Obituaries
Tougas, Rachelle
February 4, 2026
With heavy hearts, we share the sudden passing of Rachelle Tougas who left this world too soon at the age of 66. Her life, though far too short, was rich with meaning, learning, and love.
Rachelle was a devoted mother to her beloved children with André Desrosiers, Janelle Desrosiers (Nyco Rudolph) and Serge Desrosiers (Jenny Hooper); a proud grandmother to Jude Rudolph, who was a light in her life. In the last five years of her life, Rachelle shared a loving partnership with Wayne Borgerson finding companionship, warmth, and steady care. She was the eldest sister to Paulette Cooksey (Jeremy Cooksey), Denise Tougas, and Yvette Deveau (Kevin Deveau), and her place within her family story will always remain.
An educator at heart, she dedicated her entire career to teaching and learning, finishing her professional journey as a school principal. Even beyond the classroom, she was always teaching - sharing wisdom, encouragement, and care with those around her. Her last role as an educator was creating “Mimi’s Summer School” for her grandson Jude. Education was not just her profession, but her passion and her legacy.
She took great care in creating welcoming spaces, both in her garden and within her home. She also loved to sing, dance, read, and spend time outdoors, where she felt most connected and at peace, especially at her trailer near Grand Beach.
Rachelle was predeceased by her mother Alfreda Vermette; her father Victor Tougas; her half-brother Gerry Vermette; her sister Celine Tougas; and her brother Denis Tougas.
A Family Celebration of Rachelle’s Life will take place this spring or summer, when nature is once again in bloom.
Rachelle’s spirit lives on in the lives she touched, the beauty she created, and the lessons she shared. She will be remembered with love and gratitude.
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Condolences
Marielle Gaultier Dow
Winnipeg MB Canada
I remember Rachelle during my studies in 4th year @ UofM, student teaching @ Sacré Coeur. She was enthusiastic and positive in her approach with students. She was dedicated and hard working. I have always kept her in my memory because we shared such an important time in our life.
Lorraine Vermette
Ste. Anne Manitoba Canada
Je suis profondément triste du décès soudain de Rachelle. Une telle perte laisse un immense vide. Que les souvenirs précieux de Rachelle, puisse un jour adoucir cette immense tristesse. Je vous envoie mon soutien et mes plus sincères condoléances
Andre
Beaconia MB Canada
Bonjour madame Tougas! Oui, je t'appelle par ton nom officiel et professionnel :)
Demain matin, mercredi le 11 février sera déjà une semaine depuis que tu as passée à la vie éternelle. Ne nous en veux pas car nous sommes encore tout bouleversé. C'est trop tôt pour comprendre les derniers 19 jours.
Ce n'est pas possible que tu ne sera pas physiquement dans la vie de notre chers petit fils, enfants et leurs conjoints.
Assure toi que tu manques notre famille, Wayne et sa famille, tes soeurs et leurs familles, ta parenté Tougas, Vermette, Desrosiers et Dugas, tes amis et anciens collègues!
Mon amour pour toi débutait le 17 juin, 1975 et dura jusqu'au présent! Oui nos vies ont pris de directions différentes il y à quelques années. Mais sûrement c'est l'amour et respect que nous avons pour l'un l'autre qui nous a gardé famille!
Envoie nous des petits messages de temps en temps svp. Laisse nous savoir que tu est toujours dans nos vies, surtout la vie de notre chers petit fils!
Repose toi ma belle Rachelle.
"I tip my hat To the keeper of the stars He sure knew what He was doin' When He joined these two hearts"
Debbie Bruce
St. Andrews MB Canada
My deepest condolences to Rachelle's family, friends, past co-workers and students. She always had a beautiful smile for everyone that walked into her school. An amazing lady. May she rest in peace.
Ginette Tougas Malo
Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
I was so sad to hear about Rachelle’s passing. My sincere condolences to her family.
Gil Desrosiers
Otonabee ON Canada
Sincere sympathy and heartfelt condolences to my brother, André for his loss as well as Janelle, Nyco, grandson, Jude, Serge and Jenny, sisters Denise, Paulette and Yvette and families, all her fellow teachers, all who had the pleasure of knowing her. 🤗❤️🌹
Celeste Dilka
Winnipeg MB Canada
My sincere condolences. Rachelle, I am so grateful to have worked with you early on in my career. Your guidance was always kind and encouraging. You helped me become the educator I am today. For this I am so thankful. Gros merci Rachelle.
Murielle Johnson
Ste Anne Manitoba Canada
My deepest sympathies to her family. So sad to hear of Rachelle’s passing.
Liliane Lemoine
Winnipeg MB Canada
I was so heartbroken when my brother André gave me the sad news of Rachelle having so little precious time to spend with her loved ones....I will miss you my sister 💔🙏
Doris & Wilbert Broesky
Steinbach Manitoba Canada
We were so sad to hear of Rachelle’s passing. Sending our condolences to her family.
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