Jean-Pierre (J-P) was a kind and thoughtful soul and will be missed and remembered by many lives he touched. J-P, 79, of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, passed away on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 3:23 am at the Algoma Residential Community Hospice (ARCH) surrounded by his family. J-P, everyone you left in this world hates that you are gone but we are happy that you are home free and painless. We will always love and miss you until we can meet again.
Jean-Pierre was born in River Valley on July 5, 1945 to the late Germaine (née Tessier) and Albert Francis Giroux.
Jean-Pierre met the love of his life, Anita Cayer, in 1968 at the Field Parish Picnic. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married May 10, 1969.
J-P and Anita couldn’t wait to start a family of their own, and their children meant the world to them. Lynn (Hakim) and Lise were born from their love.
Though he loved hockey, baseball and country music, J-P’s favorite role was that as a grandparent. J-P treasured his time with his grandkids and loved being their “Pepere / Dirty Grandpa”, never failing to give valuable life lessons and advice. He will be greatly missed by Shane (Sabrina), Hamid-Pierre (Ruwan), Daniel (Abbie), Zacharie (Vivien), Natasha (Aron) and Abdulrahman. His legacy will live on through his great-grandchildren Ibrahim, Luna, Ismail, Amirah, Nova and Baby Shane (due in October 2025) and Baby Hamid-Pierre (due in January 2026).
J-P was passionate about his job as a plate shop worker at Falconbridge Nickel Mines. Working for the company for 35 years, he excelled at his job.
J-P will always be remembered for singing “Why Me Lord” and the way that he always touched our hearts with his words of thankfulness to God. We’ll always imagine hearing him sing “Why me Lord, What have I ever done, to deserve even one of the blessings you’ve shown”, one more time.
We couldn’t have asked for a better father/grandfather/brother/friend and will miss J-P every day. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.
Predeceased by his mother, father, brothers Raymond, Andre, Roger (Aline) and sisters Marie, Claire, Pauline (Brian), and is survived by his brothers Roland (Estelle), Francois (Rejeanne), Gilles (late Jeannine) and by his sisters Jacqueline (Gaetan), Suzanne (Armand), Denise and Pierrette (Denis).
Loving son in law of Yvonne Cayer (nee Richer), Auguste Cayer predeceased.
Dear brother-in-law of Louise (late Joe), Annette (late Auguste), Paul (lateVanda), and predeceased by Doris (Lorraine), Marie (Jimmy) Tony (Helene), Adelard (Barbara), Edmond (Germaine), Norm, Irene (Al), Claudette (Victor), Larry, Adrien, Anna (Euclide), George (Noella), Jerome (Yvonne) and Yvon.
Sadly missed by many nieces and nephews as well.
The family wishes to thank the caring staff from Bayshore and Care Partners, especially Brandy, Nancy and Dear Patty (you will always be his favorite). We have a renewed and growing appreciation for the healthcare workers in our community. The family also wishes to extend their external gratitude and respect to the amazing team of ARCH Hospice who made his last 3 weeks of life so special. There are too many to mention as all staff (RN, RPN, PSW, Kitchen Chef, Housekeeping and Volunteers) were so caring and amazing that no words can express our heartfelt thanks enough. We would like to give a special shout out to Mackenzie. You greeted us on our first day there and you took care of him in his last moments of life. When he arrived, he stated you reminded him of his granddaughter and when he left you treated him and us with the respect of a granddaughter as well.
Please join us for a Memorial Mass on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 11:30 am in St. Margaret d’Youville Church (4290 Hwy 69 N, Val Therese). Lunch to follow at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you send a donation in his name to ARCH - and remember him.
Sudbury arrangements entrusted to Simple Wishes of the North.
Sault Ste. Marie arrangements entrusted to Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.northwoofuneral.com