Monique F. Coutu

Monique Coutu passed away on her own terms, quietly and comfortably on Sunday, November 6 in her 64th year with Michael, Savannah & Maverick Petrachenko as well as PSWs extraordinaire Louise and Toye by her side. The preceding two days Monique had a revolving door of family and friends pay their last respects to her in the comfort of her own home.

Monique Coutu is survived by her husband of 46 years, including 8 years of courting, Michael Petrachenko, daughter Savannah Petrachenko (James Bennett), son Maverick Petrachenko (Amanda Brown) and grandson Liam Petrachenko, brother Marcel Coutu (Anne Maxwell) and sister Gisele Coutu (Gerald Naud). Monique enjoyed following the lives of her many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Monique is pre-deceased by her parents Aime and Martha Coutu and brother Hector Coutu (Kerra Wylie).

A year after retiring from 32 years as an RN giving heartfelt care to hemodialysis patients for the NHS at their St. Catharines, Welland and Niagara Falls sites, Monique was diagnosed with ALS, Lou Gehrig disease, and that's when Monique, after 6 weeks of "Why the hell me?" she declared, "Let's Get Busy Living". Monique loved to live and lived to love right to her last day.

Monique's laugh, humour, and smile were infectious. She was a kindhearted and reliable friend who loved travelling and enjoyed entertaining family and friends. Monique also had an uncanny ability to match clothing, earrings, necklaces, shoes, and accessories daily which helped us all enjoy sharing the ride of life with her, especially these last 5+ years.

Monique had a unique "Field of Vision" that she employed developing her family, friendships, property, and life. She loved gardening, cooking, baking, sewing, decorating, creating floral arrangements, and renovating her home. She enjoyed challenging herself and others around her. She was a great friend who had no problem voicing her opinion whether you liked it or not. She was a battler before and after ALS. Monique had an innate joy of shopping be it for others or herself, whether in person or confined to a wheelchair.

A gigantic THANK YOU needs to go out to Monique's caregivers, PSWs supreme Louise Middleton, Toye Chanpen- Hayes, Shanaaz Van Graan and Palliative Nurse Jocelyn Molnar. These folks became family. The good folks at McMaster ALS clinic, Shaver Communication, RTs, dieticians, FMHC, ALS Niagara, LHIN and Remedy's Rx are to be commended on their integrated approach to making Monique's ALS life as comfortable as possible.

Cremation has taken place; a private Celebration of Life will occur July 15 when Monique's gardens are in full bloom, with details already determined by her.

Donations to ALS Niagara are welcome in lieu of flowers. Donate to Team Unique Monique using this link: http://www.alsevents.ca/Monique

"I want to convey my heartfelt appreciation for those of you who supported the ALS walk. It's a worthwhile cause as the number of people afflicted with this horrendous disease is on the rise. Like cancer, monies must be raised to try to treat and eventually cure ALS" - Monique Coutu

Shine on.