MERILDA (MILLIE) BREATHAT

MERILDA (MILLIE) BREATHAT nee Rheault February 17, 1936- August 30, 2023 It is with heartfelt sorrow that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother and friend. Merilda Breathat passed peacefully at her home on August 30, 2023 in her 88th year. She was the wife and best friend of Doug (predeceased) for over 65 years. Together they raised their family in Levack, before retiring to Manitoulin Island as well as Florida during the winter months. Mum is lovingly remembered by her children, Barbara Breathat, Merilyn Guiney (Kevin), Karen Carrick (Greg) and Chuck Breathat (Buffy). Grandma will always be dearly missed by her grandchildren, Gord (Anita), Michelle (Dan), Shirley Anne (Jason predeceased, Remi), Michael (Joy), Vicki (Ryan), Tara, Krista (Eric), Jody (Jason), Jason (Melissa) ,Thomas and Charlie (predeceased). Her great-grandchildren always held a special place in grandma’s heart as well; Lucas, Jacob, Jenna, Dylan, T.J., Cody, Sundra, Ashlyn, Chase, Leah, Rylan and Lily. Grandma was also excited to be welcoming her first great-great-granddaughter later this month. Mum is also remembered by her surviving family members, sister Theresa Gingras, sisters-in-law Marlene Laidley and Sheila Fogal, sister Dianne Prentice and brother Ray (Jeannette St. Jean). Mum is also loved and remembered by many nieces and nephews, as well as her special friend Ann Cranston. Mum was a dedicated and loving mother and wife. She spent many years working in the retail industry in Levack, as well as working at the Rock and Rail in Mindemoya. She and Doug spent many years in the tourist industry, meeting and making many new lifelong friends along the way. Mum had a great passion for sewing, knitting, crocheting and quilting. She spent many hours creating beautiful gifts for family and friends, as well as donating knitting for the Christmas Hampers on Manitoulin. It was not unusual for us to wake in the morning to find a new dress or a pair of mittens knit for one of us kids, or for one of our friends. All of her children and grandchildren were so fortunate to be gifted with a beautiful handmade quilt. A special gift that will be treasured for many lifetimes. Mum was a beautiful woman who generously shared her love of life, her beautiful laughter, as well as her gift of love and friendship. A private family gathering and burial will be held at a later date. Memorial donations can be made in Merilda’s honour to the Mindemoya Hospital Auxiliary, Box 284, Mindemoya, Ontario P0P 1S0. Please share your thoughts, memories and photos at IslandFuneralHome.ca.