818-03-31

St-Louis parish, Lotbinière, Lotbinière County, QC

(8)

Léonard LEMAY

Philomène LEMAY

1855-07-10

St-Louis parish, Lotbinière, Lotbinière County, QC

(9)

Jean-Baptiste LEMAY

Aimée BEaUDET

1885-10-13

Les Becquets, Nicolet County, QC

(10)

Léonard LEMAY

Angéline PROVENCHER

1918-01-14

Gentilly (Bécancour), Nicolet County, QC

MEMORIAL CARDS

In addition to the above Memorial Cards, I have the following:

ALBANI, James J., d. 1981-01-10 (Toomey-O'Brien Funeral Home;

AUBERTIN, Rev. Albert A., Ordained to Roman Catholic priesthood: 1922, Silver Jubilee: 1947-06-10, pastor of St. Joseph parish, Springfield, MA;

BENOIIT, Joseph Basile 1915-07-26-27, souvenir of his ordination & first mass;

BOUCHER, Norman G., b. 1929-05-13, d. 2006-01-21 (Rice Funeral Home, Worcester, MA);

DUCHARME, OMI, Édouard, b. 1897-05-04, d. 1989-05-17, ordained to the RC priesthood 1924-07-06;

GEMME, MSOLA, Sr. Marguerite, b. 1928-06-10, d. 2004,10-08, (Dillon Funeral Home inc. ((413) 532-0691);

HOURIHAN, Francis X., b. 1926-12-02, d. 2002-08-13 (St. Pierre-Phaneuf Funeral Homes);

MATHEWS, Anastasios M., b. 1925-12-23, d. 2003-08-10 (St. Pierre-Phaneuf Funeral Chapels);

RACICOT, Napoléon A., b. 1899-05-16 in Springfield, MA, d. 1980-06-15 in Mesa, AZ, Requiem Mass: 1980-06-18 at Queen of Peace Church,  Internment: Mesa Cemetery, Mesa, AZ;

ROSSINI, Raymond J., b. 1916-01-17, d. 2003-06-14 (St. Pierre-Phaneuf Funeral Chapels);<

SÉVIGNY, Marc W., d. 2002-07-14 (Simpsons Family Chapel);

STEINER, Mary C., b. 1921-01-06, d. 1983-12-01;

ST-PIERRE, Claire, d. 1984-02-18 (St. Pierre and Son Funral Home, Inc., Springfield, MA)

Anyone who would like a

scanned copy

of the above Memorial Cards,

just leave a COMMENT and EM address

so that I may send it to you.

Dominican Monastery, Québec City, QC

Dominican Monastery

Plains of Abraham

Québec City, QC

Another Roman Catholic monument 

will be demolished in 2011. 

Located near the Québec Art Museum, the city has purchased the Monastery. The demolition will begin on March 21 & should be concluded by July of this year. The city intends to build an addition to the Museum by using this property.

Benedictine Convent in Mont-Laurier, QC

Built in 1950,

the Benedictine Monastery 

in Mont-Laurier, QC

will be demolished.

The Benedictine Sisters arrived in Mont-Laurier in 1934. Today they number 15 women, who will be relocated, although their destination has not yet been disclosed. There are few, if any, vocations; therefore, the only solution is the destruction of their present monastery. The sale of the bluiding & its grounds began in November 2010. The sisters must vacate the monastery by April 2011.

LECLAIR surname & variations in RHODE ISLAND

Looking for info re: 

LECLAIR - LECLAIRE - LECLERC families, 

who lived in Woonsocket, RI 

in the 1940's. 

One couple may have lived on Front St or in that area. Anyone willing to share family genealogy re: these surnames would be welcome. Thanks!

Query re: St-Philippe church in Trois-Rivières, QC

I was recently asked about St-Philippe church, located near the port in Trois-Rivières, QC. This church is slated to be sold and/or destroyed.
There was a site that was created for this church, but I have been unable to find it. 

You may see photos of some of the paintings 

that lwere located in the church, 

by clicking on the title above. 

Hopefully, the article will remain online for awhile.

Partial survey of church sales in QC

In the Brome-Missisquoi region, the following churches have been sold (date within parentheses):

1)   East Farnham Anglican Church (1984),

2)   Brome Church (1985),

3)   Brill United Church (circa 1987),

4)   St-Andrew's Anglican Church (1994),

5)   Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc (1998),

6)   Church of the Good Shepperd (1999),

7)   Brigham United Church (2003),

8)   Sainte-Sabine (2006),

9)   St. John Anglican Church (2006),

10)  Saint-Pierre-de-Véronne (2007),

11)  Saint-Ignace de Stanbridge (2008),

12)  Saint-Fabien (2008),

13)  Emmanuel United Church (2010).

Among these churches, 18 now belong to private citizens.

In the Haut-Richelieu region, Saints-Martyrs-Canadiens church in enise-en-Québec was sold to the city in 2009, but masses are still held in the building for the faithful.

In the Haute-Yamaska area, the city of Granby purchased
Assomption church in 2004 et Saint-Benoît church in  2008. Both are used as Community Centers. Saint-Joseph church now belong to the  CSSS (Social Services Agency) of the Haute-Yamaska since 2005, but masses are still being celebrated in that building.

St. Isaac-Jogues church

St-Isaac-Jogues church

Mountainview Blvd.

St-Huber, QC

Built in 1950

Since the year 2000, St-Isaac-Jogues is the 19th Roman Catholic church to have been closed in the Diocese of Saint-Jean-Longueuil, QC. The sale to Rodin Construction of Sainte-Julie, QC was finalized in november 2010. The city then changed the zoning of the area; therefore, the church will be destroyed in a few days (February 2011) and will be replaced by 6 apartment buildings.

The closing of so many churches is destroying our ancestral heritage and is making our genealogical research all the more complicated. So, where do the church records go? I don't have the answer...

Édouard (Edward) DUCHARME

Born 1897-05-04 in Worcester, MA

Ordained to the RC priesthood as a member of the

Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI)

1924-07-06

Died 1989-05-17 in Lowell, MA

Son of Napoléon DUCHARME+Amélie BEAUDOIN

Adélard DUCHARME

Born 1891-09-13 in Worcester, MA

Ordained to the RC priesthood in Montréal, QC 1917-12-11

Died 1925-12-13 in Worcester, MA

Son of Napoléon DUCHARME+Amélie BEAUDOIN

 

Abbé Jean DUCHARME (1858-1922)

Born 1858-09-19 in Contrecoeur, Verchères County, QC
Ordained 1883-05-09 to the RC priesthood
Died 1922-10-31 in Contrecoeur, Verchères Coutny, QC
Buried in the crypt of the parish church in
Contrecoeur, QC
Son of
Joseph Ambroise CHARRON dit DUCHARME
+
Marie Élisabeth ROY
Vicaire à Longueuil (1883-1891)
Curé d'Hemmingford (1891-1897)
Curé de Rigaud (1897-1898)
Aumonier des Soeurs de la Miséricorde à Montréal (1898-1900)
Curé de Contrecoeur (1900-1920)
Retiré à Contrecoeur (1920-1922)

Dans sa lettre de démission, envoyée à Mgr Bruchesi, le 3 juin 1920,
Monsieur Ducharme disait "Jaimerais, Monseigneur, à mourir près de mon berceau, près de l'église ou j'ai reçu le saint Baptême, ou j'ai été curé plus de vingt ans.  Monseigneur, c'est une favour que je demande à Votre Grandeur comme récompense de mes travaux.  Un modeste logis abritera ma vieillesse, que je passerai dans la prière et la solitude pour préparer mes
années éternelles."
Dans sa réponse (8 juin), Mgr Bruchesi éprouvant un vif regret d'être dans la nécessité d'accepter sa démission à cause de ses infirmités:  "J'ai toujours eu en vous, lui disait-il, un de mes prêtres les plus zélés et les plus sincèrement dévoués.  Vous semblez avoir pris comme règle de conduite, dès le début de votre sacerdoce, le mot de S. Paul a Timothée:  LABORA SICUT BONUS MILES CHRISTI JESU, et il ne me coîte pas de vous rendre le temoignage que vous y avez été fidèle.  Vous avez eu cette joie rare d'être le pasteur de la paroisse qui vous a vu naître.  Je comprends le désir que vous m'exprimez de ne pas vous éloigner d'eux, mais de prendre parmi eux votre retraite et je m'y rends bien volontiers.  Ma bénédiction vous suivra partout; croyez à mon amitié sincère et à mon entier dévouement en Notre-Seigneur.

Our QC heritage is disappearing

It's with great sadness that I've just received the news of the closure of 2 more Québec, French, Roman Catholic churches. If we don't continue researching our QC ancestry and taking pictures, very few ancestral buildings will be left for us to discover.

St-Antoine-de-Padoue church (1878))

Lennoxville, QC

&

St-Joseph church (1946)

Belvédère St.

Sherbrooke, QC

are the most recent closures due to lack of funds because of a  decreasing number of parishioners.

A little part of me seems to be disappearing with each closure, part of my French-Canadian heritage. I guess, like our ancestors, it's the disappearance of something or someone that makes them memorable...

2 more QC churches will disappear

Ste-Jeanne-d'Arc church

1922

Lefebvre, QC

will be sold to the municipality for $1.00 & it will be turned into a multifunctional center for the use of the citizens. Mass will continue to be celebrated for the Catholics of the area.

St-Sauveur  church

1865

Montréal, QC

An historic building located at the corner of Viger & St-Denis Streets in the city, the church will be demolished to make way for the new hospital (Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal: CHUM). We are told that the bell and steeple will be kept as will be the stained glass windows.

For more news of interest to Roman Catholics,

click on the title above.

QC churches to be demolished

Parish administrators have recently voted for the demolition of 2 Trois-Rivières, QC Roman Catholic churches pending the approval of the local Archbishop.
St-Philippe parish was founded in 1909 & St-François-d'Assise parish  in 1927 since there is no longer sufficient attendance to warrant their upkeep. It is possible that the land on which they stand will be sold & the churches will be replaced by apartment buildings or condominiums.
If you have ancestors from these parishes & you want to visit them, you should plan the trip for no later than mid 2011... It's always nice to be able to sit in the church pews where your distant relatives sat, where part of your history was lived...

Paul THÉRIAULT

Paul THÉRIAULT,

a descendant of

Claude THÉRIAULT

(son of JEHAN)

+

Marie-Louise GAUTEROT/GAUDROT

has recently decided to branch out on his own. You may wish to discover just who Paul THÉRIAULT is by checking out his FACEBOOK page, which is a good start. You just may discover that you're related...

Click on the title above

to learn more about his new business.

Connie LEMONDE's book for meditation

I'm amazed at all the work Connie is getting done in such a short period of time. Here's her first coffee-table book consisting of her paintings of the Virgin, which are complemented by her poetry. A must for anyone interested in subjects for meditation.

Click onthe title above

for more information about

"When the Angel Came

she was just a teenage girl."

Connie LEMONDE from Rhode Island

I have just received a message from CONNIE telling me about her recent activities. I thought you'd be interested in knowing that she is still being creative by writing, publishing & painting. Read about them in her own words:

I just finished a new minibook (5" x 3.5"). I updated and changed the info in the little one that I made all my myself years ago (called Adapting to Living Alone), whi...ch was directed mostly to women. The new one, for both women and men, is called Surviving Living Alone and it is published by Viovio, a photo-book publisher.I never expected to be able to do this because POD publishers don't do color--and I never found one that made the mini size that I wanted. I have no idea what it will look like, but it's being printed this week.

Now I'm working on a painting called From heaven to earth, through FAMILY. This is my third attempt! Hope to get it done before September and bring it to the art exhibit in Bellingham, Mass.