Obituary of Annie Lorraine Auger

Annie, was born March 27, 1945 to parents John and Katie Bourque of Lac La Biche, Alberta. She was the youngest sibling to Brother Edward, sisters Vivian and Virginia.

As a young girl Annie grew up in Lac La Biche and always had fond memories to share with her family and friends of her upbringing.

In 1948 the family suffered the loss of their father John Bourque. Which left the burden of the oldest sibling to fend for the family’s needs. Annie was about three years old when this happened.

Growing up with her siblings she was always so close to her mom always followed her everywhere she went. Her mother would tell her “Annie don’t you follow me, cause I’m going to cut a willow and I’m going to give you a lickin if you don’t stop following”. Nevertheless she never strayed too far from her mother. Being the youngest sister she was the one to tell on her siblings for any wrong they did. Her sister Vivian would tell her “Annie you’re always telling with every little thing we do, I’m going to give you a good lickin yet”.

In 1960, the family lost their mother Katie Bourque, Annie was only 15 years of age at that time. After the passing of her mother the oldest sister Vivian wanted to care for her sisters but could not there she went into foster care until the age of 18. She then met her husband Leonard Auger where she moved to Prince George, BC. Not married very long she made her way to Lac La Biche where her daughter Karen was born. Annie’s brother Edward moved to Fort McMurray where he found work. Not long after his sister Annie followed. Her family continued to grow where Darlene, Arnold, Elaine, and Audrey were born. As she was raising her children she met the love of her life Robert Wainiandy-Birdy.Thru the years aunty had worked at the post office, laundry mat, hospital, she was an active member of the metis local 1935, she was a board member of the native friendship center, and also attended school.

Annie never strayed from her belief in God. She was always there for family and friends and especially when in need. Her favorite thing to do was just to dance didn’t matter where and man could she dance.

Her second favorite thing to do was to play bingo. Listen to this one, her hearing was going, “selective hearing”. Birdy, told her “You only hear when you want to hear when I ask you if you want to go to bingo”, she would then reply “okay papa”. Annie, the newspaper as her brother Edward would call her, whatever the latest information was she knew it. Which is how Edward gave her the nickname “Cannon Annie”.

We weren’t her only loved ones. Annie had a strong connection with many friends she had made over the years. Helping others was always a passion throughout her entire life. For many who knew her she wasn’t a big drinker. Annie would beat to the sound of her own drum. She will be truly missed by everyone who knew and loved her.

“THOSE WHO WE HAVE LOVED NEVER REALLY LEAVE US. THEY LIVE ON FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS, AND CAST THEIR RADIANT LIGHT ONTO OUR EVERY SHADOW.”

A visitation was held on Friday, October 11, 2019 at The Native Christian Fellowship Centre in Fort McMurray, Alberta. A funeral service was held on Saturday,October 12, 2019 at 10 a.m. at St. John's Roman Catholic Church, Fort McMurray, Alberta.