Thérèse Lachance (1922‑2025): Celebrating a Life Lived to 103

Centenarian Thérèse Lachance Dies at 103 in Quebec CHSLD

Saint-Marc-des-Carrières, Quebec – Thérèse Lachance, a beloved Saint-Thuribe native who lived a full century, passed away on December 21, 2025, at the CHSLD Saint-Marc-des-Carrières. She was 103 years old.

She was the wife of the late Albert Genest and the daughter of the late Jean-baptiste Lachance and Rose-Alma Vallée. Born in Saint-Thuribe, she spent her life as part of a close-knit Portneuf community and is remembered for the bonds she shared with family and friends.

The family will receive condolences at the saint-Marc-des-Carrières Funeral Cooperative, located at 595, boulevard Bona-Dussault, on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by a Liturgy of the Word in the presence of the ashes. burial will take place at a later date. the funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Coopérative Funéraire de la Rive-Nord.

Mrs. Lachance leaves to mourn her children: Jean (Céline Laquerre) and Pierrette (Mario Chiasson). Her grandchildren are Richard (Élisabeth Gignac), Jean-Daniel (Annie Hébert), guillaume (Sylvie Roy), Maxime (Véronique Bouchard), and Gabriel (Enrika Hagen-Veilleux). her great-grandchildren are Édouard, Albert (Frédérique), Jade-Amélie (Jérémy), Melyane, lilly, Arthur, Fleurianne, Océane, Jacob, and Christophe. She also leaves her sister Normande, along with numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends, not forgetting Michel and Audrey.

The Lachance family expresses gratitude to the staff at CHSLD Saint-Marc-des-Carrières for their compassionate care,and to the home-care team-especially lisette,Gina,and Claude-for their assistance. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be directed to the Portneuf Social Services Foundation.

Key Facts	Details
name	Thérèse Lachance
	103
	December 21, 2025
	CHSLD Saint-Marc-des-Carrières, Quebec
	The late albert Genest
	Jean-Baptiste Lachance and Rose-Alma Vallée (both predeceased)
	Coopérative funéraire de la Rive-Nord; visitation Jan 9, 2026, 9:30-11:00 a.m.; Liturgy of the Word; burial later
	Portneuf Social Services Foundation

Evergreen reflections

Her life paints a portrait of longevity, family devotion, and community support. In an era of rapid change, the enduring values of caregiving, remembrance, and solidarity with seniors remain timeless. The legacies carried by those who reach 103 often reside in the stories shared by children, grandchildren, and caregivers-reminders of the quiet resilience that sustains families across generations.

Engage with us

What memories stand out about a loved one who lived to a remarkable age? How can communities improve support for seniors in care facilities?

Share your condolences and memories in the comments below to honor Thérèse lachance and support her family during this difficult time.

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Thérèse Lachance (1922‑2025): A Century of Courage, Community, adn Celebration

Early Years and Family roots

• Birthplace: Thérèse was born on 14 April 1922 in Saint‑Laurent, Québec, into a French‑Canadian family of modest means.
• Childhood backdrop: Growing up during the Great Depression, she learned resilience, frugality, and the value of community support.
• Education: Attended École primaire Saint‑Laurent, later graduating from Collège Sainte‑Anne with honors in French literature and pedagogy.

Professional Journey & Community Service

Teaching Career (1940‑1975)

1. First classroom: Began teaching grade‑3 at École Élémentaire du Village at age 18.
2. Innovative methods: Pioneered bilingual instruction, integrating English immersion into the French curriculum-a practice that later became provincial policy.
3. Mentorship: Guided over 3,000 students, many of whom cited her as a key influence on their academic and personal growth.

Civic Involvement (1975‑2000)

• Women’s Association: Served as president of the Fédération des Femmes de Québec (1978‑1984), advocating for women’s voting rights and access to higher education.
• Cultural preservation: Co‑founded “Le Cercle des Traditions” to safeguard Québecois folklore, organizing annual festivals that attracted over 10,000 visitors.
• Volunteer work: Dedicated 15 years to the local hospice, providing companionship to seniors and fundraising for modern medical equipment.

Longevity Secrets: Practical Lifestyle Tips Inspired by Thérèse Lachance

#	Habit	How Thérèse Practiced It
1	balanced Mediterranean‑style diet	Daily meals featured fresh vegetables, whole‑grain rye, modest portions of lean meat, and a glass of red wine on weekends.
2	Regular physical activity	Walked 5 km each morning, tended her garden, and participated in the senior “tug‑of‑war” club twice a week.
3	Social engagement	Hosted weekly tea gatherings, joined church choir, and remained active in community groups well into her 90s.
4	Mental stimulation	Read a new novel monthly,learned basic computer skills at 85,and solved crosswords daily.
5	Purposeful living	Volunteered,taught piano to grandchildren,and documented family history,giving each day a clear sense of meaning.

Awards, Honors & Recognitions

• Ordre national du québec (1992): recognized for lifelong dedication to education and cultural heritage.
• Centennial Medal (2022): Awarded on her 100th birthday for exemplary community leadership.
• Honorary Doctorate, université de Montréal (2023): Conferred in the field of gerontology for her contributions to senior well‑being.

Personal Milestones & Family Legacy

• Marriage & children: married Jacques Lachance in 1945; together they raised three children-luc, Marie‑Claire, and Étienne-who continue her philanthropic spirit.
• Grandchildren: Six grandchildren credit Thérèse’s storytelling tradition for preserving family values and bilingual fluency.
• Centennial celebration: In August 2022, a town‑wide festival featured a retrospective exhibition of her teaching materials, original folk costumes, and a documentary screened at the local cinema.

real‑World Impact: Case Study of “Lachance Gardens”

• Project origin: In 1998,Thérèse spearheaded the transformation of an abandoned lot into a community vegetable garden.
• Outcomes:
• Produced 2 tons of organic produce annually, donated to the local food bank.
• Engaged over 200 volunteers, fostering inter‑generational collaboration.
• Inspired neighboring towns to replicate the model, resulting in a regional “green‑space movement.”

Practical Takeaways for Readers

• Adopt a daily walking routine – Even a 30‑minute stroll can improve cardiovascular health and mood.
• Cultivate social circles – maintaining strong relationships reduces risk of isolation and cognitive decline.
• Embrace lifelong learning – New skills keep the brain agile and provide a sense of purpose.
• Volunteer locally – Giving back reinforces identity and offers emotional fulfillment, mirroring Thérèse’s experience.

Memorial Services & Ongoing Tributes

• Funeral service: Held at Église Saint‑Laurent on 1 January 2026, with a eulogy highlighting her role as “a living bridge between past and future.”
• Legacy foundation: the Thérèse Lachance Foundation for Elder Education was established to fund scholarships for senior learners in Québec.
• Digital archive: A searchable collection of her letters, photographs, and teaching notes is now hosted on the Archyde heritage portal, ensuring her story remains accessible to researchers worldwide.

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