Jolene Riendeau murder case: Standing ovation for mother at little girl’s funeral

Dolores Soucy, the mother of Jolene Riendeau, received a standing ovation at her daughter’s funeral on Friday.

The applause came after Dolores read a poem about the rights of children.

The grieving mother said she spoke on behalf of parents of all missing kids, and urged for changes in legislation to better protect children.

The funeral for her 10-year-old daughter was held Friday morning in Point St. Charles, not far from where the little girl went missing 12 years ago.

The service began at 11 a.m. at Paroisse St. Charles, 2111 Centre St., Point St. Charles.

Inside the church, an urn was placed at the front, next to a framed photo of Jolene, which was surrounded by flowers.

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Joanne Soucy, Jolene Riendeau’s aunt, told mourners that the family never gave up hope.

She also gave thanks to Montreal police Inspector Bergeron who “always treated Jolene’s case as if it was his only one,” at which time, the church erupted into applause.

Several times, Joanne also thanked people “who have helped during these difficult years”.

Jolene’s aunt also gave praise to Pina Arcamone, director of Quebec’s Missing Children’s Network, “who was always there” for their family.

A cousin of the little girl also spoke, and said hearing that Jolene’s remains had been found was "devastating".

Following a request of the family, Johanne Blouin performed two songs for the girl.

Family members and relatives planned to meet for a light lunch in the basement of the church.

Parents of missing children who attended included Martin Provencher, father of Cedrika Provencher, Michel Surprenant, father of Julie Surprenant and Caroline Lachance, mother of David Fortin.

Visitation for the little girl was also held Friday morning beginning at 9 a.m., and a private visitation was also held Thursday evening.

Ten-year-old Jolene disappeared in April 1999 after telling her father she was going to the local corner store.

Police announced last Wednesday that her remains had been found under a bridge near Nuns’ Island.

A male passerby spotted the remains in September 2010.

Police interrogated a suspect in the case on Friday, May 6, two days after the police announcement.

The suspect was then released.