It is with sadness that the family of Alma Lorraine Brousseau (Ludlow) announces her peaceful passing on Saturday, August 12th at the age of 96. She will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by family and friends.

Alma was born April 4, 1927 in Toronto; graduated from Loretto Abbey Catholic Secondary School; met George (Ted) Thompson while working as a Farmerette near St. Catharines during WWII; married Ted in 1947; and had three sons: Craig (Peggy), Kevin (Susan Bardwell) and Ian (Kim Summers). After moving back to Toronto in 1963 and then divorcing, Alma began what would become an impressive 25-year-long career at Henry Birks & Sons as Supervisor, Bridal Registry working alongside co-workers who became lifelong friends. While at Birks she met, and in 1974 married, Murray Paul Brousseau (who pre-deceased her, sadly all too young in 1989). Murray had four sons (Wayne, Earl, Murray and Chris) who, along with Wayne’s children (Mary-Lynn, Paul, Beth and Danny), warmly welcomed Alma into their Brousseau clan.

Alma was a “City Gal” with a lovable bright spirit and a “superpower” for quickly and easily making a connection with people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether street food vendors, taxi drivers, Birks customers, or bank tellers -- after a brief chat she came away with their story to share with others.

Alma was an active and shamelessly proud cheerleader for her grandchildren Paige, Clarke, Jess and Hunter. They say that they “won the Grandma jackpot”. They were grateful to have Grandma in their lives for such a long time, and for her constant love, support, and special fun friendship. Grandma was “one of a kind”, “inspirational”, “young at heart”, and “sassy (in a good way)!”.

Alma enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. We invite you to take a moment to do the same: have a chocolate, a jujube or some other “sweet bargoon” from Bulk Barn, go for a walk, enjoy the babies and dogs strolling by - and think of a fun memory you have of our dear Alma.

The family wishes to send our heartfelt gratitude to the Palliative Care Unit Team at Toronto Grace Health Centre for their care and compassion.

Alma quietly practiced her Catholic Faith and took comfort in the support it gave her. As she requested, her cremation has taken place. A private Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Etobicoke will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in remembrance of Alma to either St. Francis Table (www.capuchinoutreach.org) or your local food bank.