Laura Rosemary Lafond

Laura Rosemary Lafond (McDougall). Passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 6, 2012, at age 80, at the St. Pierre Hospital (Palliative Care). Mom was born on July 14, 1931 in Miniota, MB to Anthony and Alena (Preston) McDougall. She was predeceased by her husband Joseph (Joe) on November 4, 2000 and her brother Robert (Bob).

Laura leaves to mourn her children Bob (Donna), Vickie (Dave), and Jennifer (Doug) and six grandchildren – Danielle, Chantelle, Michael, Sydney, Zachary, and Casey. She also leaves to mourn her sisters Gladys and Myrtle and her brother Alvar.

Laura was raised in Fort Garry. She and Dad lived in Fort Garry until their retirement in 1977 moving to Salmo, BC. Returning to Manitoba in 1986, Mom and Dad settled in St. Malo and fulfilled their dream of purchasing a cottage at Winnipeg Beach. The cottage quickly became the focal point of their lives where they, along with family and friends, enjoyed many a hot summer day. After a few years and many hours of “sweat equity” the cottage became their permanent residence. In 2007 the cottage was sold and Mom moved to St. Pierre, MB.

Laura loved being outdoors working in the garden (especially with the grandkids) and camping. Camping was a special activity during most weekends in summer, and of course the annual camping holiday each summer where it seemed that over the years virtually every little town in Western Canada and the US was visited. One of Mom’s favourite trips was the six-week long camping trip to Mexico that Mom and Dad took just before their retirement. In 2007 Mom, Auntie Gladys and her niece Christine traveled to Scotland to visit their ancestral homeland – it was a great trip.

Mom was a fabulous seamstress. For many years her sisters-in-law would be the best dressed for the annual Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties – all courtesy of Laura’s skills and creativity. While in Salmo, BC, she and her sister Gladys successfully started and operated the Salmo Sewing Basket.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 9 at 2:00 p.m. at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard.

The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at the Bethesda Hospital (Cancer Care) in Steinbach and especially the nurses and doctors in Palliative Care at the St. Pierre Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Steinbach Community Cancer Program – 316 Henry Street, Steinbach, MB R5G 0P9; or De Salaberry District Health Centre (Palliative Program) – Box 320, 354 Prefontaine Avenue, St. Pierre-Jolys, MB R0A 1V0.