1962 ~ LEE ANNE CHARBONNEAU ~ 2020
Posted: February 26th, 2020
It is with great sadness that the family of Lee Anne Carmen Charbonneau (formerly Tripp, née Charbonneau) announce her passing on Wednesday, February 19th, 2020 on the territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Lee Anne’s Blackfoot name is Itspikitstegapke.
Lee Anne lived a life of generosity and love, with an open mind and an open heart. Lee Anne leaves behind her three children Laurier, Suzanne, and Samuel Tripp; her siblings, Gregory, Susie, and Malaika Charbonneau; her nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, and cousins; and many friends. Lee Anne was born in Ottawa on October 9th, 1962 and was predeceased by her parents, Frances Boerkamp (née Browne) and Paul Charbonneau. Lee Anne’s career served truth and justice from her non-profit leadership, to Indigenous education, to journalism. She volunteered in the community promoting art, education, correctional reform, truth and reconciliation, and literacy. She lived all over Canada, including Montréal, Peterborough, Lake Louise, Victoria, Yellowknife, Canmore. In 2003, she made Medicine Hat her home. She had lived in Alberta since 1996, and made her home in Medicine Hat since 2003. Lee Anne loved the sweetgrass hills, oceans, and wild places. She never passed a glacier lake without jumping in. She loved visiting and drinking tea and hearing people’s stories. There was always room at her table for anyone who found their way there. She wrapped her family and community in caring ceremonies. She showed us how to be grateful for whatever and whoever comes. She will be loved and remembered in this world and the next. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. PATRICK’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 238 – 2nd Avenue NE, on Saturday, February 29th, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Lee Anne Charbonneau. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to
SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, “The Chapel in the Park” #1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5 (403)528-2599 www.saamis.com inquiry@saamis.com Locally owned and directed CGR Holdings Ltd.
Dear Laurier, Suzanne and Samuel,
I am so sorry to hear about your mother. She was a kind compassionate neighbor to my mother, Thelma Johnston and I always enjoyed the visits I had with her when I was in town. My deepest condolences to you all.
Dear Family,
My condolences to your family at this tender time. Lee Anne’s light shone bright and continues to grace our world.
I met Lee Anne during the 2016 by-election in Medicine Hat, when we were working on the same team. From the moment we met, I felt an emotional safety with Lee Anne, a kindred spirit, a safe haven in the good-humoured, intimately inclusive way she lived her life.
This continued as we remained friends through Facebook. Lee Anne was the only person who ever corrected my writing; I loved that. She gave appreciation and honest critique with simple, straightforward gentleness – a true art.
Lee Anne’s influence was large and far-reaching. She was pure love and grace. She will be forever with you, in your thoughts and in your hearts, like a precious gem we wear as a talisman.
All love and blessings to you.