Marie Louise Auger

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Marie Louise Auger, who left us on October 21, 2025, at the age of 91. Surrounded by her loved ones, she departed peacefully at the Wabasca Hospital.

Louise's remarkable journey began on May 18, 1934 as the second of four daughters born to Marie Laboucane and Samuel Auger. Following her parents' separation during her childhood, her father moved back John D’or Prairie to Desmarais with three of his daughters. All the girls attended the Catholic Mission School. Louise was there until she was 16.

At 19, Louise met and married Peter Kortuem, a German immigrant employed by Hudson’s Bay. During her marriage, Louise lived across Western Canada, Ottawa, Hong Kong, Germany, and Switzerland. She also had five children: Ann, John, Jill, Louise, and Michael.

Louise separated from her husband at 35 and became a dedicated single parent to two of her children. This chapter of her life, though challenging, showcased her unwavering commitment to her family. She took on various jobs throughout Ontario and Alberta, including factory worker, secretary, forestry tower worker, land rights advocate, and social worker. Her culinary talents shone as she worked as a camp cook, where her hearty meals earned her admiration from oil rig workers. Even into her 70s, she continued her work as a Kokum for foster children in the child welfare system, embodying the love and compassion innate to her character.

Louise was an incredible baker, filling her home with the delightful aromas of bannock, bread, and pastries. Her grandchildren cherish their memories of her famous cinnamon buns, and she passed her love of baking to her youngest son, Mike. In addition to her baking prowess, Louise was a skilled dressmaker and an avid knitter, crafting slippers, socks, and gloves for her family. Her infectious sense of humor and joyful laughter often filled the room as she shared stories of the many people who brightened her life.

Louise was predeceased by her sisters Rose, Eliza, and this year, Victoria, as well as her daughter Jill. She is survived by her children Ann, John, Louise (Richard), and Mike (Nandia), her grandchildren Michael (Collette), Jenine (Paul), Conrad (Crystal), Arden, and Calla (Andrew), along with her beloved great-grandchildren Teryn, Cyrus, Kyra, Cyerra, Paul, Fayden, and Clara.

We warmly invite all to join us for her funeral service to be held at St. Martin’s Catholic Church on November 8, 2025 at 1 pm with interment at Wabasca Cemetery to follow. We will then gather at the for a meal at the Wabasca Community Hall (George D Auger Memorial Hall), where we will honor and celebrate the cherished memories of Louise’s life.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Louise’s name to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta.

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