Obituary of Hannah Doucette

Hannah “Violet” (nee Thelen) Doucette of Calgary, passed away on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 at the age of 99 years. Violet was born on November 20, 1905 in the original farmhouse on her parent’s farm. Her parents, Frank and Jennie Thelen along with Frank’s brother Joe and Jennie’s sister Hannah (who were also married) had immigrated to Canada from South Dakota, U.S.A. in 1903. Violet, as an only child, was fortunate to have a second set of “parents” living within a half mile. She also had two playmates as a child, a mule named “Billy” and a dog named “Dan.” Violet attended grades one through six in the Rae School District, northwest of St. Albert, which was a small town about nine miles north of Edmonton at that time. Her parents retired from farming and moved to Edmonton, she attended Grandin School for grades seven through nine and St. Mary’s Girl’s School for her high school education. While running an errand to St. Mary’s Boy’s School, she met her future husband, Andy Doucette for the first time. He was a teacher there and seven years later, they were married. Dr. Andrew Doucette went on to become the first Director and head of what is now the University of Calgary. Violet led a very active life. She was an accomplished violinist and performed with the Edmonton Symphony. She also enjoyed participating in a number of sporting activities including, softball, tennis, bowling, golf and had a life long love affair with the automobile. Violet was involved with the University Women’s Club, a volunteer with the Foothills Hospital Ladies Auxiliary and was the greatest planner of family picnics and get-togethers. She loved birthday parties and was always the last to leave. Violets phenomenal sense of humour and the ability to laugh at her own foibles endeared her to all, especially her family. She lived a long happy life and resided in her home in Rosedale from 1948 until the fall of 2004. Violet is survived by her three children and their spouses, Frank and Jean Doucette, Marjorie and Bernie Hanna, all of Calgary; and Kathryn and Clair Cote of Canmore, AB along with her thirteen grandchildren and twenty-five great-grandchildren. Violet was very proud of her family. Violet was predeceased by her beloved husband Andrew in 1973. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Sunday, March 13, 2005 at 8:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church (640 – 19th Avenue N.W.) on Monday, March 14, 2005 at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Krystian Golisz SDS, Presider. Graveside Service to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Dr. A.L. Doucette Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Development Office, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1N4. In living memory of Violet Doucette, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.