ALICE MOKLER

Every once in a while, we meet someone who truly knows and embraces their Acadian and Francophone identity. Someone who takes pride in participating in French-language activities and who is always ready to lend a helping hand.

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This is the person whom the Conseil Rév. S.-É.-Perrey has chosen to honour this year as our Volunteer of the Year.

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It would be impossible to name everything this person has done for our community. Tonight, I will try to give you a glimpse of her involvement in our schools, our community and our parishes.

She was a member of the Acadian dance group, actively participating as both a dancer and an instructor for youth and seniors. Her commitment helped preserve traditional dance, particularly the quadrille, which holds an important place in our culture. This work often brought her into the schools, especially during the Rendez-vous de la Francophonie celebrations in March.

A member of the French church choir since its beginnings, around the 1980s, she has always shown tremendous dedication to the choir. Until very recently, she rarely missed a practice or an occasion when the choir was singing.

She held strongly to her beliefs and was not afraid to speak up at a time when the French portion of the Mass appeared to be in jeopardy. That kind of determination is admirable and is an essential quality when it comes to resisting assimilation.

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Over the years, she has been involved in countless activities, often helping to make sure everything ran smoothly. For nearly fifty years, she played an important role in organizing the Living Stations of the Cross in Palmer Road, Mont-Carmel and Baie-Egmont. She also contributed to numerous services marking annual celebrations, celebrations honouring Mary, and the retirements of members of the clergy and parish staff.

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She also helped organize many dinner theatres to raise funds for the church and the fire department, with the latter raising approximately $85,000. We also cannot forget her time with Skit’n Skof, which raised more than $100,000 for various causes over the years. In our region, where French and English live side by side, she has worked very hard to ensure the success of many projects serving both cultures.

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Her career as an educator began in Saint-Édouard, during the days of the small community schools, and later continued at Saint-Louis Consolidated School until her retirement. Without a doubt, she was an exceptional teacher.

In every area where she has been involved, her work has always been remarkable.

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By now, you have probably guessed that this year’s recipient is our wonderful Alice Perry Mokler. But I’m not finished yet!

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Born into a large Acadian French family, Alice grew up surrounded by her three brothers — Nelson, Alphy and Maurice — and her seven sisters — Anna Mae, Esther, Ellen, Sister Theresa, Rita, Anita and Jenny.

Alice married Willard Mokler, and together they raised a beautiful family. They had three daughters, Janice, Nancy and Susan, as well as one son, Tommy. All of their children attended French immersion classes and speak French today. Alice, Willard and their children lived for many years in the village of Saint-Louis before moving to Tignish a few years ago. Alice remains very active and continues to be involved in her new community. She is a member of the St. Simon and St. Jude choir and spends much of her time helping at the Caring Cupboard.

 

As many of us know, they went through a very difficult time with the loss of their dear Susan two years ago. We hope that your beautiful memories bring you some comfort. We are sending you all a big hug.

 

Alice’s family has also grown over the years, and today she is the proud grandmother of ten grandchildren: Madelyn, Jack, Hailey, Ryan, Sophie, Charlotte, Sam, Emerson, and twins Ellie and Everly.

 

Acadian traditions continue to hold a very special place in Alice’s life and in the lives of her family. Throughout the year, Alice and her sisters continue the wonderful tradition of the frolic. They get together to prepare all kinds of traditional Acadian foods — Christmas meat pies, doughnuts, white cookies, râpure and poutines. With Alice around, we can be sure that these precious traditions will continue to be passed down to future generations!

Family gatherings are also a time to enjoy evenings of cards and music, along with plenty of good laughs. Her brother Alphy never fails to add his own special touch with a few magic tricks. As we would say so well in English: “Quite the bunch they are!”

 

Even though the years may bring backaches and a few aches and pains, Alice doesn’t let that stop her from being there for others. Always ready to lend a hand, she doesn’t hesitate to say yes when someone needs help and continues to generously give her time and energy to those around her.

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It is therefore with great pleasure that the Conseil Rév. S.-É.-Perrey presents you, Alice Mokler, with the title of 2026 Volunteer of the Year.

Congratulations, Alice!