Ile D'Orleans, Quebec, Canada

[The section on Quebec is relevant to this section - so be sure to read it.]

Ile D'Orleans is a large island in the St. Laurence River at Quebec.  A two-lane road threads its way 42 miles along the perimeter.  Jackie suggested that we take a day to explore it.  

Map of the Ile D'Orleans

There are monuments for each of the original families who settled there, including one for the Roberge family.  The Catholic churches today remain as the center of activity for each of the several villages on the island.  By stopping at each church we were able to find the name Roberge on plaques in a couple.  

At St. Famille, one of the villages, there is a small research center.   They provided us with the exact location of the Roberge monument.  As we soon discovered, there is a Roberge family still living there.  We knocked and Yvette Roberge came to the door.  Unfortunately, she doesn't speak any English and my French, for this encounter, was nonexistent.   I did show her some of the papers I had and she understood why I was there.  She invited us in and showed us a book on the family (in French) that Gerry had seen and copied at the University.  She also had a large journal that dated back to 1979 that was signed by the Roberges' that attended a large reunion then.  Many people had signed the book since and she asked us to sign as well.

My son had given me the name of a friend who distributes his products in Canada.  I thought he said he was in Quebec City, so I phoned him the first day.  He lives in Montreal, but was raised in Quebec City.  We had a nice conversation and will get together when we reach Montreal.  But he kindly offered to be of help at any time if he could.  I phoned him from my cell phone and asked if he would translate for me with Yvette, although it was a little cumbersome.  I asked him a question in English, handed the phone to Yvette so he could ask her the question in French.   She answered in French, then handed the phone to me so he could tell me in English.  But it was enough to make a difference.  She was glad that we stopped.  Her husband passed away six years ago and she is always happy to meet anyone who takes the time to find the monument.  I was able to tell her how much I appreciated her hospitality.  And of course we took pictures!!!