LAURETTE DIRKS (DORGE)

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LAURETTE DIRKS (nee DORGE) Marie Therese Laurette Dirks (nee Dorge), age 83, passed away suddenly Thursday, June 16, 2011 at Bethania Mennonite Personal Care Home. Born October 10, 1927 in Ste. Agathe MB; Laurette attended school there and in 1944 the family moved to St. Norbert. Laurette married Cornelius (Neil) Dirks on November 30, 1949. They raised three children, and were married 61 years until Neil's passing. Laurette was predeceased by Neil on April 17, 2011; parents David and Philomene Dorge; brothers: Gerard, Camille (and sister-in-law Del), Gilles, Lionel, and Ronald; brother-in-law Dr. Henry Dirks, and sister-in-law Irene Dirks. Laurette is survived by daughter Linda Conde (Ross) of Markham, ON; sons David (Mary Anne) of Winnipeg, and Paul (Julie) of Birch River; grandchildren Lise Conde of Markham, Alex Conde (Jaimie) of Markham, Crystal Dirks of Winnipeg, and Catherine Dirks of Winnipeg; sister Mariette Podolsky (Bob) of California, and brother Claude of Winnipeg. Laurette began temporary work at Eaton's to contribute to family finances, leaving home at 17 to live and work downtown. This evolved to permanent employment. After taking time off to raise her children, Laurette returned in 1965 to Eaton's until retirement in late 1988. Laurette was always helpful to others, baking for functions at the Legion and visiting veterans in senior's homes and hospitals. This was her nature; selfless attitude, generosity and dedication to others. She was very social person who loved to travel, chatting with anyone she met. In 2009, both Laurette and Neil suffered failing health, reluctantly moving from their home of nearly 50 years to St. Boniface Hospital, then Poseidon Care Centre and in 2010 Bethania. We are thankful that Mother's end was without suffering. The staff at Bethania was very kind and gracious, spending the last hours with her, so she would not pass alone. Sincere thanks to Erica, Nancy and Doris for staying with Mother, giving comfort throughout the night. Mother's end was calm and peaceful and we are grateful for the wonderful care our parents received in their final years. In lieu of flowers, donations to Bethania Mennonite Personal Care Home are appreciated. Cremation has already taken place. A mass to celebrate Laurette's life will be held at St. Vital Catholic Church, 1629 Pembina Hwy. on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 10:30 a.m., followed by a memorial service at Friends Funeral Service, 2146 Main St. at 1:00 p.m. Rest in peace, Mom. We will all miss you.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 20, 2011