Rochelle Boxell, lovingly known as Mom, Grandma, and Great-Grandma, was born Marie Rochelle Plamondon on November 10, 1939, in Saint-Front, SK. She passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026 in Claresholm, AB and was reunited at last with the love of her life, her husband Reginald Russell Boxell.
Rochelle was the cherished daughter of Robert and Flora Plamondon and sister to Norman, Bobby, Denys, Carmelle, Bruce, and her baby sister. As a young girl, her family moved to Methley, MB, where they farmed and raised their family. While attending school there, Rochelle met the man who would become her lifelong partner, Reginald Boxell. Though he was not the French Catholic boy her father had hoped for, Reg converted to the Catholic faith, and the two were married on May 7, 1960, in Ste. Rose du Lac, MB.
Together they built a beautiful life and raised five children: Russell Boxell (Tracy), Michelle Filipe (Dave), Tammy Brass (Warren), Glen Boxell (Debbie), and Maureen Shearer (Brent).
Rochelle was a proud grandmother to ten grandchildren: Crystal Zdebiak (Darcy), Mathew Brass, Corrie Boxell (Peter), Nicole Cherneski (Philip), Sienna Filipe, Danielle Tabin (David), Zachery Brass, Stephen Tabin (Tayler), Breanne Tilleman (Wesley), and Luke Boxell (Carly). She was also blessed with nineteen great-grandchildren: Nathan, Corbin, Austin, Cody, Alexis, Nash, Nova, Saige, Aundre, Brooklyn, Emilie, Roman, Benjamin, Adyson, Rebekah, Maxwell, Finlee, Reggie, and Zoey. Rochelle also held a special place in her heart for her many nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly.
After welcoming their first son, Russell, in January 1961, Rochelle and Reg moved to Campbellford, Ontario, where they were blessed with their remaining children—Michelle, Tammy, Glen, and Maureen. In 1968, following Reg’s layoff and after Rochelle’s brother Norman moved north, the family relocated to Thompson, MB. They made this small mining town their home for 31 years. Reg worked full-time as a miner at INCO, while Rochelle devoted herself to caring for their home and raising their children. As the kids grew older, she worked at various jobs, including the Burntwood Hotel as a receptionist and at Wolco in retail.
Rochelle’s home was always full—often with as many as 21 people under one roof. Rooted deeply in the Catholic faith, they believed in living out Christ’s message through kindness, generosity, and love for others. Their home was a place where everyone was welcomed—no questions asked and no one turned away. Whether family, friends, boyfriends, girlfriends or someone in need, the door was always open, a meal was always offered, and hearts were always ready to listen. Faith was not only practiced in prayer, but shown through everyday acts of compassion, hospitality, and service to others.
Summers were spent camping at Methley Beach, MB, and fishing for pickerel at Paint Lake. Winters brought skidooing and time spent at the family cabin, traditions that continued as their children grew and started families of their own.
After Reg retired in 1995, Rochelle and Reg moved to Taber, AB, to be closer to her brother Bruce and his wife Jocelyn. In retirement, they enjoyed weekend travels with Bruce and Jocelyn and their dear friends Ron and Sharon, attending dinners and shows, playing canasta, gardening, and camping. Rochelle was also an avid reader, rarely without a book in hand, often finishing a book a day.
As Reg’s health declined, they moved to Claresholm, AB, to be closer to their daughter Maureen, who lovingly cared for them—whether it was taking Mom grocery shopping for her favourite staples of regular Ruffles and fudgesicles, accompanying her to doctor’s appointments, or providing daily support and companionship.
Reg sadly passed away in July 2023, and Rochelle found life without him incredibly difficult, having spent most of her life by his side. On January 30, 2026, she was called home to be with him once more.
We were truly blessed to call you our wife, sister, mom, grandma, great-grandma, and auntie. Thank you for the beautiful years you gave us and the countless memories we will treasure forever. You will be missed more than you will ever know and you will always be deeply loved.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Leishman, Dr. Welkie, the staff at Claresholm Hospital, and the compassionate caregivers at Silver Willow for their exceptional care. A very special thank you to her niece, Monica Iwanka, who was there for her during her final days when others could not be. Your love and presence meant more than words can express.
Go in peace, Mom, and be reunited at last with Dad, your parents, and the brothers and sisters who went before you.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer of 2026. Further announcements to be made once completed.