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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Deanna (Dea) Chartrand Gignac on June 13, 2018 at the age of 78.

Born in Osgoode, Ontario on August 28th, 1939, Deanna is survived by her partner of many years, Grant Steinthorson, her twin brother David (Pete) Chartrand (Evelyn), her children Kelly (Rick Belisle), Garry (Constance), Judy (Steve Piche), Catharine (Marc Belisle), and Christopher (Angie). She also leaves behind her six grandchildren: Bruin Belisle (Jessica Mitchell), Jayne Annie Malenfant, Zachary Belisle (Rebecca Cobbe), Jackson Malenfant (Pam Mateev), Morgan Gignac and Payton Gignac, as well as many nieces, nephews and long-time friends. She is predeceased by her parents Valmer and Jane Chartrand, her sisters Iona, Donna, and Ruth, as well as her husband Ronald Gignac.

She had a love for all dogs, but especially for Boston Terriers and leaves behind Gracie and Rosebud. She was also an amateur bird expert, who could identify or explain the migration patterns and range of most Northern birds. Her yard was always filled with custom-made creative bird feeders.

Deanna was employed in various positions through her years including both the Strand and Royal theatres in Kapuskasing, as well as The Northern Times newspaper. She spent many summers up at Rufus Lake Rainbow Lodge, which she ran with her husband Ron. Much of their downtime was spent at their cottage with family and friends.

She enjoyed the past 20 years living on the Kap River with her partner Grant. She was very proud of their little slice of heaven there, living off the grid with solar, wind and wood power. She was known for her ‘green thumb’ and, being an avid gardener, she would fill every available space with flowers of all sorts, creating an oasis of beauty every summer. She had a strong love of nature and was well known for being barefoot on any given day of her life, from childhood to the end.

She was an avid sports fan and especially loved watching hockey, including this year’s Stanley Cup run whilst in the hospital in Kap and Sudbury. She did have a strong dislike for Gary Bettman though, and any issues she had with the NHL were instantly blamed on “Bettman”.

She was known for her Ottawa Valley sayings, her stubbornness and her vast knowledge and great memory. At any time, her kids were known to call her up to ask “Mom, what does this mean?” or “Mom, do you remember when….” She could remember details from decades ago like it was yesterday. She was our family’s version of Google. She was also a nurse in training years ago but gave it up to raise her family thus always being our ‘go-to’ for anything medically related. Never one to backdown from a challenge, she was the one you’d want on your side….always.

Celebration of Life will be held for Deanna at the Royal Canadian Legion (downstairs) on Saturday, June 23rd from 6 to 8 pm. Please come have a drink, make a toast, tell a story and have a visit with family and friends in her honour.



Nous regrettons de vous annoncer le décès de Deanna Gignac le mercredi 13 juin 2018 à l’Hôpital Sensenbrenner à l'âge de 78 ans. Deanna aimait vivre hors-réseau avec ses fidèles compagnons à quatre pattes. Elle était une jardinière avide qui prenait plaisir à cultiver toutes sortes de fleurs et légumes dans ses jardins. Deanna était également une athlète qui aimait jouer au baseball et regarder les sports à la télévision – dont le hockey en particulier. Au fil des ans, Deanna a pratiqué différentes occupations. Cependant, ses plus grandes joies étaient son travail au Rufus Lake Rainbow Lodge et au service des annonces de l’hebdomadaire Northern Times.

Elle laisse pour pleurer sa perte son conjoint, Grant Steinthorson; ses enfants : Kelly Gignac (Rick Belisle) de Kapuskasing, Garry Gignac (Constance) de Saskatoon, SK, Judy Gignac de Kapuskasing, Catharine Belisle (Marc) de Portage La Prairie, MB, et Christopher Gignac (Angie) de Kapuskasing; ses six petits-enfants: Bruin Belisle (Jessica Mitchell), Zachary Belisle (Rebecca Cobbe), Jayne Malenfant, Jackson Malenfant (Pamela Mateev), Morgan Gignac, et Payton Gignac; ainsi que son jumeau, David Chartrand (Evelyn) d’Ottawa. Elle fut prédécédée par son époux, Ronald Gignac; ses parents, Jane Annie et Valmer Chartrand, et quatre soeurs.

Un service commémoratif aura lieu à une date ultérieure