Laurence Champagne
d. March 18, 2009
Laurence Champagne
(née Arpin)
Very peacefully, with her family at her side, Laurence left us on Wednesday March 18, 2009. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Dr. Fortunat Champagne, her three children, Denis (Colleen Metge), Lynne (Robert Stanners) and Paul (Debbie Berkut), six beloved grandchildren, Colin, Jonathan and Rianne Stanners and Patrick, Malia and Maile Champagne, and one sister, Jeannine Pineau (Marcel).
Waiting for her in Heaven are her precious son Ronald and little granddaughter, Britta Stanners.
Laurence was born and raised in Lorette, Manitoba, a small francophone community, and later in St. Boniface where she finished her schooling at l’Académie St-Joseph. A math whiz with a great business sense, she completed a commercial course at Manitoba Business College and began working as an accounting assistant with Assurances d’Eschambault. She married the love of her life, Fortunat, on July 7, 1951, just as he was starting his internship year in Medicine.
The following year, the young couple moved to St. Claude, Manitoba, where Fortunat began his medical practice and Laurence began a lifelong career as his “right hand person” – secretary, receptionist, accountant and eventually business manager of the St. Claude Clinic. In this community which Laurence and Fortunat have called home for 57 years, they raised their daughter and three sons.
Laurence was a very active member of the community, sitting on a variety of committees including the parish choir, which she directed for a number of years. Creative, musical, artistic and curious, she was always ready to sample new experiences. She enjoyed travel, reading, gardening and spending time with friends and family. She was fascinated by current affairs and was always ready for a spirited discussion, hoping to solve all the world’s problems.
Laurence was a completely devoted Mom and cherished her role as a grandmother. Her generous nature and common sense were greatly appreciated by all those whose lives she touched.
A celebration of Laurence’s life will be held at the St. Claude Roman Catholic Church on Saturday, March 21 st 2009 at 1:30 P.M, followed by a Funeral Mass at 2:00 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.
The family would like to thank the staff in the ER and ICU at the Brandon Regional Health Centre for their prompt and expert care. To the wonderful medical and nursing staff at the Portage District General Hospital, we extend our gratitude for treating Laurence with such compassion and dignity.
Adam’s Funeral Home of Notre Dame de Lourdes, Manitoba in care of arrangements. Phone 248-2201 or 1-888-400-2326. www.afh.ca
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