LAURA IRENE HALLETT

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LAURA IRENE HALLETT It is with overwhelming sadness and love we announce the quiet, peaceful passing of Laura Irene Hallett on June 6, 2012 at the age of 93. Irene was predeceased by her husband Stanley in 1996. She was the last in her generation of the Hallett and Barnes families. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her son Robert, daughter Nancy and son-in-law David Finley, her granddaughter Meaghan (Edward) Travale, grandson Matthew (Michelle), grandson Patrick (Mallory) and her precious great-grandchildren Logan, Dominic and Riley, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Mom was born in Winnipeg on January 13, 1919 and except for five years (which she considered an extended holiday) in Montreal, she lived in Winnipeg her entire life. Mom attended Laura Secord Primary School, Gordon Bell High School and Angus Business College. Prior to her marriage, she worked for the Prudential Insurance Company. After their marriage Mom and Dad bought their first home in Silver Heights and made many friendships that have lasted a lifetime (the bridge club alone lasted more than 50 years!). After her children were in school, Mom went back to work at Silver Heights Collegiate and enjoyed the advantages of summers off, to head to her favourite place, the cottage on Barren Lake. The only challenge to an otherwise happy life was learning to communicate and teach an autistic son how to live in our world. Mom gave her all to this. She came forward in a CBC documentary to let others know what life was like living with a child with a disability. Because swimming was something Rob liked, Mom and Dad enrolled him in a Special Olympics program that eventually led to him swimming internationally for Canada in Baton Rouge. When a Christmas gift brought cross-country skis, Rob took to skiing like he did to water and eventually skied for Canada in Austria in the International Special Olympics. Our family would like to thank the wonderful staff at West Park Manor for their excellent care and tender support of Mom. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Mom's wonderful niece, Judy Denis for all her support during this difficult time. She visited Mom regularly and offered us an ear when the going got tough. In keeping with Mom's wishes cremation has occurred and a private family memorial service will take place at the cottage where the family always comes together. In lieu of flowers, a contribution to Special Olympics or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Mom, we love you, we miss you and there is a void in our family that will never be filled.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 23, 2012