Nee Pouliot, 97
Nyalva "Nee" Pouliot, 97 and a half of Nyack, Montana, departed this earth, Oct. 28, 2024. She passed peacefully at home, surrounded by the family and friends she cherished so deeply. She leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion, reuniting with her best friend, confidant, and companion, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Born on March 23, 1927, in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, to Vincente and Violeta Comargos Dos Santos, Nee lived a life that began with her dreams taking flight. After completing her education, she fulfilled her goal of becoming a flight attendant for Real Airlines, traveling the world. During her travels, a speeding citation in Miami, Florida, led to her first date with a handsome motorcycle policeman, Gordon Louis Pouliot. His charisma and charm — especially his troubadour pants and helmet chin strap — captivated her heart. Four months later, they were married, and Nee joined him in Montana, or as she fondly called it, "Siberia."
As a proud American, Nee happily renounced her Brazilian citizenship. She mastered English, the Constitution, and American history, earning her citizenship with pride. Up until her passing, she could still recall all 50 state capitals and faithfully voted in every election. She embodied a true patriot, unwavering in her devotion to God, family, and country.
Though she grew up in an affluent Brazilian family, Nee embraced the rural life of Montana. She raised four children and excelled in every task she took on — cleaning, sewing, gardening, furniture restoration, and cooking creative meals with limited resources. Nee had a flair for elegance, impeccably dressed at all times, with a remarkable gift for making the most of what she had. She didn't drink, she didn't swear (unless she was engrossed in her beloved game of Marbles), and her only vice was smoking cigarettes, or as she affectionately called it, "puffing." With her charming Brazilian accent, she would joke, "Darling, I am like Bill Clinton. I don’t inhale; I only puff!"
Those who knew Nee remember her as an exceptionally kind and generous soul. She lived a life of service, always putting others before herself and giving more than she ever received. Her strength and selflessness left an indelible mark on everyone around her. Beautiful inside and out, Nee was a faithful servant of Christ, a devoted wife, a loving daughter, a loyal friend, and a remarkable mother.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Vincente and Violeta Comargos Dos Santos, and her husband, Gordon Louis Pouliot.
She is survived by her four children: Louis Vincent Pouliot, Jean Marcel Pouliot, Marta Ruth Pouliot, and Margot Maria Gruenewald (Pouliot), as well as her four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and extended family.
In her final words to us, she left a blessing: "Sleep with the angels, thank you for everything, God bless, and I love you."
We love you more, Mama.
A rosary will be recited on Nov. 5 at 10 a.m. at St. Richard Catholic Church, located at 1210 Ninth St. W., Columbia Falls, followed by a Mass at 11 a.m. Burial will take place at St. Richard Cemetery in Columbia Falls. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Richard Catholic Church.
Friends are encouraged to visit the website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.