LAURA McCONNELL

After a short illness, Laura McConnell, of Fort Frances, Ont., passed away Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014 at La Verendrye Hospital in Fort Frances with her family by her side.
She will be remembered by her loving children, Leslee Lappage of Dryden, Ont., Lyle and wife, Naomi, of Savona, B.C., Cy and wife, Lorie, of Invermere, B.C., Shelley and husband, Ray Ducharme, of Fort Frances, Ont., Melody McConnell, Nadine McConnell of Edmonton, Alta., and Calvin of Invermere, B.C.
Laura loved her grandchildren, Shawn (Angie), Brad (Katie), Tyler (Suzanne), Raelle (Philip), Patrick (Rachel), Laura (Andrew), Leslee (Ben), Leah (Brent), Lauren, Rory (Darcy), Brett (Meghan), Paige, and Brittany (Curtis).
She was Great-Grandma to Hailey, Cash, Scarlett, Rayne, Justice, Brody, Blake, Bryson, and Rilee.
Laura also is survived by her siblings, Ken Gosselin, Fred (Evie) Gosselin, Elaine Bone, Joyce (Jim) Crowley, Bob (Pat) Gosselin, and Keith (Joanne) Gosselin; and her many nephew and nieces.
She was predeceased by her parents, Alfred and Elizabeth Gosselin; husband, Eric McConnell; son-in-law, Frank Lappage; grandson, Justin DeGagne; sister-in-law, Elsie Gosselin; and brother-in-law, Doug Bone.
Laura was an avid sports fan and loved to watch almost any event. She could be found at the arena in her favourite spot at most hockey games.
She was a long-time member of the Royal Canadian Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary; she was just honoured with a 65-year service pin. She also was a member of the Rainycrest Auxiliary and belonged to the La Verendrye Hospital Auxiliary.
She enjoyed her volunteer work throughout the community.
Laura also enjoyed spending time with her family.
In her younger years, she and Eric enjoyed travelling; they had many trips to Alberta and B.C. on the bus and train. She also enjoyed visits to Dryden to spend time with her daughter and grandchildren.
She especially enjoyed going to Sister Kennedy Centre every morning for coffee and talking about world affairs with her “cronies.”
Coming from a large family, we had many family get-togethers and the family reunions at Sunny Cove were filled with fun and great memories. Laura will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014 at 1 p.m. at St. John’s Anglican Church in Fort Frances, with Fr. Wayne McIntosh officiating.
If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Palliative Care Room at La Verendrye Hospital, 110 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances, Ont.
“We love you, Gram!”