Rachel Marie Vermette

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother, grand-mother, niece, auntie, cousin, sister-in-law, and friend Rachel at the age of 51 with family and friends by her side.

Rachel will be lovingly remembered and missed by her children: Destiny, Chasity, Jordan, Izzy Jr. and Justice; grandchildren: Desjai, Jaydes, Ah-Kyah, Skye, Ocean, Trinity, Diamond, Neil, Tony and Gino; parents Lena & Gary Spence and also a special auntie & uncle Margaret & Lawrence Ferland whom she called mom & uncle; uncles: Garry (Joyce), Harold (Lucille), Wilfred (Bernice) and Warren Catcheway; Auntie Judy Catcheway (Harry); sisters-in-law Nancy and Darlene; brother-in-law Eric (Catherine) Robinson and the Vermette family of Winnipeg along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Rachel was predeceased by her husband Isadore Vermette (2021); grandparents: Lizzie & Dolphus Catcheway; 3 grandchildren; aunt & uncle Beatrice & Gordon Catcheway; father-in-law Maurice Vermette; grandma Adeline and grandpa Erle Spence and the late Pastor Gilbert Catcheway.

Rachel was born at Ste. Rose and raised in Skownan by her grandparents and auntie Margaret till 1972.  She then moved to Winnipeg back to her mother in 1977. After her marriage to Izzy, they moved to Skownan in 1995, where they briefly lived before residing in Portage la Prairie in 1996, where they called home.

Our mother attended Portage Learning Centre where she graduated from.  She continued working in various places in Portage and Winnipeg.  She gave up the working life to be home with her children and grandchildren, which was always her priority. Our parents enjoyed hosting big family gatherings that were always so well organized.  She always found it in her heart to help others in need.  She was so kind and passionate in which she made an impact on many lives, she’ll forever be missed.

Some of our mother’s hobbies was singing and playing the guitar with her children.  She loved singing gospel songs which gave her comfort and joy.  She also played guitar and sang gospel songs with her cousin Sandra Catcheway whom she took as a sister.  Our mom was a strong believer in her faith and gave her life to the Lord.

The family would like to acknowledge the following: The Spence family; her aunties uncles and cousins; her church family, Pastor Frances Roulette and congregation from Catcheway Ministries; Portage Hospital Medical Staff; Winnipeg CancerCare staff and doctors; Portage CancerCare staff and doctors; Palliative nurse Emily Gray; Judy Catcheway, Harry Sanderson and Cody George for managing the Pawn Shop; special thanks to Jamie Tessier, Monica Kiphitnee, Lucille, Joyce, Garry Catcheway for their care while in hospital and to everyone who came to see Rachel.

Wake will be held on Friday September 15, 2023, from 6:00pm – 10:00pm at the Herman Prior Centre.  Funeral Service will take place on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at noon at the Herman Prior Centre.  Burial will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com 204-857-4021

A Woman of Strength

A heart of gold stopped beating; our mother’s battle came to an end.  We were truly blessed to have a mother and grandmother like you.  You faced to many challenges, yet you continued on in prayer for strength each day.

We will always remember the love you had for us, the way you looked and prepared yourself with a smile.  Your smile was like and “armour” and everyday you went on a battle.

You are in a land of song now where there is no more pain and suffering.  Rest now, until we meet again.  We love you always mom. 

From your children and grandchildren.