Melda LaBelle

Melda Agnes Flora LaBelle  was born on February 15, 1937 and passed away peacefully with some of her children by her side on September 22, 2022 at the Ste. Rose General Hospital at the age of 85 years old.

Melda grew up in Crane River and Toutes Aides and received her education in Macawber School in Toutes Aides. She left home at the age of 16 for work at various positions and in 1954 she began her career in the dietary department at the Ste. Rose General Hospital.

Melda met her future husband, Ben LaBelle, in 1954 and were married on June 5, 1957. They raised a large family of seven children, five boys and two girls in Ste. Amelie, MB. She loved being surrounded by her family and her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren were her pride and joy.

Melda had a huge heart that exemplified her unconditional love and full acceptance. She loved to talk and visit with everyone. Her friendly demeanor and huge smile made everyone feel welcomed. She helped the best she could for all her family, friends and neighbours with no conditions or expectations.

Melda enjoyed knitting, embroidering, camping, dancing, and snowmobiling. Melda and Ben would often take part of poker derbies near and far and eventually become founding members of the Ste. Amelie Ridge Sno-Riders Snowmobile Club. She whole heartedly volunteered throughout the years at numerous church events, hall functions, and with different community clubs and organizations.

Melda’s passion and love language was baking, and cooking. She was extremely good at it. So good that she was known across the land for her bannock, perogies, taco salad, buns, and meat pies to name a few. She spoiled the staff at the hospital with her homemade cooking, especially with her cinnamon buns, and was a popular choice for many catering events. She always had cookies, muffins, and butter tarts on hand for her grandchildren when they came to visit. Melda loved to share her recipes and tricks of the trade with those who delighted her cooking.

Melda leaves behind her six children, Stanley (Denise), Dennis (Carole), Valerie (Ray), Darlene (Deb), Kenneth (Solange), and Leslie, 22 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, 6  great great-grandchildren with 2 more to arrive this year, many nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins and many, many friends.

She was predeceased by her mom Ida, her dad Edward, her brother Wallace, her husband Ben, her daughter Mary, and her son Russell.

Your love leaves a legacy. ❤️

Thank you to all her friends, relatives, Dr. O’Hagan and all the nurses and staff of the Ste. Rose Hospital for your care during Melda’s last few months and for all the support shown to her family during and after her passing.

WE LOVE AND MISS YOU! REST IN PEACE!

Prayers will be offered on Wednesday, September 28th at 7:00 pm from Sneath-Strilchuk's Ste. Rose Chapel, Ste. Rose du Lac, MB

Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, September 29th at 2:00 pm from Ste. Rose de Lima Roman Catholic Church, Ste Rose du Lac, MB   

Interment in the Ste. Amelie Cemetery, Ste. Amelie, MB 

Should friends so desire, please consider remembering Melda with a donation to a charity of your choice.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Melda LaBelle, please visit our floral store.