GABRIELLE PELCHAT

GABRIELLE PELCHAT 1928 ~ 2026 “Well, what are you gonna do about it?” Gay was often heard saying this usually followed by a shrug and a laugh. In her final days, this remained her response both to her awareness of a slipping memory and in reference to a political issue she read about in the newspaper. She was exceptionally smart and deeply informed about the world around her and was a pragmatist to the bottom of her toes. Gay was predeceased by her parents, Aurore and Louis Pelchat (not a surprise at 98 years of age!); her ten siblings and most of her dearest friends. Old age is not for sissies, and Gay was no sissy. She loved her family fiercely, and we hope she was welcomed home by all of them with affection, wine, and laughter which is exactly how the Pelchat family greeted one another after any prolonged absence. On May 6, 1928, Gay was born into a loving, hardworking farming family. After graduating from high school, she went on to teachers’ college with the wholehearted support of her parents. Teaching was more than a career it was a calling. By the 1970s, she became Assistant Superintendent of the Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education, a role she held proudly until her retirement. Gabrielle Jean Pelchat died peacefully in her sleep on April 18, 2026, at the age of almost ninety-eight years. What more could we ask for? She left the world better than she found it and she did it with common sense, conviction, and a healthy dose of laughter. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and commitment to education and family. Please join us for an informal celebration of Gay’s life and a luncheon at Saamis Creekside Centre, 11 Dunmore Rd SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 3N9, on June 6, 2026, from 2:00 pm 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Gay’s memory to Monsignor McCoy High School by cheque (in person or through the mail), or via the link available in her obituary on the Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel website. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Gabrielle Pelchat. Funeral arrangements by

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.