ALINE GAGNE

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ALINE GAGNE It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of a grand lady, Aline Gagne, Restauranteur and Entrepreneur, on Monday, June 16, 2003, with her family at her side. Aline leaves to cherish her memory, her aunt Aurore Fontaine (Cadorath) four sisters, Soeur Yvonne Gagne FDLC, Adelina (Edmond) Roy, Rita (late Gilbert) Prefontaine and Corinne (Louis) Montsion; two sisters-in-law, Edith and Edmee Gagne; 51 nieces, nephews and their families. Aline also leaves numerous friends in Winnipeg, Edmonton and around the world. Aline was predeceased by her parents, Jean-Leon Gagne and Adelina Fontaine; her husband Steve Laskiwski; two sisters, Marie (Joseph) Lacoste and Lea (Henri) Bellerive; seven brothers, ti-Leon, Midas (Yvonne), Joseph (Imelda), Omer (Jeanne), Leon, Lionel (Tessie), and Albert; one nephew and three grandnephews. Aline is finally with her family that she loved and missed so dearly. Aline was born on November 8, 1917 at the family farm in Carey, MB, where she attended grade school until the family moved to the village of Saint-Pierre-Jolys due to the economic hardships of the time. Being the eighth of 14 children, Aline was like a mother to her younger siblings and assisted her parents both in the business and with the household chores. Aline helped her mother open Le Cafe Jolys, the first of many restaurants with which she was involved. Aline sacrificed higher education and passed that opportunity to one of her siblings when she decided to be a businesswoman like many of her other siblings. After the Second World War, Aline moved to Toronto where for two years she learned the finer details of the restaurant business. Aline then relocated to Whitehorse where she successfully operated the Three-White-Top restaurant. After 10 years of providing Gagne hospitality to the Whitehorse community, Aline sold her business, moved to Edmonton using the majority of her profits in fulfilling her husbands dream of purchasing the family homestead. Aline once again used her talents to open and successfully operate two more restaurants, Cafe Aline and the prestigious Pan-American Restaurant. In spite of her hard work and dedication to her business activities, Aline always took the time to help those less fortunate either by providing jobs, guidance and encouragement in so many ways. After the passing of her husband Steve, she packed her bags and said farewell to the Edmonton she loved, and moved back to Winnipeg to be closer to her family. Once here, she was instrumental in organizing large family reunions and numerous family functions, which brought the whole family closer. Her dedication to her family was powerful and felt by all of us. She was an unselfish person, always available to listen and provide advice on any of our problems, be they big or small. Aline had a passion for all sports, cultural events and travel. Her travels took her to Japan, Australia, New Caledonia and most of North America. She was devoted to her religion. She volunteered numerous hours with the Grey Nuns Associates and the Foyer Valade Auxiliary. Aline loved life, family and friends. Alines strong values, personal strengths and straight forwardness will be forever in our memory. Prayers will take place at 10:00 a.m. followed by memorial service at Saints-Martyrs-Canadiens Roman Catholic Church, 289 Dussault Ave., on Thursday, June 19, at 10:30 a.m., with Fr. Jean-Louis Rocan presiding. Inurnment of the cremated remains will take place at Glen Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Alines name to the Foyer Valade, 450 River Rd., Winnipeg, MB R2M 5M4 or a charity of ones choice. "Aline would wish to gratefully thank all her caregivers for their wonderful compassion and would say, SO LONG to all the special people in her life." The Desjardins Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements, 233-4949 or toll free 1-888-233-4949.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 18, 2003