Doris Dufresne

Happy 67th anniversary to you and Spike! I know you're celebrating up in heaven and just know that I wish I could celebrate with you! Look over Lindsay this week as she competes in Nationals in NJ, and Will as he starts a job and visits Annapolis, MD next weekend. We all love and miss you so!! I hope to see you both one day, but until then, my memories of you make me smile now.

All my love, always,
Your Middle Daughter

Hi Bijou,

I guess it's been a while since I've written here, but that doesn't mean I don't think about you everyday when I make my bed and place my Bijou bear so gently on my pillow. Ten years have passed and sometimes it seems like yesterday since I saw you, and at other times, it seems like forever since I saw your cute face, beautiful smile, and heard your voice. I miss you more than anyone will ever know, and with all my heart. It hasn't gotten easier for me to deal with you leaving us when you did. I am sad that my last conversation with you was over the damn phone and not in person. I am glad, though, that I was able to tell you one last time that I loved you, and I even got one last poopoopeedoo. I truly hope that I will get to see you and hug you again some day. Don't be surprised if I never stop. I love you, poopoopeedoo!!

Happy Birthday, Bijou! I love and miss you very much! Have a piece of cake in heaven for me. I'm not eating any of that stuff for a while. You, above anyone else, understand how tough that is, but if you and Spike can help me...I know I can do it.

December 5th,2012
It;s been 7 years since aunt doris passed away .I still miss her so very much .I wote a song about our youth ,the singing around the player piano ,next to the huge Christmas tree ,on christmas Eve ..Also about swinging on grand'ma's swing ,talking about boys ofcourse ,it made poor grand'ma sigh ,cause we mentioned getting married someday ,and we were stil so young .we had lots of fun ,going to dances ,and Crescent Park an amusement park ,near the ocean .........So many memories are coming back to me .I loved her dearly and I always will .
I know someday we will see each other again .All those who accept Jesus as Lord and Savior .Meaning we believe He died for the sins of all mankind and resurrected on the 3rd day ,if we accept this and repent of our sins and follow Jesus ,be baptized (water immersion) as the bible says . then we are guaranteed eternal life in heaven and we will live forever there with Jesus and all our saved loved ones ..........That is why I know for sure where I'm going when my body dies ....Jesus is the WAY the LIFE & the truth .Whoever believes in him will have eternal life .This is from the bible God's Word (a map for our life ) .I write this so that all descendants of ours will know the Truth,and we will all meet in heaven someday !
A blessed Christmas to all my cousins .
Jesus loves you and so do I ..Matante Claire Coburn

Bijou,

Seven years already, it seems like yesterday when Donna called at 6:40 a.m to tell us to get to the hospital as soon as possible, that your vitals has dropped. Katey and I were the first to arrive, but you had already left us. I wish I had been there so you weren't alone. I always thought that I'd be there for you in the end, but I guess you had other plans. I miss you every day and cannot wait to see you again some day. I hope it's true when they say that. I love you so much and that will never change.

Today Dec 2nd is matante Doris '6th anniversary of her passing in 2005 .
She is still missed so much .Last night I watched a video of her and mon oncle Mike's 50th wedding anniversary .He sang to her ,If You Want To See How True Love should Be Then Just Look At Us .It brought tears to my eyes .They were so much in love.Now that love continues in heaven with Jesus our Savior .
How wonderful to know they are so happy .
Marcel I will keep you in my prayers .
My dear cousins I love you all .
A blessed Christmas to you
and your families .
Marcel ,Claire,Nancy,DonnaAnd Ray .
Many blessings for all of you ,I pray in,2012.
Love , Claire.

Bijou,

Thanks for being there in church again yesterday for your 81st Birthday. Donna, Claire, Will, Lindsay and I all heard that lullaby being sung again to let us know you are okay. Not a single day goes by that I don't think of you and Spike. You were the best Mother ever, hands down. You always listened when I needed to talk. You don't know how much I miss my best friend. Please continue to watch over all of us. Marcel could use some prayers right now and all of us need to know that you and Spike are happy where you are. Keep those winks coming.

Love and Miss you always,

Your Middle Child

Always in my heart .Still love and miss her!

Niece Claire

Happy 62nd Anniversary to you and Spike. I hope the two of you are dancing in heaven to the song that Spike sang to you at your 50th anniversary party. The song was "Look at Us", a beautiful story of true love.

We love and miss you both very much...enjoy your anniversary.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom. It breaks my heart to have to visit you at the cemetary. We all miss you so much. Emile and I cleaned up around your stone, planted a geranium for now and put new mulch. It looks nice and neat. Donna had already been there and I'm sure Nancy will be there sometime today or this week (Emile wanted to steal the Twix bar but I wouldn't let him). I know the boys won't make it to the cemetary but I'm sure they are thinking of you. Emile and I also visited your mother and cleaned up there and planted a geranium and put down some mulch. Hope it made both of you smile. You would be so proud of all your grandchildren; Simone is spending a semestre in Scotland and we got to visit her; Luke is graduating from High School soon and we will all be there; Will is doing well in school and in sports and Lindsay, who loves to give hugs and kisses continues to dance, dance, dance. We all miss you both so much. Give each other a hug for me.

Love,
Claire

It's been 5 years on December 2nd that aunt Doris passed away .
She is and always will be in my heart .I wrote a song as a tribute to her ..Titled Doris' song .We grew up on the same street and we're only 4 yrs. apart .We were best friends .........We shared many happy times together ...Going to dances ,movies ,or
swinging on grandma's porch swing .
Christmas eve we gathered around grand'ma's player piano and all sang .Then we went to Midnight mass ,and after,my uncle Horace & Aunt Terry ,took us around a neighborhood ,that was always lit ,like you see in the movies .So many lights .
It was so exciting .
I miss those happy years with my aunt Doris ,whom I didn't call aunt then .But she was my mom's sister so we was my aunt .A blessed Christmas to all .I love all of you .
If anyone is interested in listening to Doris' Song ,it's on sounclick along with other songs I have written .
http://www.soundclick.com/claireandrick

I totally agree with Nancy that these 5 years have gone by so quickly yet it seems so long since we've seen you. We all miss you and Spike very, very much.

It was nice to see Nancy, Donna, Lindsay, Marcel and Emile at your mass this morning. I'm sure all that were not there were thinking about you today.

If you're wondering where your Christmas decoration is, I have ordered it and it will be there Saturday. I'm a little late this year because I was away at Will's hockey tournament last weekend. Spike would be in his glory watching that little guy play. Lindsay is very much into her dancing and now she's taken up acting too. Simone will be studying in Scotland next semester and Luke will be graduating from high school in June. I think you would be quite proud of your children and grandchildren. Hopefully we will all be togeter at Christmas.

I miss and love you very much.

Your daughter,
Claire

Bijou, Bijou , Bijou. I know I say this every time I write here, but I can't believe how fast the time has gone since you left us. The past 5 years have gone by in a flash, but then again it seems like forever since I've seen your beautiful smiling face.

Donna put a really nice announcement in The Valley Breeze to honor this anniversary. The word anniversary sounds like it should be something fun to celebrate, but not when used in this case.

Matante Claire wrote a song about the two of you when you were young and sang around Memere's piano. It's a great tribute to you. I gave Claire, Donna, and Marcel their copies today at the mass, but Ray will have to wait until Christmas to get his.

I love and miss you and Spike each and every day. It's time again to put my "wreath" on the front door.

Merry Chrismas in Heaven.

Love,

I thought of matante Doris all day yesterday ,and most of the week ..I didn't post ,because I hadn't seen any posts ,and thought well maybe I shouldn't open old wounds .But I now see the wounds have not healed ,I do hope it's getting easier ......She will always be in our hearts ,that we know ......As my mother is still in mine ,I still dream of her after 30 yrs.Our love for our lost ones never dies .!
No ,I didn't forget matante's Doris' birthday ......We were 41/2 years apart ,best friends growing up on the same street ......I will love her forever .We will meet in heaven someday ,with all our loved ones ,but most important ,with Jesus our savior ,which is how we are able to get into heaven ,because of His death on the cross for all our sins .How great is our Lord Jesus ,that he should give up His life so we who accept Him are able to enter into heaven !
I love you all ,my dear cousins ......I share in this great love you have for your mom !
She was proud of all of you ...
May Jesus help you get through the grief you are feeling ..........I know it isn't easy .
Love,
cousin
Claire Coburn !

Happy 80th Birthday, Bijou!! I so wish you could be here so we could celebrate with you.

I nicknamed Lindsay one of your favorite "French"? names Petune. She calls me Matante when I do that. I like it.

I hope you and Spike are in a much better, happier place with no pain or suffering.

You are in my thoughts every day and I wish I could give you each one more hug. Give each other one for me.

Enjoy your special day.

Love,
Your petite vache!

Happy 80th Birthday, Mom. I wish you could be here to celebrate your birthday. I remember the last birthday we celebrated with you in the nursing home. It wasn't as much fun as if you were at home, but I'm sure we would all take that just to see you again. We all miss you and Spike so much. I hope you like the yellow flowers at the cemetary. They are really nice right now and I hope you can see them. They didn't do well at first, but about a month ago they really starting looking good (after many days of watering, fertilizing and talking to) just in time for your birthday. They are my gift to you.

I love you and miss you.

Your oldest daughter,
Claire

Happy Mother's Day, Bijou! I miss my best friend so much. I could always talk to you about anything. You never judged, you just listened. I asked Will and Lindsay if they remember you...Will said "yes", but Lindsay said not so much. I continue to tell them all about their Memere & Pepere who loved them very much. I want to keep you in their hearts. Luckily, Simone and Luke have many more memories than the little ones.

Thanks for watching over me last month with all that blood nonsense. I knew it would be alright because you have an "in" with the big guy.

I love and miss you and Spike more and more each day. Someday I'll see you again "Au Ciel".

Your "middle" child,
Nancy

Bijou,

Thanks so much for the message in church this morning. As Claire said, we were shocked to hear the man, who looked like Santa, start to sing Au Ciel. More ironic is the fact that his brother was your hairdresser years ago. Coincidence or a very strong wink. Either way it was very comforting to Claire, Donna and me.

Ray and Marcel also thought it was your way letting us know you and Spike will always be there for us, as you've been all our lives. We love and miss you both so much.

I hope you liked the Il Divo song I played for you today at the cemetary.

Our friend Wayne came over today to help put up our Christmas tree. It's the first time we've put it up since you left us. Christmas just isn't the same without the two of you...and it never will be again. Luckily we have each other, our friends and most importantly, we have our beautiful memories of Christmases past.

Love,
Nancy

Mom,
I can't believe it's been 4 years since you left us. We all miss you so much but after the message you sent us this morning in church, we all know that you are still watching over us. Nancy, Donna, Emile and I were all pretty shocked when someone starting signing one of your favorite songs during Communion. The song was Jirai la voir un jour...au ciel. And he sang it in french, just like you used to. We got your message loud and clear.

Your niece and my godmother, Claire, never forgets the important days throughout the year and it is always nice to see her messages to you. She remembers them all and today is no exception. It is clear she misses you too.

Know that you are still loved and missed by your family here on earth and we will see you again some day in heaven.

Love,
Claire

Dec 2 2009
Matante Doris and I were great friends in our youth .We lived on the same street,til she maried ,mon oncle Mike .The love of her life .

So many memories
Come back to me
Of days so long ago
Playing in the snow
Swinging on memere's swing
We were tingling
We swung so high
Memere would sigh .

Christmas memories
Of Christmas eve
We gathered round the player piano
Our faces aglow
As we all sang together .
It couldn't have been any beter .

I miss those yesteryears
With loved ones I held so dear
Life goes on with each dawn
Thankful for the warm
Loving love we have shared
Love ones we have
Fill us with hope !
Life is better .

Matante Doris & mon oncle Mike ,are having fun
In heaven .
What they'd want most
Is for jesus' love
To bring us joy and laughter
.
Peace be with you ,my dear cousins .
Have a blessed Christmas day !
Love you ,my dear cousins .

Matante Doris.is

ALWAYS IN MY HEART .

NO MATTER WHAT DAY IT IS .

I LOVE HER,AND ALWAYS WILL !

Claire ( my godchild ) sorry to hear you were not feeling well .
I'm glad you are feeling better .
I love you too ,sweetheart .
May Jesus keep you in His care,always.

Happy Birthday, Mom. I remember celebrating your last birthday with us when you were in the rehab center. I wish we could all be celebrating with you now. We all miss you so much, both of you. Life is so different without you and Dad. I know you both have been with me these last few months and you helped me get through a pretty tough time. I got all your messages and appreciated every one of them. I'm okay now and feeling much better. It would have been much better to have you physically here with me because you were always the two people I could count on for help. I missed that but I'm also glad that I didn't have to see you feeling bad for me because I know you would have been worried for me. I love you both so much. Enjoy your birthday up in heaven.
Your Daughter (#1 Daughter)
Claire

Happy 60th Anniversary Bijou and Spike!

Lindsay and I were at the cemetary this morning having ice cream for breakfast. (Will was at hockey camp, and Donna had stuff to do). Lindsay had blue cotton candy and I had one scoop of orange pineapple and one scoop of maple walnut, in honor of you and Spike. We had a long talk and I told her several stories about both of you. I told her I wished she was able to know you and she said she did. Have you guys been visiting her dreams?

She wanted to know if you liked blue ice cream and I said you did, but not Spike. She was okay with that. We listened to the Christmas CD again and laughed. She loves "I had my wreath you dummy!"

We also decided that she and Simone should both be your princesses because they were both so cute when they were small.

I know you already know all this because you were there watching over us, but I wanted to register it for posterity. She'll be reading this some day and I want her to know what we did on your 60th wedding anniversary day.

We love and miss you both so much.

Hi Bijou,

It's been 3 1/2 years since you left us and the pain still has not subsided in the least. Spike's 3rd anniversary comes up on Saturday and that doesn't get any easier either. When I think of the two of you my heart is heavy and the tears begin to flow. I miss you both so much.

Luckily, I have Katey and my wonderful siblings you gave me to help me through.

My nieces and nephews make me smile, but they also make me sad because they'll never experience your love for them. I tell them how much you both loved them every chance I get, but it's just not the same.

Simone just finished her first year of college and Luke is going to a new school on the Cape next month. He has gotten so tall...he bypassed your height a while ago. Will is still active playing hockey and baseball, and Lindsay is 5 going on 19. She is quite the dancer and "ham" just like her mother.

Your children love and miss you and still need you to watch over us.

Please give special attention to Claire right now...she needs you the most.

Love you always,
Your middle Daughter

Bijou:
We all miss you so terribly. As your dear niece and friend has written, the hole in our hearts is so deep and has filled slightlyl with time, however, the scar that remains is just as painful. She thinks of you so often and remembers every "special" date. Thank you Matante Claire for thinking of us...and our Bijou.

When I was a teen and young adult and you spoke of how much you missed your mom, I felt for you but having never lost anyone so close at that time, I couldn't understand how you felt, even 20 years after her death. I now know and understand the pain you felt when you lost your mother. One day, twenty years or three years, I still hurts.

I know you and Spike are watching over us and you are with your Mom and Dad (Because you told me so...thank you) but you are missing so much here. You would love spending time with your grandchildren. Not a day goes by that we don't mention something that you or Pepere (or Papa) did. We relive funny moments, sad ones and happy ones. I know in my heart that you are ALWAYS with us and watching over them, but I wish you were here on earth to play with them, dance with them, listen to their stories, sing with them, tell them stories, hug them, kiss them and love them. A tombstone is not the proper hug for a grandchild to give to her Memere.

Be at peace on the moon with Spike. "Your girls" will always be here for you. (Marcel and Ray - this thought has special meaning that I can explain later)

We love you always.
Love,
Donna, Bill, Will and Lindsay

My Sweet Mother, Bijou!

Three years ago today you chose to leave us. I know you were in a lot of pain and were anxious to be with your Mother and Father. I just wish you had chosen to stay with us a while longer. Simone, Luke, and Will have memories of you, but Lindsay just knows you from pictures and what we tell her. She gets a kick out of the wreath CD I play for her when she rides in my car.

You and Spike are missing so much of your grandchildren's lives, and they in turn miss getting to know the two of you. It kills me to know that she hugs your stone when she goes to the cemetery. I would love for her to be able to hug her Memere and Pepere instead.

All your children miss you terribly, too! I know for me, it hasn't gotten easier in time, without you. I miss talking to my best friend. I love you!

Hello my dear cousins.
It was 3 years ago today that your mom (my aunt)passed away.
I know you don't need to be reminded .!
What I'm trying to say is she is still deeply missed ,and always will be .
I pray the healing process is going as well as can be expected .
As time goes by ,the deep pain is not quite as deep ,although still there .

That's how I felt when my mom (your mom's sister)passed away in 1980.I will put down her name .Jeannette Roy .
There was a hole in my heart ,through the years the hole has been filled ,but the scar remains .

I pray for all of you .
May you be blessed on Christmas ,and all through the new year .
May the Lord guide you amd comfort you ,may He give you the courage and the strenght you need .

I love matante Doris very much ,and my eyes are filled with tears as I write this .

Iam comforted knowing she is in heaven .
God came down in the form of Baby Jesus to die on the cross for the sins of mankind .He is the way to heaven ,by accepting Him .
I know your mom & dad believed in Him .That is the reason I know they are with Him ,for eternity .

A blessed christmas to all of you and your wonderful families !
I love you ,all
Cousin Claire Coburn .

Happy Birthday, Bijou! This past weekend was a physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausting one. Marcel, Claire Ray, Donna, and I went through yours and Spike's belongings.

We laughed, we cried, but mostly we thought of the two of you and all the different kinds of things you thought to save throughout the years. You would be proud at how we distributed everything amongst the five of us. There's still one issue to be resolved and I think you've helped in that area. Thanks to you and Spike for listening to me.

We all still miss you both so much. It was pretty apparent this weekend just how much.

I hope you're enjoying some grapenut pudding on your birthday, or at least a piece of chocolate cake. I had some grapenut pudding today that Claire made for the weekend. She did you proud. It was excellent.

You and Spike raised 5 pretty amazing children. Thanks for all the great values you taught us.

I love you!

Anther year has passed .
Today would have been Aunt Doris' 78 th birthday .
She is still in my thoughts and in my heart .
But she is in heaven with jesus ,and the angels ,and all her loved ones who have passed away.
She is painless ans happy ,and she will be for eternity .

My love to you my cousins ,Marcel ,Claire (my godchild),Nancy ,Raymond & Donna .

May Jesus guide all of you on your journey through life .

Cousin Claire

July 11 ,08
Would have been matante Doris and mon oncle mikes 59th wedding anniversary .
I remember their wedding day so clearly .
It was a great day ,everyone had a nice time .Families together was always fun .
I remember the dress I wore ,it was a light blue flowered dress.
I'll never forget matante's wedding dress ,because I wore it 2 years later when I got married.

I have 21 cousins ,i'm the eldest ,so I hung around with matante Doris .We were only 4 years apart ,in age .
My Dufresne cousins ,I want to tell you I love you .
you are in my thoughts & in my prayers .
May Jesus our Savior guide you ,on life's great journey !
Cousin ,Claire Coburn

Happy Belated Mother's Day, Bijou! I was early with the flowers (Saturday), and I'm late with the guest book. Just because I was early and late, don't think that I was not thinking of you on Mother's Day. I tried real hard not to because I get so sad, but I couldn't not think about you and Spike. I hope you enjoyed my visit on Saturday. I got to talk for a while and get a lot off my chest. I, like Claire, really hate having to visit you at the cemetary, I'd much rather see you one more time in person. I miss you and Spike so much and it does not get easier with time. It only hurts more each day because I miss you more each and every day.

I love you, pppd!!!!

Happy Mother's Day. Not so happy for us down here without you. I hate having to visit you at the cemetary instead of in person. I miss you so much and I must say that it has not gotten any easier at all.

I know that you and Dad would visit YOUR Mothers on Mother's Day, so I brought them both flowers from the two of you. I cleaned up around Memere Loon's stone because I know that's what you would have done. I don't know what her favorite color was, so I left your favorite color flowers, yellow.

Someone once told me that they believed that after people died they no longer knew what was going on down here because they could not enjoy the happiness they deserved if they knew about the sadness their loved ones felt. I hope that you are not aware of the sadness but I am also sure that you are aware of when we need you and that you are watching over us in a special way that only allows you to help and not know why.

I love you and miss you very, very much.

Claire

Bijou,

You left us two years ago, today, but it seems much longer since I've seen your smile, given you a hug, and called you "Beej". You told me you'd be home for Christmas, but I never thought you meant that "home".

That year at Thanksgiving, I talked to you about the movie "It's a Wonderful Life" where George learns what his family's life would have been without him. Well, we've all been learning what life is like without you and Spike...and I must say...it's not been good at all.

We all went to Mass this morning and then to Claire and Emile's. We watched old videos of Simone at age 2, and you and Spike were there throughout. It was wonderful to hear your voices and see you smiling, and dancing the "Hokey Pokey". It was sad, though when Lindsay first saw you on the TV and began to scream "Memere". I hate that she is too small to really remember how much you and Spike loved her, Simone, Luke, and Will. I tell her everytime I'm with her just how much you did. I will never let them forget you.

We all love and miss you both so much. I do hope what they say is true and that I will see you both again some day.

I love you...poo poo pee doo! Rest in peace, sweet little Bijou!!!

Bijou and Memere:

Two years have passed since you left us but your spirit lives with us everyday. I know you were beaming up there in heaven today as you watched all of us gather at church for a mass in your honor. I'm sure you were so proud of all of us. (especially Ray) You and Spike taught us the meaning of family and how truly important it really is.

We then gathered at Claire's house, telling stories, reliving memories and watching old home movies of Simone at age 2. She was the long awaited first grandchild who received so much love and attention from this incredible family. Poor Simone was embarrassed today at the attention, but as she gets older, she'll truly appreciate the love of family, as we all do today.

Thank you for teaching us and providing the love to make us...and keep us all so close. We all miss you so much every day. Be at peace with Spike in heaven - no pain or suffering.

We love you amd miss you always.
Love,
Bill, Donna, Will and Lindsay

I'm not usually speechless ,yet Iam feeling such deep emotions of love ,sadness,and many memories ,of long ago .
I grew up with my aunt Doris ,lived on the same street a good portion of our lives .We were only 4 years apart.
I miss her so very much ,especially around Christmas time.It's been 2 years ago today,since she left us.I rememember all the Christmas' as kids .We'd all go to my grand'mother's house ,gather around the player piano ,and sing ,it was fun watching that piano play by itself ,though someone was pumping it with their feet .Then all of us would go to midnight mass .Then uncle Horace and aunt Terry ,aunt Doris' sister,
took us around town to look at the Christmas decorations .I was in awe .
My aunt Beatrice bought the biggest tree ,she could find,she's my aunt Doris' sister ,also .Her two other sisters were my mom,Jeannette ,and aunt aldea .1 brother Gerard.
Well the memories have gotten a whole on me ,I'm not speechless ,after all.
All these memories are treasures ,I hold in my heart .So she's always with me through these precious memories..
It feels good to focus on the good times ,but it's difficult sometimes ,I know .
Our love for her will go on forever .
I'm comforted by the fact she is in heaven ,I can imagine the singing and dancing ,and all the love going on up there ,with Jesus in their midst .
I'm also comforted to know we'll all be together again someday .
Jesus said comfort each other with these words.
Jesus paid the price for getting us into heaven ...He loves us so very much .
My dear cousins ,rest assured your mother is happy ..
I love all of you .You are in my prayers.
A blessed Christmas is my prayer for all of you.
Matante ,
Claire coburn

Bijou, Bijou, Bijou:
Whoever said the quote about time and healing all wounds must have never lost a loved one. Each and every day continues to be hard without you and Spike but days like today, your 77th birthday, are even harder. The most difficult part of the day was when we visited the cemetary and Lindsay wanted to give Memere and Pepere a kiss and a hug. Your granddaughter hugged the tombstone and gave it two kisses. It's not fair that she has to settle for a cold, hard stone instead of the loving arms of her Memere and Pepere. And Will told a funny story to you standing by your grave, not into the attentive eyes of his grandparents. I hugged them both and gave them kisses as I know both of you would have done. You are missing so much in their lives, so much that you would have enjoyed - watching them grow and laugh. And although they both have been so helpful in the healing process, not only to me, it hurts daily to see them grow and change without you by their side to help and guide them. We will always keep your memory alive, but it's just not the same as having you here with us.

Thanks for the wink today for Will. As we walked through the multi-odorous zoo, he smelled your scent of perfume. He asked if I was wearing Memere's perfume today, but I wasn't. It could have simply been another zoo patron walking by wearing Opium perfume, but I like to think you were standing there with us, watching over him at that moment.

We miss you so terribly and what I wouldn't give for one of your hugs and kisses too. Happy Birthday. I hope you celebrated with Spike in peace. Enjoy the swiss roll we left for you.

Love,
Donna, Bill, Will and Lindsay

Happy 77th Birthday, My Dear Sweet Mother, Bijou!!!

I can't begin to tell you how much I still miss you and Spike. Each and every day my ears long to hear your voices and laughter, my eyes long to see your smiles, my arms long to hug you both again, and my heart just plain aches.

I hope you're not missing out on anything...I know how you loved your children and grand-children, and I pray you can see them growing and thriving.

Thanks for watching over me the last 7 months. I know in my heart that you were there with me every step of the way.

Please continue to watch over all of us...we still need you!!!!

I love you,

Nancy

Another birtday ,would have been today,here on earth for matante Doris .She would have been 77 years old....But she's probably only 20 in heaven .You don't get older there .No pain ,no suffering ,complete happiness.Wow!
I still miss her ,she will always be in my heart ,I still think of her often....Yet I'm happy she's no longer suffering ...It broke my heart to see her so sick .....God decided it was best to take her home .
I can picture her smiling ,and those big brown eyes of hers,must have opened real wide ,when she saw Jesus and heaven ,and all the beauty ,and relatives .
They don't have birthdays in heaven ,no one gets older ,but everyday is a party , everyone is probably laughing ,dancing singing,they most likely have square dancing ,too.
Swing your partners ,round and round .Matante Doris ,mon oncle Mike ,liked that ,so did her sister ,matante Terry ,and mon oncle Horace ,even matante Marie Ange .There all up there .
She's with her parents and sibblings ,inc. my mother ,Jeannette Roy ,which to this day ,I still miss .What she wanted for me was happiness.
So I have lived my life with positive thoughts ,and growing closer to the Lord .
I pray the wound is starting to heal somewhat ,for my dear cousins.
Marcel ,Claire ,Nancy ,sweet Nancy ,you are in my prayers daily ,....Raymond ,and little Donna too.Yes your Bijoux will always be in your hearts ,she was a treasure to behold.
Look up all of you ,and picture your parents ,dancing and healthy,
talking with Jesus ,Who is all Wisdom!
that will help the pain ,it will put a smile on your face .
You are all in my prayers .
May Jesus give you courage .He is our Rock .
Love & hugs to all of you .
Cousin, or matante if you prefer .
Claire Coburn

Hello Matante Bijou & Uncle Mike,

I just wanted to thank you for listening to my prayers. I have been asking your guidance with a difficult situation. I have always looked up to you as great examples of love and patience. On this 4th of July Reed was over with Brian and Sherry. Sherry has been working with him to say Memere and Pepere. He says it beautifully with the accent and all. Our hearts were overflowing with joy. We have been trying to be patient, as you have done, loving, as you have done and kind as you have done. My greatest joy was when we were eating in the dinning room and Reed was in the family room when he came to the top of the stairs and at the top of his voice yelled out MEMERE!!!!! My food stayed on the table and I went to play dominos with Reed. Of course, the dominos we play is that I line them up and he knocks them down. But in time you know we will be playing the real game. Uncle Mike we still have the pattern you made for our game. We miss you.

Love,
Lil Therese

Bijou and Spike,

Monday would have been your 58th wedding anniversary and even in death you celebrate, and are, together for it. You never missed one and even last year when we thought Spike would be here without you, he joined you just in time to celebrate with you, his wife. I hope you showed everyone there how to whoop it up!!!

Here's a toast to you (with water of course). Happy Anniversary!!!!

I love and miss you both.

Matante Doris & Mon oncle Mike's Anniversary.

I remember their wedding day ,so clearly.
The reception was at Al's Chicken Bar on Mendon RD....A cozy little place ,nothing really elegant ,yet nearly all of us had our reception there...They had the best chicken in town ..Family style, no less.

In those days having an expensive wedding ,was really not important.
We laughed ,we ate ,we danced ,and we were all together ..
Lots of love there .
Especially between the bride & groom.
They were a handsome looking couple .
A picture in my mind for all time .

I was married 2 yrs later ,wearing the dress matante Doris had worn ,at her wedding.

I miss them both .....But i know they're young & healthy ,and extremely happy with Jesus ,the angels .....And their family who are up there ,with them .

Love them both,
Niece,
Claire.

Bijou and Spike,

Today would have been your 58th wedding anniversary and we know you are celebrating it in heaven together. Have an anniversary dinner on us - Order the Lobster or the most expensive item on the menu!

We love you and miss you both so much.
Love,
Bill, Donna, Will and Lindsay

Bijou:
Happy Mother's Day. It's the end of the second Mother's Day without you and I agree with my older sisters, it does not get any easier. Luckily, I have my two beautiful children who helped make my Mother's Day a little brighter. They've changed and grown so much since you left us. But I know you can see them growing, I just wish I could watch you doing it. We talk about you and Pepere and now Papa all the time and keep you alive in their thoughts and hearts.

You would have been so proud of Will last week at his 1st communion. I know it was a moment that you would have loved to see in person. But thank you for letting me know you were there in the church watching. The priest gave the children scapulas while the chorus sang your lullaby. I felt you watching over him and he knew you were there too. But sitting in that church, I tried to remembered all the good days we had there like your 50th anniversary ceremony and Will and Lindsay's baptisms.

It helps to remember the good times. We watched the video from the Sun Princess cruise today and the kids were to happy to see Memere, Pepere, Nana and Papa. You all had such a good time on that trip and I'm so glad that I got to share that with you.

We all miss you so much. I hope Spike and Papa aren't teasing you too much up there.

Everyday is difficult without both of you , but the next month will just hurt even more with Spike's 1st anniversary, his birthday and Father's Day which will be doubly hard for us this year. Please give us the strength to get through because sometimes I just can't muster any.

Again I follow my older sister and ask you to watch over Nancy too. She needs a little help from above to guide her through the next few months. We will do what we can down here.

We love you and miss you. Happy Mother's Day Bijou.
Love,
Donna, Bill, Will and Lindsay

Happy Mother's Day, Mom. I just read Nancy's entry for today and it's a lot of what I wanted to say. This does not get any easier. It's our second Mother's Day without you and we all miss you so much.

Marcel, Donna and I were in Memphis at the St Jude's Children's Research Hospital a few weeks ago for the dedication of the brick we donated in memory of you and Spike. Even though neither of you ever wanted recognition for what you did, it was nice that we could give you something that we be around for a long time. I wish we could have all been there but we brought back plenty of pictures and everyone was there in spirit.

I Love and Miss you very much.

I know that I don't have to ask, but please watch over Nancy in the upcoming weeks and give her the strength she needs to get through this.

I Love You,
Claire

Happy Mother's Day, Bijou! I thought this was supposed to get easier with time...well it doesn't! I wish you were here so I could tell you in person how much I love you, and what I would give to be able to hug you one more time. I'm sorry you were alone when you left us. I would give anything to have been there to comfort you and send you peacefully on your way. You weren't lying when you said you'd be home for Christmas...I just didn't realize which home you meant. Not a day goes by that I don't miss you and Spike. We know you're with us when you send a Wink, but it doesn't make up for you not being here. All the kids are getting big and we'll continue to keep you in their lives through stories and photos.

We love and miss you so much!!!!

Nancy

Bijou,

It was the second Christmas without you but it wasn't any less painful than the first because it was the first without Spike, too! We all spent it together and there were plenty of tears and some laughter. We all still miss you both so much.

I didn't think I'd get to have any fudge this year for Christmas, but Teri made some from your recipe and it is quite good (very close to yours).

I pray every day that you and Spike are together again and at peace.

I love you and miss you very much!!!

Nancy

Matante Doris,has spent a 2nd christmas in heaven,so far.It was mon oncle Mike's 1st.
I'm certain there was alot of dancing singing,and music....The bible says make a joyful noise unto the Lord...It speaks of all these things ,I've mentioned ,music etc.....I know Matante & mon oncle Mike ..Had a great time ......They're enjoying every minute of their eternal life .
I'm glad they are both pain free.
Being with Jesus ,just the thought of it ,brings warmth to my heart.

Marcel,Claire,Nancy,Donna,and Raymond .I love you ......Your parents are in a great place ,the greatest place one could be in,,,,In heaven .....Jesus said ,you will see your loved ones again,He also said ,comfort each other with these words.

Niece & cousin.

"Bijou"!!! I remember when you were embarrassed by that nickname and didn't want us to call you that in the company of your friends. Then before I knew it, you wore it with honor, and we were all receiving greeting cards signed "Bijou and Spike". That name fit you soooo well. You were definitely the "jewel" in our family. Yesterday marked a whole year since you left us, but the pain is still so great it seems like it was just yesterday. I am fortunate to have two brothers, two sisters, two nieces, two nephews, in-laws, and especially Katey to help heal the pain of losing you and Spike so close together. Sometimes when I'm with all of them it makes me sad, but only because it makes you and Spike not being there even more painful. But, always, I am so grateful to have them to share my memories of both of you. I will miss you and love you forever. I hope you're with Spike and the both of you are putting up wreaths all over heaven's "FRONT DOORS" or gates!!!!!

I Love you, PooPooPeeDo!
Nancy (Ma Petite Vache)

Bijou:
It's been a whole year since you left us and I still can't believe that you are gone. We went to mass this morning for your 1st anniversary...a mass that Spike got for you that he didn't get to attend. But you let us know you were with us, just like you did on your birthday, as they again sang the same song that you used to sing to us as a lullaby. Thanks for the "wink".
Bill, Will, Lindsay and I went to the cemetery and left you some flowers. And we just finished watching the video that I made for you last year. As I cried, both Will and Lindsay asked me not to cry. But I told them it was "good tears", remembering you and Spike and growing up happy are great memories. Sharing those memories with them makes me happy. Your first anniversary and this time of year makes me remember how much you suffered at the end and what you (and Spike) went through. Seeing pictures of the happier times helped to erase those memories of the pain and suffering. Thank you for all the good times and a wonderful childhood.
We will always love you and still miss you so terribly. Please watch over us.
Love,
Bill, Donna, Will, Lindsay and Lissa

Doris ( Loon) Dufresne
1930-2005

You are loved
You are missed
But I'm so happy ,you're with Jesus

Celebrating the day He came down to earth.
On Christmas day,He was born to die
He thought that we were worth it.

Dear Aunt Doris
You're in my heart
I clearly remember when God grant you ,your wish,

You wanted to go home to heaven ,with Him.you were in so much pain...On December 2nd ,2005.
You died ......But you're still alive .

Singing,dancing ,laughing.........
Having so much fun,with Jesus ,the angels ,and all you're loved ones,there.

Your niece,

Bijou-
It's hard to believe it's been a whole year. I still want to pick up the phone and call you.

Your whole family will be gathered together again tomorrow. You would be proud of the legacy you have left that will live on for years to come.

I love you and miss you,
Raymond

Bijou,
Today was Thanksgiving Day and we had dinner at our house. There was definitely something missing without you and Spike physically here.(I know you are watching over us) Marcel was visiting with Bethe's family and her cousin who just returned from Iraq, but he called and talked to us all. You'd be happy that we are all so close and we still continue to get together for holidays. You raised five great kids.
And although we had plenty of desserts, your grapenut pudding was sorely missed. I did make meat stuffing from your recipe. And Bill did the "flight of the bird" for the kids last night. Will thought it was so funny and Lindsay wanted him to do it again.

And I missed my mommy and daddy singing "Happy Birthday" to me this year, but I had two beautiful kids sing it to me. That was priceless.
I think about how much pain you were in at this time last year. I hope you are at peace with Spike in heaven. We will be thinking of you so much during the next few weeks. We love you and miss you terribly.
Love,
Bill, Donna, Will and Lindsay

Matante Doris.
I think of you so often,tears well up in my eyes.I miss you.I'll always love you.At times ,I still find it hard to believe you're both gone..You two were so fun loving.
I know the fun is even greater in heaven .No sickness,no pain no sadness....How beautiful ,it must be up there,with Jesus.....Never growing old ,how wonderful.
Yes,someday we'll be there together .
I wrote a song for you & mon oncle Mike.Titled :How Are Things In Heaven,So Far?I wrote it shortly after you passed away.It was written ,from mon oncle's point of you,not exact ,though.It says .Someday we'll be there together,you won't be just a picture in my mind.etc.I have the 1st version .I cry every time ,I listen to it .A CD is in the making ....Mon oncle passed away ,he never heard it.
my love for you is deep
Niece

Hi Matante Bijou,

Today is your Birthday and I hope you have a good one. I don't know if heaven has Birthdays for "Special Angels" but if they do you should have a great party. I am sure that Mon Oncle Mike will be the first one to say "Happy Birthday to you"

Celebrate your painful free Birthday and know that all of us are thinking of you on this your special day.

Love,
Lil Therese

Happy Birthday, Bijou!!!! I only wish I could sing this to you in person. I know, I know, I'm a day late, but I wanted to write just the right thing. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss you more and more. I miss talking with you and singing with you. I miss your wrinkled up nose, your sparkling eyes, and your beautiful smile. You are the best Mother anyone could ever ask for. I love you! Happy Birthday!!



Nancy

Bijou:

As I sit here at 11:00 pm on what would have been your 76th birthday, the pain of your leaving us is still so deep. But I see you in the eyes of my little girl every day and I hope that you are with us and watching over us. I just wish you could see her beautiful eyes and see how she has changed and grown. And my sweet Will gets very emotional sometimes about how much he misses you and Pepere.,,especially today on your birthday. His first assignment in 2nd grade was to compile an "Intro Bag" of 10 things from his life that he could show to his class to introduce himself. Along with his baseball and hockey trophys, he included, without hesitation, his "Memere" and "Pepere" Bears which are made from your clothes. We attached a picture of both of you with the clothes so that he could show off both his Memere and Pepere and the bears. He really misses you both so much.



It just hurts me so much that you won't be able to see Lindsay's first dance recital as she began dance classes this week. It hurts that you never got to see Will skate. (He misses Pepere so much when he goes to the rink for hockey) You missed Lindsay singing Happy Birthday to you... she sings it very well now. It's just not fair that you won't be there to see and share in all these firsts in their lives.



But today, you let me know that you were with us. We've all gotten numerous "Pennies from Heaven" (sometimes quarters) and various "winks" from both you and Spike such as Emile's Alaska golf ball. But today, I really felt you for the first time at the mass for your birthday rememberance. The mass that was ordered by your loving husband right after your death. A mass he couldn't attend.



When Father Wooley prompted the congregation to sing the only song of the mass as it was ending, I didn't hear the title as I was tending to a crying Lindsay, But I then heard the song that I had only ever heard ever before when you used to sing to me. You used to sing it in French, so as the congregation sang it in English, I thought perhaps it was another song with the same melody. But when the chorus came, I knew you had to be there. You were letting me know you were watching over us. Thank you.



I remember singing that song to Will in Russia the first night we had him to ourselves. I remember singing it to Lindsay in the hospital the day after she was born. And I know you sang it to both of them when they were little. I will continue to sing it to them as long as they snuggle with Mommy. And I will let them know that that song came from their Memere... with love.



And today when Lindsay said to Auntie Nancy, "I want my Mommy."

She replied, "I want my Mommy too." So do I.



We still miss you so terribly. We hope you spent your birthday in heaven with Spike, some chocolate cake, peace and health and a great view of all your "children" and grandchildren.



Happy Birthday Bijou.

We Love You.

Love,

Bill, Donna, Will and Lindsay

Today Sept.16,would have been my aunt Doris'birthday.Her 76 th.



In heaven,there are no birthdays.We never get old ,nor sick,or sad...



Perfect age ,perfect place ,with Jesus.Complete happiness,eternal life.......All we need to get there is accept Jesus as our Savior ,that's the reason He died on the cross,so our sins can be forgiven ,He ressurected ,on the 3rd day .To those who believe, He sent his Holy Spirit to dwell in us.

How blessed we are .

Doris has started her eternal life in heaven ,with Jesus ,and her loved ones ...She lives!!!!!!!!



Niece ,

I Was There!

I was there ,when Doris & Mike met ,

I was there when they were married

I was there on their 50th anniversary

I was there at the hospital

I was there at the Nursing Home

I was there at her wake

I was there at mon oncle's wake.

I was there ,and now there here in my heart.



Someday I will be there too ,with Jesus & my family

All who believe and accept Jesus as Savior..His death and ressurrection

for forgiveness of all our sins ,are saved .And we'll all be together ,for eternity ,with Jesus ,and our loved ones.



Matante Doris ,mon oncle Mike



I know we'll meet again some sunny day .

Where ? In Heaven ,ofcourse!

Love,

Niece

Happy Anniversary Bijou and Spike! I know Spike is singing you that special song "Just Look at Us" he sang to you just seven short years ago. We know you both couldn't bare to spend even one anniversary apart, so now you can be together on every anniversary. We love and miss you both so much! Enjoy your dance to your special song.

Hi Matante Doris,



How I would love to say these words in person.....I love you and miss you so very much....I have your picture on my desk,tears stream down my cheeks as I think of you .



We use to go to dances ,together when we were kids....We liked dressing alike ,it was kind of cool ,then.

When you met Mike ,we were wearing the same kind of hats ,with a small viser,they are in style again now.Yours was red ,mine fuchia...Mike was flirting with you at the Laurier Theater in Social...Lots of teen agers went there on Friday nights..They showed 2 movies ,admission was 15 cents.

Who would have known then ,you and Mike were starting a lifetime love affair ..You were 17 ,Mike was 18 ,and I was 13 ..

We even wore the same wedding gown,and veil ...When it was my turn to marry ,at 17 .....Getting married young was popular ,back in those days.

Remember ,how we use to sing around memere Loon's player piano ,especially on christmas Eve?Then we would all go to midnight Mass....After Mass ....Mon oncle Horace ,Aunt Theresa's (your sister)husband drove us to the neighborhoods to show us all the christmas lights ,everything was so beautiful ...Your other sister,matante Beatrice.(Bea)bought the biggest tree she could find ...My eyes lit up,when I saw that tree.

On summer nights we'd sit on the porch and swing,we'd stay outside till 2am on week ends .....no air conditioners in those days....We didn't even have a fan .......Matante Marie Ange,and matante Bea ,would stay out with us ,so it was ok ,with my mom,cause I was with my aunts...

Sometimes we'd pack a lunch and the 4 of us would take the bus to Crescent Park .....We were all so close ......Even after marriage many family members lived on Clinton ST.......Later in life you and Mike moved back there ,so did matante Theresa and mon oncle Horace.

I use to baby sit 1 hr or so you were working 1 shift and mike another ...So I baby sat Marcel ..He was so cute ,and chubby ,solid as a rock .I always mention that to him ,when I see him ,he was so so cute.

Thank you for choosing me to be Claire's godmother ,and naming her after me .....She was and still is a doll ,I've always loved her very much ....I love all your children ,what is there not to love .....they are sweet and loving ,as their parents were .

I'm sure this will pass to their children....The two of you have made an impact on them .

A gift that is priceless ,a gift of love.......to love and be love .



I wanted to write my memories of you .I knew you way back when .......You were always loving and sweet ......I'm so glad you were my aunt,and we shared so much .

I love you.I always will.

Niece ,Claire.

Hello Bijou! This is our first Mother's Day without you and I can't begin to tell you how sad it was for me. I'm sure it was sad for all your children and grandchildren. We miss you more than you will ever know. I know you are with us and will be always. Watch over Spike in the next few months, okay?
I love you!

DEAR LITTLE BIJOU WITH YOUR GREAT BIG EYES WHO MADE EVERYONE SMILE. YOU WERE A CHERUB ON EARTH AND THERE'S NO DOUBT A CHERUB IN HEAVEN. I WILL ALWAYS HOLD YOU CLOSE TO MY HEART...ALWAYS REMEMBERING, HOW YOU ACCEPTED ME INTO YOURS. YOU WERE THE MOTHER I NEVER REALLY KNEW. WHAT A WONDERFUL SUBSTITUTE YOU WERE. I ONLY WISH THAT I HAD TOLD YOU THAT MYSELF. THANK YOU FOR ALL THOSE DINNERS AND SPECIAL FAMILY GATHERINGS. IT'S TIME FOR YOU TO REST. I WILL MISS YOU BIJOU... KATEY

Maman, je t'aime, je t'aime, je t'aime. Mom, I love you, I love you, I love you. I know that I did not say it enough when I had the chance, but I hope that you knew just how much you meant to me. You were right about something else too; I would do anything to give you a great big hug right now.



I love you.

In all the time that I knew her, she never had a bad word to say about anyone and was always a good sport. I spent the last 20 years teasing her and giving her a hard time as I knew she could take it and it was always done in fun. I will always remember the happier times, the trips we took togther, her choclate cakes, clam chowder, grape nut pudding and her famous line "OH BILL, I'M GOING TO GET YOU" when ever I would tease her. Of course, we will always remember the often recounted "Green Ham Incident." Alway check you ham before you take that first bite! I feel blessed being a part of her family and for having known her for as long as I did. To get a clear picture of Bijou all you have to do is look at her children. It is easy to see that Spike and Bijou raised all of their children the right way. She always treated them, and everyone for that matter, with love, compassion and respect and those traits are clearly visible in all of their children. Is is rare to find a family that has remained so close throughout their lives and I am convinced that this is a direct result of the love, compassion and respect they all received from both Bijou & Spike. They gave their children the two most important things good parents can give any child, roots and wings. She will be sorely missed but she remains with us through the memories she has left behind.



Love, Bill

Today marks one month since Bijou left this earth for a more peaceful place. It has been the hardest month of my life and I miss her terrribly as we all do. As I see her everyday in the face of my little girl and in the memories of my little boy, I know she is still with us. Bijou, I pray that you are finally at peace, in a world without pain and suffering. You left an enormous hole here on earth that can only be filled with our memories of a such a loving, special woman.

I have sponsored this guestbook so that we all can post memories and thoughts of Bijou on special days or any days. She would be so excited that there's a website for her.

Thank you all for your love and support.
We miss you Bijou, today and always.

Bijou was like a Memere to me, atleast I thought of her more as that than an Aunt. She lived her life with her heart on her sleeve and I truly admired her for that. She was deeply loved, and she will be sorely missed.

My Matante Bijou had more of an impact in my life than she will ever know. She was kind, loving,

giving, encouraging, honest and gave the best hugs. I try every day to treat other people as she did with respect and love. I will miss her so much. She will always have a special place in my heart

doris will be sadly missed by the staff on 2 south at ri hospital

I would like to take up a little space in Bijou's guestbook to personally thank everyone for their most kind words and special gestures bestowed upon my Dad, and our entire family during this very trying time. Please know that every expression of love and admiration for our "beloved" Bijou mean more than you could ever know. I'd also like to thank Dr. Lynn Butler, all her colleagues, all the nurses and CNA's at RI Hospital (Jane Brown unit -1 North and 2 South) for the loving care they gave her. She is loved and she is very sorely missed. Many, many thanks.

A lovely lady who will always be remembered. May her family know that the Gillis Family sends thoughts and prayers.