ELAINE LUCILLE (LAFRANCE) GAY

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ELAINE LUCILLE (LAFRANCE) GAY June 14, 1922 - April 17, 2006 It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother after a lengthy illness. Surrounded by her large family, Elaine peacefully left us to join her husband René and son Bernard. She was also predeceased by her parents, Adélard and Lucia (Tellier) Lafrance, brother Lactance (infant), sisters Laure and Claire, and daughter in law Tracy (Catellier). She is survived by her sister, Fernande (Tkachyk) and children, Gérald, Marcien (Grace), Évelyne, Lorraine (Richard), Jeannette (Lindsay), Francine, Adrien, Mario (Candice). She also leaves her grandchildren, Jeffrie, Joanne, Justin, Daniel, Christopher, Melanie, Martin, Jérémie, Vincent, Stéphane, Jacqueline, Ashton, Matthew, and her great grandchildren, Conrad, Brandon, Kari, Madisson, and numerous nieces and nephews. Mom was born and raised on a farm just south of St-Pierre-Jolys, MB with her three sisters. Having no brothers to help with the farmwork, she had to develop a work ethic that stayed with her during the many years she devoted to her family. Elaine graduated from Ecole St-Pierre-sud, then went to Winnipeg to find work. While working in a restaurant on Taché St., she met the owner's son, René, who started a flame going. When René returned from the war, and with the spark still there, they married on April 10, 1948. After living briefly in Inwood, MB and St. Vital, Elaine and René returned to St-Pierre with three sons in 1952. The family continued to grow to nine children. Mom's mother joined the family household from 1968 to 1976, which kept her very busy. She never complained; she loved taking care of her large family. Later in life, she also worked part-time for ten years in the kitchen at the St. Pierre Hospital. Mom will forever be remembered for her independent nature, strength of will, pride and for her support and love for her family that she treasured so dearly. Her home by Joubert Creek was also very precious to her. Mom's values, having been instilled in all of us, will continue to touch the hearts of generations to come. She was an inspiration to us all and will deeply be missed . . . Prayers will take place on Thursday, April 20 at 7:00 p.m., with viewing starting at 6:30 p.m. at Desjardins Funeral Home, 357 Des Meurons St. in Winnipeg. Funeral mass will be held on Friday, April 21 at the St-Pierre Roman Catholic Church at 2:00 p.m. with viewing starting at 1:30 p.m. Interment to follow in the St-Pierre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cancer Care Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave., Room ON1160, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9 (phone 204-787-4143). The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Cancer Care Manitoba at the St-Boniface Hospital and at the DeSalaberry District Health Centre for the great care and attention she received. A special thank you to Dr. duPlessis and Dr. Szaky for their genuine concern and compassion. Une nécrologie française sera publiée dans le journal La Liberté . Desjardins Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements, 233-4949 or toll free 1-888-233-4949.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 19, 2006