Lise Yvonne Tetrault

Lise Yvonne Corbeil Tetrault

June 8, 1933 - May 8,2025

A Life Well-Lived

To the scores of people who have known Lise over her ninety-two years, you would

have encountered a dynamic and colorful woman. She was curious about the world

around her and a creative force within it. She had a great passion for natural health and believed in the power of the human body and soul. She was also keenly aware that even though she knew her work was not done in this lifetime, that she was more than ready to return to what she called "Divine Presence" should she be blessed with just a bit more earthly time. "To do what?" she would ask. "Maybe that's not for us to ask or know." Of course, that was never satisfying to Lise, she really did want an answer. Thankfully, she really did have a fine sense of humor which served her well, especially

in moments like this.

Lise was a humble person, hailing from the Rosemont neighborhood of Montreal. It was here that she spent her childhood, surrounded by an extended family from which she drew the most important life lessons. During this period, bracketed by the end of the great depression and as WWII was developing, creativity was critical. And Lise, along with her older brother Claude and younger siblings, Therese, Lucille and Jean Guy came to know what they were truly capable of.

It was also here on 18th Street in Rosemont that Lise came to know a young Leo Tetrault and shortly after her 18 th birthday, they were married in 1951 and the adventure began. Daughter Diane was born in 1952 in Sherman, Texas while Leo was stationed there as a Staff Sergeant in the USAF. This military life for a young French-speaking woman in an English-speaking world was just one of the many challenges that would contribute to her very developed creativity and resilience. They would make another stop in Lincoln, Nebraska after which Lise and Diane found comfort in the support of family in Montreal while Leo was sent to Korea.

Upon discharge and with the support of the GI Bill, Lise and Leo established the family in Garden City, MI. Within two years, the family expanded, starting with Richard (1956), Robert (1957) and Ronald (1962).

Here on Leona Street, The Tetrault Family thrived, and Lise drew on and cultivated the fruits of her experiences and passions to participate in the creation of her new

community - a small neighborhood of young couples and budding families. Her skills as a seamstress are legendary. Tiny outfits for Diane's Barbie dolls, crimson Easter blazers for the boys, and a canvas tent enclosure that would hold and foster many friendships through summer celebrations, mostly at the Pinery Provincial Park on the shores of Lake Huron. Her creativity and productivity were boundless. It was through this example of indomitable spirit that her children and neighbors alike came to know what they themselves were capable of as they all went on to become innovators, engineers, artistes, self-starters and lovers of life.

Lise was the number one supporter when it came to music, sports and education for her children. She would cheer like a cheerleader and holler like the most enthusiastic of spectators. She was fiercely protective and capable of great warmth for those new to her home as boyfriends and girlfriends filled the house on Leona Street. There were family camping outings and annual trips to Montreal to celebrate the Tetrault-Corbeil clan.

With Ron finishing his high school years, Lise was inspired and determined to get her GED. Once completed, she began course work to obtain her COTA degree. And off she went into this field of occupational therapy. A new career, newfound freedom and an ever-expanding Lise.

She would work as a COTA in Detroit then on to Vermont when she and Leo decided it was time to shake things up and start out anew. They spent ten years in Vermont before the pull of warm weather and brother Claude beckoned them to Naples, Florida. They thrived there and were visited regularly by families from Montreal, Detroit, Chicago and Vermont. As it was her style, all were warmly welcomed, and laughter ensued.

After thirty-six years of marriage, Lise lost Leo in October of 1997. She would soon

retire and stay in Naples, which she came to love. After several years of living alone,

Lise met a lovely new soul in Gerald "Gerry" Hillegas. They were blessed to spend the next fifteen years together, first in Naples then briefly in Vermont before Gerry returned to Pittsburgh to finish out his grand life with his children and their families as was everyone's wish.

Desiring to be closer to her children and grandchildren, Lise returned to Michigan. With the help of her family, she built a new home and a new life-one of crafting, friendship, community building and of learning. There on Juniper Court in Farmington Hills she found an inviting community of extraordinary neighbors and new friends. She found new energy in sewing projects and learned to make healing salves that she shared far and wide. The sewn bags, small and large were spread widely to family, friends and strangers alike. This was one of her greatest joys, to give someone a gift of something that she had made, for the heaven of it...pure joy. She once said, "To see the smile on someone's face when I had given them something that I made from my heart, well that was truly special."

Her compassion and generosity were always on full display. It could be the mailman, a delivery person, caregiver, neighbor, old friend, new friend. All were invited to join in the simple act of giving.

On Thursday, May 8 at 8:00 pm, Lise drew her last breath and this beautiful being

departed her now worn body to join the many angels she longed to embrace. We can now aspire to carry on her legacy of beauty, grace, creativity, courage, curiosity and compassion.

She is magnificent.

Lise was especially grateful to her four children and their loving families, her friends, neighbors and beyond.

Diane Tetrault

Special mention of Alex Forbes

M. Richard Tetrault and Nancy Munsterman

Granddaughter Danielle Tetrault and Scott Dexter

Great Granddaughter Dylan Grace Dexter

Robert and Beth Tetrault

Granddaughter Angela Tetrault

Ron and Celine Tetrault

Grandson Cameron Tetrault and Madison Earl

Grandson Colin Tetrault

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The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life on June 8, 2025 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm at the Beaumont Commons, 21450 Archwood Circle, Farmington Hills. A light lunch and refreshments will be served. All are welcome to join our celebration of Lise Tetrault.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Angela Hospice (www.angelahospice.org) of Livonia, MI or to you local hospice provider.