It is with deep sadness that the family announces the sudden passing of Dominique Agnes Louise Wielgosch, age 66 years, as a result of a motor vehicle accident on Tuesday, October 10, 2023.
Dominique was born in Pickle Crow, Ontario on May 31, 1957. With her family, she moved to Manitouwadge where she attended the separate school and Manitouwadge High School. In 1979 she received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Lakehead University. After she finished her degree, she began working for Shannon Enterprises as a cook in the mining camps. She returned to Lakehead University and completed her Bachelor of Education in 1982. Her first teaching position was in Cat Lake where she taught 120 students alongside four other teachers. From Cat Lake, she went North. She spent a number of years teaching in small isolated northern communities in Nunavut (formally the Northwest Territories), such as Qikiqtarjuaq, Coral Harbour and Iqaluit where she touched the lives of many. While in the north, she adopted two beautiful children, Malaya and Mathew, with her former husband, George. During her time in the North, she met the love of her life Lewis, who she married in 2004. Their life together was filled with love and laughter. It didn’t matter where Dominique was, she always cooked up a storm filling everyone’s bellies with delicious meals, pies, cakes. You tell her your favourite, and she made it. She spent her days gardening, quilting, creating delicious meals, upcycling furniture and finding ways to help people. Her laugh was infectious, making those around her laugh with her. She never wanted anyone to fuss over her, but she fussed over everyone else.
Dominique is survived by her beloved husband Lewis Budgell; her son Mathew Budgell; siblings Louise Wielgosch-Hawrish (Dave) and Michele Wielgosch-Timms (Gary); Nieces Skyler, Stevie, Hannah and Nephew Robin.
She was predeceased by her parents, Martin and Maria (nee Wozniak) Wielgosch as well as her daughter Malaya Roberts and brother Paul Wielgosch (Tammy).
Funeral Services for the late Mrs. Dominique Wielgosch will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 10:00am in Bethany Pentecostal Church in Manitouwadge, Ontario, officiated by Pastor Peter Ruel. Cremation will take place with interment in Manitouwadge Cemetery at a later date. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday evening from 6:30pm until 9:00pm in the Church.
Should friends so desire, donations made in memory of Dominque to the following charities that were close to her heart would be greatly appreciated.
• Salvation Army in Canada - Transform Lives Today! (salvationarmy.ca)
• Teen Challenge - Donate To Teen Challenge - Teen Challenge Canada
• ERDO – in support of the on-going work in Haiti Make A Gift - Emergency Relief and Development Overseas (erdo.ca)
• Manitouwadge Cancer Assistance Group
Arrangements have been entrusted to the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street, Thunder Bay. Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com
