MARION ELIZABETH LAFRENIERE (CARMICHAEL)

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MARION ELIZABETH LAFRENIERE (nee CARMICHAEL) Beloved wife of Guy and mother of Matthew (Jen) and Michael (Carolynne), passed away suddenly on June 12, 2004 at her home in Ottawa. Mari will be sadly missed by her mother and father, Alan and Ella Carmichael; her sisters, Janet Sampson (Mike) and Alison Loch (David) Guys sister Gisele Shawcross (Hugh) and "Gran" Sheila Sampson. Auntie Mari will also be missed by all her nieces and nephews, Andrea van Woudenberg (Christiaan), Laurel Sampson, Alan, Ian and Graeme Loch, and Geoffrey (Deborah) and Kevin Shawcross. Mari was predeceased by Guys parents, Bert and Lou Lafreniere. Mari was born in Winnipeg on October 19, 1953 and lived in Winnipeg until she graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. Mari and Guy were married shortly after graduation and moved to London, ON where both sons were born. After a period of time the Lafreniere family moved to Ottawa. Mari was the first and only secretary and was a driving force at Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha School in the Ottawa Carlton Catholic School Board. Maris job description did not include the myriad of activities, system designs, special events and student care and nurture that Mari enthusiastically initiated and embraced. She was famous for her amazing retirement parties which featured multimedia slide shows, music and incredible decorations. She was active in many board level committees for the benefit of support staff. While living in Ottawa Mari never lost connection with her friends and family in Winnipeg. She was in constant communication throughout the winter months and eagerly awaited the end of the school term to escape to the Manitoba paradises at Belair and Victoria Beach. At Belair with the Lafreniere family there were rowdy nights of cards, laps in the pool, and long walks on the beach at sunset and under the stars. At Victoria Beach, Mari loved lucky stones, dog walks, cottage projects and sand bars but not bears. Most of all she loved Guy and her two sons. She was so very proud of each and every one of their accomplishments. Maris energy, generosity and huge heart will be sadly missed by all who knew her. Relatives and friends will be received at Heritage Funeral Home, 2871 St. Joseph Blvd., Orleans, ON on Tuesday, June 15 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Memorial service to be held at Orleans United Church, 1111 Orleans Blvd., Orleans, on Wednesday, June 16 at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Condolences and donations may be made at www.heritagefh.ca. HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME (613) 830-2305

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 16, 2004