Mae D. Lavoie (Nee Guldbeck)

April 26, 1935 ~ September 6, 2022

Predeceased by her parents, Edith & Neil, brother Carl and beloved husband Roger.

Survived by her children, Lawrence (Jan) Lavoie, Monique (Cal) Pishak and Neil (Carrie) Lavoie; many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mum lived a full life and, she would have told you, a good one. Starting out in Winnipeg and moving many times with her family to towns around Manitoba before settling in what was known as Halliday Beach, she experienced hard work, good and sad times and a strong love of animals. Her work ethic must have developed there, and she soon got a job in the Pioneer Store in town. She has regaled us with many stories of working there and meeting Dad, who worked down the street at Choma’s Garage.

Mum and Dad met at a Halloween dance and were pretty inseparable after that. We can’t really tell Mum’s story without including our Dad. The two were married for over 65 years and shared so many experiences together. Parties, people, family gatherings, retirement travels, visits and celebrations.

Before helping Dad with the family business, she worked at the AECL Plant in Pinawa, as a dishwasher and cleaner for many years. When she wasn’t helping Dad with the family business, she was out serving on committees or volunteering or available for hugs for kids and grandkids alike. And what I thought would be a quick phone call always turned into a story.  

She loved keeping busy and getting involved with community as she proved by being a member in many causes in the Lac du Bonnet area. She joined the Legion Ladies Auxiliary because of her dad’s army experience. She’s been involved with the Notre Dame du Lac Catholic Church since her baptism and confirmation as a young woman, a long-time member of the Pioneer Club and a member and volunteer for the local Lac du Bonnet Historical Society; which she really enjoyed due to her love of history. She also volunteered at the library for a time and took her turn at Mrs. Lucci’s.

But Mum was proudest of her family. All of us – each and every one knew where we stood with her. Always accepting of anyone, always with a smile, a hug, a “very pleased you’re here” or “welcome to the family”. My goodness, she knew how to make you feel welcome. And she loved family gatherings – Christmases, birthdays, grads, weddings and yes, even funerals – a chance to get together was her favourite thing. And her mind was pretty sharp right up to the end – she could tell you who was who and what was what and tell you a story or two about them.  

It was a shock when we brought her to the hospital and a tough couple of weeks to see her struggle for one who was so independently strong. But in the end, her body was the problem. Her heart was too big and couldn’t handle the load, so we had to say goodbye and let her go. We know she’s with Dad now and a few others who have gone ahead and we know that she’s at peace.

We want to thank everyone at the St Boniface Cardiac Care Unit. The care received there was exemplary. Thank you to the nurses and doctors who tried so hard to help Mum.

A Funeral Liturgy will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Notre Dame du Lac Roman Catholic Church, in Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba.  Interment will follow in the Lac du Bonnet Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please give generously to the Heart & Stroke Fund or the charity of your choice.

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

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