LORETTE LAJOIE

Condolences & Memories (4 entries)

• Dear Avery, I had the privilege of knowing your mom from maintenance calls to her building and "Safe Walks" to her bus stop after school. The last time I saw her she was laughing at our incompetence trying to deliver furniture to the Wesley Hall LIME room. Was it a secret room added by lowest-bidder contractors? Was it painted green? After a lengthy back-and-forth of discussions, we all gathered around one of the tables, staring long and hard at this cryptic purchase order until finally one of her colleagues came by and rotated it to spell room "3W17". He called us morons before flouncing away laughing. Your mom and Dave Torz reminded us how important laughter is for creating a sense of calmness in the workplace and that when you lead with a genuine warmth and kindness towards others, friendships will follow. She gave special and unique attention to everyone who came into her office and made us feel like we were more than just figures standing at a counter. She seemed to take a genuine interest in the personal lives of faculty and students alike, and went out of her way to keep this promise when she bumped into them on the street years later. There was never a dull moment when it came time to hearing updates, not knowing if they included watching the World Series or a punk rock concert she was still very much awake from. But one topic that remained a constant was how much pride she took in the individual you have become, and no conversation seemed complete without her rejoicing in your latest accomplishments. I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you and your family for being the source of her joy, which all of us were fortunate to experience. - Posted by: Michael Shadlock (Friend) on: Jul 31, 2021

• It is with a heavy heart I Googled obituaries today to find my worst fear. My dear friend Lorette had passed. 😭 We have been friends for along time and messaged few times a week and spoke when we could. Lorette was a strong woman and was driven and kind. I often told he to just keep smiling when things are not going well. I told her that her smile sent a positivity that could not be unnoticed and when she smiled so did everyone else. It was impossible to see her smile and not smile back. We talked not long ago and often talked a out her health and how she was doing. There were times she was down and we talked and her spirits were lifted. She always thanked me but I truly felt I was the lucky one. I always said she was a good human being and that's what everyone needs to strive for and that she had nailed it. I often spoke that I wished I lived closer to give her extra help she may need. She spoke of Avery all the time and I continually asked how she was doing and how school was going for her. Lorette was so proud to have raised another good human being who she admired and highly regarded. She loved her dog and spoke of life in an apartment and the struggles. She messaged to tell me she needed a transplant and that she was taken back by the offers to be tested as a donor. We talked about her relationship with Shayne and how things were going and she struggled with covid and the hindrance and walls it caused at times. After she went in to the hospital telling me as soon as she doing better she could leave and not to worry. I'm sure she knew and wanted to protect me of what may happen. I don't know her family but she spoke of them often with love. Her sister's death was devastating and not being able to travel and have closure weighed on her. I have message for a couple of weeks without a response and today I had to search to see if I could find out. The world has suffered an enormous loss in Lorette's passing. My condolences to her family, her daughter Avery, her boyfriend Shayne. We talked about covid ending and all getting together. We will have to post for another day. RIP Lorette you will be missed everyday. ❤ your friend Todd - Posted by: Todd Burnside (Friend) on: Apr 10, 2021

• Please accept my sincere condolences on behalf of my entire family. Guy, so sad & sudden of your younger sisters passing. She was BEAUTIFUL, and passed way too young. I am so sorry for your loss. - Posted by: The LeClaire Family (Neighbor of Brother Guy Lajoie) on: Apr 10, 2021

• I was Lorette's Grade 4 teacher. I will always remember her big brown eyes and her sweet, good nature. She always had a smile on her face and she was a gentle soul. The world has lost a good person. She was a pleasure to know and to teach. - Posted by: Barbara Trenchard (Lorette's grade 4 teacher.) on: Apr 08, 2021