Mystery Lady Found!

The mystery lady that appeared in The Clare Shopper two issues ago was my maternal great grandmother. Born in Pubnico in 1837, she was the daughter of Hilare d'Entremont. Hilaire had decided to come to Meteghan River to settle down and broughthis family there masted schooner.

As the story goes when Hilaire was ready to build a house, he asked two young brothers of the village for their help. Vincent and Paul agreed to help him in his venture and Hilaire promised to give each of them a daughter's hand in marriage.

When the house was completed Hilaire asked Vincent (being the older of the two) who he wanted as his future bride whereby he chose Sophique, everyone in the neighborhood were appalled at his choice since Sophique appeared to be very frail and not too healthy looking.

Vincent and Sophique were married and resided in the old homestead. Their marriage produced seven children, five boys and two girls. When her son Rudolphe (my grand father) married years after he moved in with his wife in the same household as his parents and raised seven children of their own.

It is said that as soon as my grandmother walked in the house Sophique told her she was now in charge and that was her household from then on. From what I heard, there was never a bad word spoken between the two of them from then on.

In July 1937, Sophique celebrated her 100th birthday with many family members and friends present. Sophique kept her remarkable memory all along and it was said became just a little spoiled after her 100th birthday.

Since she had so many visitors who would come bringing her treats of some kind such as fudge, homemade cookies and cake, she had the habit of asking them; "What did you bring me today?", when someone would come in.

My great grandmother was indeed a remarkable lady who has left literally hundreds of offspring behind.

She died in 1944 at the grand old age of 107 1/2. Despite her old age, she was sadly missed by all she left behind. So Vincent certainly knew what he was doing when he chose Sophique for his wife back then. -Memories of my great grandmother, by Louis Comeau. -We would like to thank all those who shared their fond memories and stories of Sophique Comeau. Thank you, The Clare Shopper.