Eunice Josephine Gauthier, 1946 -2001

Eunice Josephine Gauchier was born on Dec. 16, 1946 in Joussard to Albert and Mary Cunningham. She was one of 14 children.

She was predeceased by her father Albert, brothers Charles and Roland, and sister Yvonne.

Eunice spent her early school years in Peavine where she met and eventually married Charles Gauchier on Dec. 31, 1962. They spent approximately four years in the Chetwynd and Quesnel areas of British Columbia. Eunice and Charles returned to Peavine and raised six children: Connie, Iner, Sandford, Calvin, Lynn and Deanna. Her children, along with their spouses Juliet, Angela, Judy, Jesse and Kris brought great happiness to Eunice with their 13 grandchildren: Heather, John, Tammy, Jarrod, KayLee, Riley, Joshua, Justus, Laurel, Chelsey, Clay, Jessica and Layton.

While raising a family, running a business and farming, Eunice attended the Alberta Vocational Centre in Grouard and obtained her Grade 12 diploma. This was of great importance to Eunice as the school in Peavine only went to Grade 8 when she was a child.

Eunice and Charles established their company "Charles Gauchier and Sons" in 1990. She was involved in every aspect of the business short of actually running machinery. She once said how she bought her own skidder without Charles knowing about it until it was delivered to the job site.

One of her latest acquisitions was a 2000 Kenworth which bares her name which Eunice wanted since everything else had "Charles Gauchier and Sons" on it. She liked this because it showed everybody who the real boss was.

Eunice was successful with everything she was involved in, especially her marriage. Eunice and Charles had a good life together and were excellent role models for their children. Their sons and daughters are all well respected for their morals and work ethic.

Although Eunice was proud of her business her greatest love was her family. She often said that money isn't everything, family is. Eunice loved sports and passed this on to her family. Her devotion often meant daily trips - sometimes more - to High Prairie to take the children to hockey, skating or whatever else they were involved in.

Eunice instilled the competitive drive and pride she had into her children by emphasizing, "You don't have to be the best as long as you tried your best."

Eunice loved farming, not as a means of income, but as an opportunity to spend time with her children. She involved the grandchildren by giving them a calf of their own.

Eunice was a kind and gentle soul who loved people, and was always sensitive to the feelings of others. She always gave 100 per cent of herself to her husband, her children and grandchildren.

From a little girl she was wise beyond her years. She worked hard all her life and strived for success with everything she did. Eunice had a strong personality that helped her achieve her goals. Eunice was honest and generous, she gave to people from her heart, when helping someone the deed would be forgotten once done. She did not want or need any recognition, she was a true giver. Jealously was not a trait of hers. She was always happy and pleased with other people's successes. She was also very witty, loved to laugh and enjoyed life to the fullest.

Eunice's sisters have the following words to say about their dear sister:

"Understanding and non-judgmental, Eunice always knew every one of us had our own paths to travel. She would never even suggest how we should live our lives. If and when we asked for her opinion about any situation, she would respond with a question that would have you looking at the situation from the other person's point of view.

"Eunice was never one to gossip and always tried to understand the other person's point of view or behaviour. Eunice never spoke in anger. We asked her if anyone had ever angered her in any way throughout her lifetime. Her response was she couldn't remember but if it had occurred she would have considered the situation. If she felt she had contributed towards the situation in any way she would try to make amends."

Eunice suffered a great deal with her illness but fought valiantly right to the end in order to be with her loved ones just a little longer.