Cecile H. DuBeau, 91
Cecile H. DuBeau was born in Wibaux, on May 3, 1913, to Eddie and Hazel Hutchins. She died in Billings on Jan. 17, 2005, at the age of 91.
She is survived by her beloved family members, son, Donald E. DuBeau, and Jeanne of Whitefish; her daughters, Judy Bannister and John of Joliet, and Susan Nybo of Billings. Sisters are Effie Montee of Joliet, Dorothy Hopple of Cody, Wyo., and Eva McBride and Louie of Big Timber. Grandchildren are Kent DuBeau of Billings, Bill DuBeau and Lisa of Bigfork, Leslee DuBeau Bennett and George of Boyton Beach, Fla., Stacey Nybo Black and Ron of Billings, Steve Nybo of Denver; and seven precious great-grandchildren.
Cecile was preceded in death by her lifelong love, Logan A. DuBeau; her brother, Dwight Hutchins; and her sisters, Helen Clapper and Edith Ginther.
For over 91 years Cecile lived life the way it's meant to be. "Life's garden should be full of friends like you," was a written compliment to Cecile. It told of the difference that her life made in this world.
In 1951, Cecile and Logan DuBeau founded Logan's IGA, one of the first IGA Food Stores in Billings at 614 South 31st. They owned and operated the Poly Food IGA from Nov. 22, 1964, until 1994.
Cecile and several friends were together when one asked, "Let's say when we were young what we wanted to be when we grew up." Cecile answered that she wanted to be a good wife and mother. Affirmations written in her recent birthday cards showed she certainly made her plans come true.
Friends wrote, "You have set an exemplary role as a wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend, I love you dearly." "We can never express the importance of you in our lives for all of these years." "Not only are you a very special person yourself, but you have a way of making us feel special too." "So many wonderful things to remember."
What a wonderful difference she made in the lives of the people who knew her. A handwritten letter from Cecile was a delight to receive. Family and friends enjoyed letters that spoke with enthusiasm about the many daily activities and accomplishments she and her husband, Logan, enjoyed. Cecile wrote with enthusiasm about her family, friends, home and flowers.
Cecile and Effie, her sister next door, are well known in the Billings area as the "amazing sisters" because of their energy and genuine zest for life. Rarely a day went by without knowing they were getting out for either church, yard work, garden club, cards, social club, baking, taking flowers or food to someone or visiting with the Senior XYZers.
Cecile was an avid reader, a talented gardener, and was fond of sharing photographs of family member with her friends. She always had a good word to say about others. She is leaving us with many wonderful memories of her as mom, grandma, sister, aunt, cousin, confidant and friend. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her, but family and friends will find peace knowing "she is now with the Lord Jesus."
The family especially wishes to thank Dr. Michael Metzger for his wise and loving care of Cecile. Special thanks to all of the St. Vincent Health Care nurses and staff and to the Beartooth Home Health nurses.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday morning, Jan. 20, at the Wesleyan Methodist Church, Carbon and Second Street, Joliet. Luncheon will follow at the Joliet Hospitality Room, 128 South Main.
Memorials may be made in Cecile's name to the Joliet Community Center, Joliet, MT 59041; Joliet Wesleyan Church, P.O Box 146, Joliet, MT 59041; EagleMount, 2822 Third Ave. North, Billings MT 59101; Montana Rescue Mission, 2822 Minnesota Ave., Billings, MT 59101; or Community Leadership Development Inc., P.O. Box 3381, Billings, MT 59103.