Obituary of Domithille Elise LaPorte

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our most beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister, Domithille Elise (Gerry) Laporte, with her adoring daughters by her side on September 11, 2006 at the age of 99 years. She will be so greatly missed by all who knew her. Gerry was one of eighteen children, seven half brothers and sisters and the second eldest of eleven children born to Elie and Laura Gervais of Fort Coulonge, QC. Orphaned at the age of 15 she was very enterprising, working at various positions and always endeared herself to all who worked with her. Gerry married her husband Albert Laporte in 1932. She was well known for her special gift and rapport with children. Gerry loved them all not only her own, but every child was special to her and each one loved her in return. In her younger years, she lost two sisters and each time she was there to look after the little ones. Gerry also fostered many children and they all blossomed under her care. Right to the end Gerry tried to maintain her independence and showed so much love and affection, giving hugs and kisses to all around her. She was trying to comfort us in our sorrow. “A successful life is measured by how greatly one has loved and how greatly one has been loved in return”. Dearest of all mothers, no one has had a more successful fulfilling life than you. What an “Honour” to call you “MOTHER”. Forever loved, forever missed. “Until We Meet Again” Moms Motto – If you wish to have the respect of others, first you must respect yourself. Gerry leaves to mourn her two daughters and one son-in-law Dolorese and Dr. Robert Swires, of Calgary, and Doreen Rombough, of Winnipeg; three grandchildren Brenda Grimaldi (Carl) of Timmins, ON, Derrick Dufresne, Paul Spadafore (Mary Lou) of Cochrane, AB; seven great-grandchildren Leigha and Adrien Beltrame, Brianna Grimaldi; Vanessa and Hayley Swancar, and their father Neal Swancar Nolan and Justin Spadafore; her loving sister Yvonne Hamelin of Bryson, QC; Special sister-in-law Gilbette Gervais, of Timmins, ON, and numerous nephews and friends. She was predeceased by her loving husband Albert in 1990, her beloved granddaughter Lisa Swancar in 2003, Sixteen brothers and sisters, and Roy Ranta father of Brenda Grimaldi. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Luke’s Catholic Church (Corner of Northmount Drive & Northland Drive N.W.) on Friday, September 15, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. with the Rev. Angelo de Costa, Presider. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Mausoleum. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Our heartfelt thanks go out to the unbelievably nurturing, caring and loving staff at the Bethany Care Centre Harvest Hills. Throughout this sad and difficult time, we truly felt as though we were surrounded by family. Prior to residing at Bethany Gerry was at Sarcee Carewest and we appreciate the warmth and affection given her there. Also love and thanks to our wonderful Dr. Verbeck at Sarcee who never failed to come to see her when he was called. To Jo-Anne from JH Care, who always went out of her way to companion Mom when we could not be there, our gratitude and love. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Cerebral Palsy Association in Alberta, 3688 – 48th Ave. N.E., Calgary, AB T3J 5C8 Telephone: (403) 543-1161. In living memory of Domithille Laporte, a tree will be planted at Fletcher Park Memorial Forest by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE N.W., CALGARY. Telephone: (403) 241-0044.