Ruth Lafreniere

Surrounded by her loving family, Ruth Lafreniere passed away at the age of 84 years on Tuesday May 7, 2019, at the Douglas Campbell Lodge.

Ruth was born March 18, 1935 to the late Levi Hatch and Margaret (Favell) in the rural area of Oakville, Manitoba. She married the late John LaFreniere in 1954, and together they raised 9 children in the rural area of Oakville.
Mom is survived by her children Donna Prince, Darrell, Wanda (Larry) Barron, Linda (John) Ducasse, Barry (Darcy), Tim (Roxanne), Joni (Robbie) Maxwell, and Lori (Jack) McKenzie, daughter-in-law Betty, 22 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren.

She is also survived by sister Wilma Ingram and Floyd Hatch of Elliot Lake Ontario, as well as sister-in-law Sharon (Cal) Jefford of Gold River B.C., brother-in-law Clifford (Loreen) Lafreniere of Portage la Prairie and sister-in-law Mary Ann Lafreniere of Portage la Prairie.
She was predeceased by her loving husband John in 2017, son Doug, son-in-law Steve Prince, grandchildren Kirt and Darcy, as well as several siblings.
Mom received her education in a one classroom school in the Beautiful Valley School District. She had no desire to leave home to attend a boarding school to further her education.
In her younger years Mom was employed at the Manitoba Developmental Center and the Campbell Soup Company.

We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from Mom.  She believed in doing your best and working hard. She seldom missed a day of work.
Mom enjoyed cooking, baking, barbequing and trying new recipes.

Her family was the center of her life.  On Sundays we would gather at the homestead for her famous dinners. It was a chance for family members to connect and visit with each other. The grand-children and the great grandchildren played together and there were always lots of stories and laughter.

If you happened to visit on a Friday evening, you would certainly enjoy the Friday night cuisine as well.
Mom was a keen gardener. She always said that home grown and homemade were so much better than store bought. The jars of canned fruits, vegetables and pickles were enjoyed at many family dinners.
We will always celebrate our Mom; she was our rock. She was a humble, genuine and caring person.  She loved us unconditionally.

Love you always Mom, you will always be the best!

A special thanks to the Douglas Campbell Lodge staff and the Gladstone Nursing Home Staff for giving Mom such wonderful care, and to the Portage Handivan for taking mom home for Sunday dinners.  Also to Dr. Rice for the care provided to Mom.

Memorial Service will be held at 11:00a.m. on Monday, May 13, 2019 at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel, led by Father Gerald Langevin. Interment to follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

If friends so wish, donations may be made in Ruth’s memory to the Manitoba Arthritic Association, 100A-1465 Buffalo Pl Winnipeg, MB R3T 1L8
Toll-Free: 1.800.321.1433 info@mb.arthritis.ca

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com.