September 16, 1924 – March 25, 2026
It’s with heavy hearts we share that our mom, Annette Rita Porter-Conrod (nee Bousquet), passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at the age of 101. She was a really strong woman – kind and gentle too – independent and so determined. Annette came into this world on September 16, 1924, in St Boniface Manitoba. From a young age, she learned to be thankful for the simple things in life. She often talked about how much she valued her parents’ hard work during tough times and how loved she felt growing up. Mom remembered being close with her five siblings and how they made up their own games and toys because there weren’t any store-bought ones around. Proud of finishing grade 8, she started working as a seamstress when she was just 14. The next year World War II started and lasted through all her teenage years. She lost many friends including her fiancé Charles. After the war ended, she met dad at the corner of Portage and Main. They got married pretty quick while dad was still serving in the Army guarding prisoners of war. Dad used to be quite a hockey star before the war and played well for the Army team too. Mom was thrilled when she moved to Medicine Hat to live with him in their tiny one-room apartment. She said people treated her like a celebrity there because she was married to their hockey star! Once the war was over, mom and dad moved to Thunder Bay where he could keep building his hockey career.
Mom and dad began their family with son Lenny arriving first then daughter Debbie later on. We spent lots of happy years camping, fishing and hanging out with friends and neighbors down on Francis Street. There were many backyard gatherings around the fire sipping bubbly too. Shawn and Meaghan have great memories from weekends at grandma’s place – homemade apple jelly, playing pool, dancing along to Rasputin with grandma and Denise.
Sadly dad died way too young though it took many years before mom found someone new who truly fit in our family’s heart after him. Eventually she met John Conrod – a bit younger than her which she joked about – but he was definitely worth waiting for! They met at a dance where he literally swept her off her feet – they shared many wonderful years together dancing, eating out and traveling around. Mom loved dressing up nice and wearing jewelry too. Sadly John passed away before her back in 2005. Soon after that mom settled into a cozy apartment in Westfort where she lived until passing on March 25, 2026. She enjoyed telling stories about all those good times throughout her long life even though she’d faced plenty of hardships along the way; still “You have to accept what you get – that makes it better,” as she always said.
Mom leaves behind son Lenny Porter (Marilyn), daughter Debbie Ritson (Derek), grandson Shawn (Mandy), granddaughter Meaghan plus special great-granddaughter Paige. Nieces and nephews are also left behind.
A big thanks goes out to mom’s neighbor across the hall Judy who became such a good friend; also thanks to neighbor down the hall Trianna – just two-and-a-half years old but brought tons of joy visiting mom often for hugs! Thanks cousin Sharon for your regular phone calls too along with Kathy for your caring visits & talks; plus longtime friends Sue, Denise & Janet who stayed connected with mom all these years later on when most others had passed away or moved far off – thank you all for being part of mom’s life during those later days.
We can’t say enough about Kelsey plus all nurses & staff at St Joseph’s Hospice 4 North-your care during mom’s last weeks went above what anyone could expect; you’ll never be forgotten by us or by mom either really! People keep asking what kept mom going so long – well we think maybe some brandy here & there mixed with ice cream plus just plain old positive attitude did it.
Following mom’s wishes cremation has taken place; burial will happen sometime later on if family decides so soon enough? Friends wishing can send donations in Annette’s name over to St Joseph’s Foundation of Thunder Bay – Hospice.
The arrangements are handled by Simpler Times Cremation Centre located at 575 Central Avenue in Thunder Bay.
Please leave your messages or condolences online at everestofthunderbay. com
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