October 16, 1931 – November 11, 2021
Maureen Emily Rigaux, born October 16, 1931, to Adrian and Esther (Flossie) Licrece, passed away quietly on November 11, 2021, at the age of 90.
Maureen was born in North London and spent her childhood there. She was evacuated to boarding school during World War II. Maureen enjoyed (mostly) her time at boarding school and forever believed in the simple life espoused by her Quaker guardians.
After a brief time in secretarial school, Maureen became a Registered Nurse, graduating from University College Hospital London. After graduation, she worked in refugee camps in the Channel Islands before coming to Canada in 1957. Maureen travelled extensively in North America, working in Ottawa, Vancouver and Pincher Creek. She married in 1959. While married, she lived in Invermere and then Calgary, where she was Matron at the Children’s Hospital. Maureen divorced and moved to Claresholm in 1963, where she worked at Claresholm General Hospital until her retirement in 1991. After retirement, she travelled widely.
Beloved mother (Catherine), grandmother (Ashley), great grandmother (Blaire), friend and mentor, Maureen loved to garden, knit, travel and a good book. She loved her family and was an active volunteer both in Claresholm and elsewhere. She also believed in helping the vulnerable and those new to Canada.
A lifelong lover of learning, Maureen graduated with the first graduating class in nursing at the University of Lethbridge.
Her family is very grateful to the Willow Creek Continuing Care Centre staff for their many kindnesses and to Sandy Bartoli for comfort at the end.
To honour Maureen, be kind, plant a tree or some flowers (smell them!), volunteer, read to a child, support the arts, learn something new, enjoy a cup of tea and some cookies with a friend.
Donations may be made to the WCCC, Town of Claresholm beautification or tree planting fund, Claresholm Public Library or any charity of your choice. Rest in peace, Maureen.