Obituary of Marcel Bourassa

BOURASSA, Marcel Claude (1928-2021) – With his family by his side, Marcel passed away at Trillium Villa on Friday, June 4, 2021 at the age of 92.  Beloved husband for 68 years of the late Pauline (Pinsonneault) (2020).  Loving father of Claude (Carolle), Cochrane, Jean-Marc (Lorraine), Sarnia, Lise (Miguel) De Araujo, Belleville, and Richard (France), Ottawa.   Predeceased by daughter Michelle (1969), father Gédéon, mother Dolores Lafontaine, brothers Allen (Madeleine) and Albert (Tamara).  Proud grandfather of Daniel De Araujo, Rachelle Tonello, Natalie, Justin, Chantal, Michelle Bourassa and 9 great-grandchildren.

Marcel learned the cobbler trade as an orphan in Québec.  He came to Sarnia at the age of 16 and liked it so much that he settled here.  Marcel operated Chez Marcel Shoes for almost 40 years. His store ensured quality shoes and leather repairs for generations of Sarnians. Despite his busy schedule, he remained active with the Chamber of Commerce.  He was also a city alderman, chair of the Catholic School Board, and member of the Knights of Columbus. Marcel belonged to St. Thomas Aquinas parish since 1946 and was a founding member of the Club Jolliet. He worked tirelessly for French minority rights in Ontario and received the prestigious "l'Ordre de la Pléade" in 2003 for his contributions.  He was appointed a bilingual Ontario Justice of the Peace in 1985.

After his retirement, Marcel became an avid runner competing in 10 marathons and countless local races.  Marcel continued jogging daily even in his late 80's.

Arrangements entrusted to the McKenzie & Blundy Funeral Home & Cremation Centre Ltd., (519-344-3131). Cremation has taken place. Due to the restrictions of Covid19, a Mass will be celebrated at St. Thomas Aquinas Church on Friday, September 17th, 2021 at 11am. Interment at Our Lady of Mercy Mausoleum.  Sympathy donations in honour of Marcel may be sent to the Huron House Boys Home, 2473 Lakeshore Rd., Brights Grove, ON N0N 1C0 or Bluewater Trails, City of Sarnia, 255 N. Christina St., Sarnia N7T 7N2. Messages of condolence & memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com