With deep sadness, we share the news of my mother, Madeline “Molly” Bertrand, who passed away peacefully on March 7th, 2026 with her family around her.
She is now reunited with her dear husband Girard Bertrand and her five loving children. A devoted Catholic, her faith in God was unwavering as she looked forward to meeting her Lord and Savior.
Madeline was predeceased by her parents, Roger and Lizzy De Vere. Due to her father’s military career, she lived in various places including Egypt, India, and England. Later in life, Molly followed his path by enlisting in the British Military during World War II. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Girard.
Molly loved sharing the story of how she met Girard. She would say, “I was standing on the platform waiting for my train to go home (England). Girard was on the platform waiting for his train to return back to his barracks (England). We made eye contact and then my train arrived. As I boarded my train, I noticed that Girard was sitting 3 rows behind me on the opposite side. We exchanged a couple more glances. When I got off my train, I noticed Girard got off the train as well. He came up to me and said ‘May I carry your bags Miss’. He walked me home and we talked all the way. I told him to wait at the gate as I went in the house to tell my parents that I had met the most wonderful Canadian Soldier and he was waiting outside at the gate. My parents invited him in for tea. I told my mother, I was going to marry him. Girard sat in the living room with my father and he also told my father ‘I am going to marry your daughter’ which I found out later.”
Madeline married Girard on February 2, 1944. They enjoyed 36 wonderful years together until his untimely passing on October 10, 1980. During their marriage they raised a beautiful family with six children.
Molly leaves behind her son Danny and daughter-in-law Anita. She is predeceased by Geraldine, Jimmy, Girard, Tommy, and John. Molly also leaves behind her son-in-law Tom Cross.
Molly became “Mimi” to eight loving grandchildren whom she adored completely: Michael Cross (Laurie), Jennifer (predeceased Jamie Breault), Girard, Adam (Kirsten), Jamie (Maureen), Kristen (Mike), Melanie (Paolo), Chad (Amy).
She was also blessed with eleven great-grandchildren who brought immense joy whenever she saw them; she called them her “precious treasures.” Loving great Mimi to Sean, Kaitlyn, Ryan, Quinn, Ivy, Rowen, Jack, Aiden, Connor, Karys, and Tanner.
Many nieces and nephews along with extended family members will miss Molly deeply as well as everyone fortunate enough to know her.
In their early years together Molly and Girard owned Bertrand’s Moving and Cartage business before introducing Electric Bingo into Canada through Rose City Bingo which they operated for over 30 years. Their business supported numerous charities throughout Windsor while employing many people over time; all treated Molly with respect due to being a hardworking employer who genuinely cared for both staff and customers alike.
Heartfelt thanks go out to Dr. Bergeron from Palliative Care along with Hospice nursing staff from St. Elizabeth’s plus PSWs from Ontario Home Health for their brief yet compassionate care given towards my mother during this time.
A centenarian!! I’m incredibly proud of everything Mom achieved throughout her life; I’ll always be grateful that I’m her son!
Visitation will take place at Windsor Chapel Funeral Home – Banwell Chapel (11677 Tecumseh Rd. E.,519-253-7235) on Thursday March12th ,2026 from3-5pmand7-9pm. Vistation continues Friday March13th ,2026 at Most Precious Blood Church(1947 Meldrum Rd, Windsor) starting9:30amuntil funeral mass at10:30am. Interment follows afterward at Heavenly Rest Cemetery. In honor of Molly, donaions may be made outto Hospiceof Windsor. Online condolencesand cherished memoriescanbe sharedwithfamilyatwww. windsorchapel. com
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