MARY JAYNE LA JOIE

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MARY JAYNE LA JOIE Peacefully on March 13, 2008, at home with her family by her side, Mary Jayne La Joie passed away at the age of 40 years. She will be lovingly remembered by her father Jules, mother Elsie, sisters, Sherri, Arlene (Ray) and Shirley (Jim), her bapka, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, best friends, Gisele Tetrault and Elan Anderson, as well as numerous other friends. Mary was predeceased by her cousin Randy Futros, her detco Teofil Galbichka, her grandmother Yvonne La Joie and her grandfather Joseph La Joie. Mary was born on July 2, 1967 and at the age of seven months fell into a coma as a result of meningitis though her parents were told that Mary would be a vegetable and would not have any sort of quality of life once Mary awoke from her coma 11 days later, she regularly proved the doctors wrong. Not only could Mary walk, talk, see and hear, but she continued to conquer the stereotypes that were put upon her being an individual with special needs. Mary attended Prince Charles School and, at the age of 21 graduated, and was presented with the Most Outstanding Citizen Award (as voted by the teachers of Prince Charles). Mary had an incredibly strong work ethic and started her first job at the age of 17 years for KT Industries. She later worked at a daycare, McDonalds and B-52 at the University of Manitoba and, for the past 10 years was a proud employee of Winner's on Regent. Mary was extremely personable and made friends easily she was extremely patient, loving and always took the time to stop to talk to anyone who looked like they needed to be listened to. Mary also regularly performed with her special needs friends for drama night, at the Forks, attended weekly swimming lessons at BoniVital Pool and was a member of the Special Olympic Bowling Team. Though Mary had numerous accomplishments throughout her life, she was extremely proud of being a foster mother to her foster child through Plan Canada and, one of her happiest days was in February 2007, when she adopted her faithful companion, Cocoa. Mary was an extremely kind soul who loved everyone and took special time to acknowledge senior citizens, the sick and children. On November 16, 2007, Mary was taken to the St. Boniface Hospital and after numerous tests, it was discovered that approximately two years earlier Mary had colon cancer which, by the time she was brought to the hospital, had spread to her lungs, stomach and liver, and during her nearly one month stay at the hospital, her condition quickly deteriorated. On December 10, Mary was removed from the hospital by her family and taken home so that palliative care could be done at home by her family. Mary's spirits soared and, despite being told that Mary probably wouldn't make it till Christmas, she was happy and fought and got much stronger at home. Mary stayed with her family through Christmas, New Years, Valentine's Day, Sherri's birthday (March 4) and Arlene's birthday (March 12). Prayers will be Monday, March 17 at 7:00 p.m. and a Celebration of Mary's life will be Tuesday, March 18 at 11:00 a.m. both held at St. Bernadette's Roman Catholic Parish, 820 Cottonwood Road (at Drake). Pallbearers will be Mary's cousins, Karen, Ian, TJ, Mackenzie, Michael and Nikki. If so desired, donations may be made in Mary's memory to the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities or St. Bernadette's Building Fund. We would like to thank the palliative care nurses and doctors who responded, so quickly, when we had problems with Mary's care, Mary's palliative care doctor, Dr. Nadine Lecuyer, her homecare worker Natalia and very supportive relatives who helped with their love and support of our dear daughter and sister, Mary. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 15, 2008