1919 ~ 2015
Our dear mother and beloved Memere, Laurentine, died peacefully on Friday, November 20, 2015 at the Pinawa Hospital at the age of 96 years with her loving family by her side.
Laurentine was predeceased by her husband of 60 years in 2001, Evangeliste; her parents Henry and Rose; brothers and sister Roland, Harry, Victor, Lorenzo and Yvette; and son-in-law George Ylonen. She leaves behind to cherish her warm memories, sister Lorette Zolondek; son David; daughters Terry (Allan) Bruchanski, Louise Ylonen, and Irene (Dennis) Champagne; 15 grandchildren Randy, Kevin (Kim), Darrel (Monica), Dwayne (Melissa), Kristie (Jason), Lisa (Brad), Tannis (Calvin), Dolena (Lorne), Timm (Chantal), Wendy (Jeff), Angela (Joel), Raquel (Rob), Amy, Kristy (Dwight), and Jordon (Amanda); and 33 great grandchildren who all have scarves and toques to always remember her by.
Mom moved to Lac du Bonnet from Carruthers, Saskatchewan, during the depression with her family and some close friends, to find a place where they could make a better life. And make a better life she did. She found the love of her life, Evangeliste, who during their 60 year marriage, built a still growing family with a simple recipe of love, laughter and hard work.
It is difficult to capture in a few words what Mom and Memere has meant to us but the warm memories of her will always include: a house busting with excited children on Christmas Eve always ending with a visit from Santa; a pair of knitted wool mitts or socks; a wonderful handmade quilt, sharing stories over a cup of tea; a good deal at a garage sale, especially if the item was like new; the best July 1st parade picnic shared by family and friends alike; a homemade meal at Memere’s during the school lunch break; watching Mom and Dad lovingly tease each other; and always knowing no matter when you stopped by at the beautiful white house with the long driveway on McArthur Avenue you were always a welcome guest.
Certainly we are going to miss Mom, as we do Dad, but we know they have been reunited after living long, full and rich lives that will continue to pay dividends with all of us for generations to come.
Family and friends may celebrate Mom’s life with Funeral Liturgy at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 27 at the Notre Dame du Lac Roman Catholic Church in Lac du Bonnet, MB. Pallbearers for the service will be her grandchildren.
The family would like to thank Dr. Bruneau as well as the caring staff and pastoral volunteers of Pinawa Hospital who made Mom’s last months more comfortable. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Laurentine’s memory to a charity of your choice.
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Tannis (Baxter) Niziol (niece)
I’m so sorry to hear this sad news. Auntie Laurentine was my godmother, and she always made me feel so special. She had the most radiant smile and a warmth that enveloped and hugged you as soon as you entered her kitchen. My mother (Rita Fournier Baxter) spoke so often of the admiration she felt for her sister-in-law, and how much she wanted to be like her as a mother and grandmother. I know your hearts are grief-full, but please know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult week. Hugs to you all:)
Irene Gendre
My sincere sympathy at loss of your mother, grandmother and greatgrandmother. Moms are so special and no matter how old they are or how old you are their is a feeling of great lost when they leave us.
To me Laurentine was a gem.I will remember the way she tried to engage Agnes by talking to her in French and being so pleased when Agnes recognized her.I loved the few times I brought her communion; always so welcoming and a good chat in French. I admired the way she walked to mass at the personal care home, never wanting a ride back.
What a wonderful 96 years and to be in your own home till the last months!
Laurentine a life well lived.
Dave Baxter
My Aunt Laurentine was an amazing lady who has left a great legacy to her family. My mother Rita (Van’s sister)and I always enjoyed visiting her and her huge clan on Canada Day in Lac du Bonnet. She always welcomed us warmly at the Fournier home which holds so many wonderful childhood memories. I observed and was in awe of how her whole family revered her as their beloved matriarch.
Lorraine David
This testimony is from Laurentine’s nieces and nephews, Denyse, Lorraine, Robert, Jean-Paul and her sister in law Therese, all living in Quebec. Even thought the distance, when we spoke together about our aunt Laurentine or when we thought about her, we always could instantly see a vibrant, willing and cheerful lady. Special people like her can never be forgotten and she will live in our memories! We lost our dad, Roland, one of Laurentine’s younger brothers on November 27th 2002. Tomorrow, the 27th they will be reunited in our prayers; two very loving persons. Our thoughts will be with all of you, our family from Manitoba. Love from all of us.
robert david
My deepest condolences to son and daughters, family and friends of memere.
She truely was a wonderful person her entire life. My ant always had a contagious smile and interesting stories to share with her guests as we visited her and oncle Evangelist at their home. I will cherish those moments and have a loving memory all my life of ma tante Laurentine and her beloved family. We all will miss you very much. What a good life dear aunt!
Sharon Bayerle (Lavoie)
Our deepest condolences, fond childhood memories will never be forgotten, she was a beautiful woman with tremendous spirit…
-Sharon (Lavoie) and Thomas Bayerle