Antoinette Morneau was born on May 2nd, 1932 in Bonnyville, Alberta. She was raised by her Mom & Dad at the family’s farm with her 8 Brothers & 1 Sister. Antoinette’s Father, Philippe Morneau, was born in Charny, Quebec, and Mother, Marie-Anne Morneau, was born in St. Hilarion, Quebec. Her parents brought forth 11 children over the years 1925–1944. Antoinette was their 5th child: Roland, Paul, Adrian, Julien, Antoinette, Aurele (Orel), Raymond, Maurice, Eva (born 1940–42), Elise, & Denis.
Antoinette married Leo Pruneau on Aug. 13th, 1948. Within their 36 yrs together, they gave life to 7 children during 1951–1969. Sadly, as the years went by to 1969, their last-born child, Mark, passed away at 8 ½ months old. Tragedy took to the hearts of all the family, leading them to make the best efforts to move forward together.
As the decades had gone by, it was not a wonder that Antoinette & Leo were gifted by their children (listed below). The oldest daughters became married and soon added multiple Grand Children to the family. As years went by, more Spouses came to be, hence bringing many more Grand Children to the family over the years, who later added many Great Grandchildren & then Great Great Grandchildren, which was mostly throughout the many years they were together & thereafter as well.
Dianne (Brian), Yvonne (Bernie), Vivianne (Garry), Alfred (Jan), Philippe (Lisa), Rachelle (James) & Mark, April 3rd, 1969 – Dec. 19th, 1969. Along with several Foster Children who have stayed a part of their lives for many years… Peggy, Judy, Harriette, Mike (Cindy), and several more.
Over many years, Antoinette and each of her siblings & their spouses gathered themselves & their children together for many family visits during multiple years from Saskatchewan to B.C. & vice versa. A numerous amount of fulfilling times for all. Antoinette & Leo, as well as her brothers, sister, and their spouses, were happy to have the children be able to know their Aunties & Uncles as well as their numerous cousins. And “Auntie Toni” was proud to be able to give her love, gardening & farming experience to many of her Nieces & Nephews when the visits were at her home in Surrey, B.C. Prior to Antoinette & Leo’s divorce, family from Leo’s side would also be a strong part of our visits from the USA and Canada.
Our Mom was awe-inspiring. In so many ways. She held several jobs, which, of course, over the many years, were to care for and help support her family, but she did not stop there. She included those needs to support & share with her foster kids/teenagers who thankfully joined our family in almost every way possible. Antoinette was a very good seamstress, sewing and styling much of the clothing for each child over the years, as well as Wedding dresses and every other beautifully made gown for her girls and formal clothing for her boys as well. She was very occupied with the farm where we lived on the property owned by herself & husband, Leo, in Surrey, B.C. There were many animals to care for… chickens, ducks, pigs, cows, as well as chinchillas to raise. Our Mom did most of the milking of the cows to then divide the cream to make many bricks of butter & ice cream, along with lots of homemade bread, cookies & pies! Gardening & farming were part of what we all had turns to help with, as well as helping with cleaning the house, cooking, and caring for the younger siblings while their Mom & Dad were most often busy at their jobs. Of course, the older siblings had more to take on. Over the years, she was employed as a Telephone Operator, worked at a Mink Farm, trained herself to work as a Furniture Seamstress, and became an Upholsterer.
Mom would always accomplish tasks, and really… no wonder. She was strong, brave, and caring, as well as determined to get a job done right. She wanted comfort and health for us all. In later years, she had her Mom, Marie-Anne, move in with her, Heinar (2nd husband), & youngest daughter, Rachelle, in the early 1980’s due to her effects from Alzheimer’s. For her to be able to help her Mom to live a good & much assisted life before her necessary move to an Extended Care home, it was a blessing for their help. Our Mom has made us all so proud to be her children, Grandchildren, Great & Great Great Grandchildren. The partners & Spouses that had become members of our family… well, she was very proud of them, along with all of us.
As of April 20, 1999, Heinar Kurras passed away. Years later, Antoinette married Phil Goldade. He passed away prior to her as well on March 28, 2014.
She was a person who steadfastly focused on her health and her families. Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s came in with a vengeance to her mind, but her health kept her body strong until her much later years.
As always Mom, you will be lovingly held in our hearts & minds for all time.
On behalf of Antoinette, her family is sending shared appreciation & gratitude for the heartfelt care that was given to our Mom over the many years of living at “home” with Kamloops Senior Village staff. Words simply can’t convey the depth of our appreciation for the care and attention she received.
Also, having hired a Care Companion for our Mom, visiting her a few days a week, was a wonderful choice. Many thanks for helping her live with her smiles, Brenda T.
Many thanks to the Kamloops Funeral Home for the services we have received, as well as the kindness and understanding of our needs for Antoinette, including the access to share this write-up.
In accordance with her wishes, Antoinette has been laid to rest with cremation.
A Celebration of Life is expected to be held in the spring of 2026.
Information will be personally emailed or posted on Facebook as plans unfold.
“The French Song” by Lucille Star
Now when the sun says good day to the mountains,
And the night says hello to the dawn
I’m alone with my dreams on the hilltop
“Mom, we can still hear your voice though you’re gone.”
