LAVOIE, GERTRUDE EVA: In memory of Gertrude (Trudy) Lavoie of North Battleford, SK who died peacefully on February 20, 2014 at Battlefords Union Hospital, Palliative Care with her loving daughters, Yvette, Deanne and Louise at her side. Gertrude was born on July 10, 1929 to Charles and Eva Prince of Delmas. Gertrude (Trudy) is remembered by many as a wonderful, caring and compassionate nurse, particularly on the Maternity Ward. Farmers recall her generous hospitality, quick sense of humor, and accounting acumen during the 44 years that she and Henri farmed together in the Blaine Lake and Delmas communities until his passing on Oct 7, 1998. Her deep faith and quiet confidence that everything would work out were shared with friends and family alike at the many family gatherings and events that she wholeheartedly hosted. All those who sat around her table partook of her abundant garden produce, deliciously prepared, and of course, her quiet dignity. Most of all, it is her fortitude, her firmness, in the face of dire hardships and disastrous circumstances that that dear servant exemplified to us. "In the very midst of these severe trials, she continued to love us one and all, moment by moment, without a word of complaint about her lot in life, but rather demonstrating a patience and a grace that could only have been born of God, and thus returning the joy to our hearts." (quote from the Eulogy). In the place of complaining, she gave thanks. Her generosity extended to many others in contributions to charities around the world until her death at the age of 84. She truly was a blessing to all in her life. May she continue to be an inspiration to all. Gertrude is predeceased by her parents Charles and Eva Prince; her husband Henri Lavoie; son Denis Lavoie; grandsons Michael Lavoie and Colin Miedema; aunt Lucille Arcand; uncle Lawrence Lessard; sisters Marie-Jeanne Prince, S.A.S.V. and Francoise Lavoie; brother Denis Prince; sister-in-law Frances Prince; brother-in-law Michael Lancaster; niece Carmen Prince and nephews Nicole Prince and Lawrence Meyers. Gertrude will be greatly missed, especially by her daughter-in-law Linda (Frank) Nilsson-Frigstad , Port Alberni, BC (children, Philip and Sherise Peddle, BC) and daughters Yvette Miedema (Barry Werth), N. Battleford, SK (children Marieta (Vladimir Cordas) Miedema: Matteo and Simona; Jay (Trisha Chakrabarty) Miedema Luke (Denali) Miedema and Joel (Chantal) Miedema), and Barry's children Lisa (Russ Rodgers) and Phil (Careyann) Werth: Douglas and Amelia Mae, Deanne Lavoie-Holmes (Warren Holmes) N. Battleford (children Daniel (Lindsay) Woodrow, Nicole (Scott) Johnson: Marcus, Morgan, Macey and Emery), Brian and Ben Woodrow, and Warren's children, Holly (Tyler) Bottrell: Kianna, Jac, Tye and Dia, and Victoria Holmes, and Louise Wilson (Lloyd) Stockholm, SK (children Elyce Wilson: Ainsley and Kaiden, Renee (Aaron Wiebe) Wilson: Blair and Natalie Louise, and Joseph Wilson ( Kyla Gillespie). Gertrude is survived by her aunts Emma Hamel, Niagara Falls, ON and Reine Lessard, N. Battleford, SK; her brothers Maurice Prince, N. Battleford, SK, Aime (Joan) Prince, Delmas, SK, Gilbert (Dorothy) Prince, Battleford, SK, Bro. Edouard Prince, O.M.I., Lutsel K'e, N.W.T., and Bernard (Louise) Prince, Battleford, SK; sisters Charlotte Lancaster, Calgary, AB and Madeleine Prince, S.A.S.V., Edmonton, AB; sister-in-law Betty Prince, Saskatoon, SK; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. The funeral service was held on Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at Living Faith Chapel, N. Battleford, SK with Pastor Dan Glass officiating. Music ministry, superbly performed, consisted of Greg Cooper, singer, Patrick Whelan, violinist and Andrea Whelan, keyboard for special songs In the Garden, Soft and Tenderly, It is Well With My Soul and In the Sweet Bye and Bye. Processional and recessional music, Come By the Hills, My Love She's But a Lassie and other selections were exquisitely played by Lana Quinn, harpist and Byron Olson, guitarist. A special tribute was given by Pastor Ben Kirkpatrick of Saskatoon, SK. Gertrude's daughters Yvette, Deanne and Louise read the eulogy. Tributes from the grandchildren were shared by Joel Miedema, prior to the Memorial Slideshow. Urn Bearers were grandchildren Philip Peddle, Marieta Miedema, Ben Woodrow and Elyce Wilson. Interment took place at the family plot in Delmas Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be sent to the Palliative Care Unit at BUH, P.O. Box 1358, N. Battleford, SK S9A 3L8. The Eulogy honouring Gertrude Lavoie's life, the Memorial Photo Gallery, as well as other tributes and additional photos may be viewed at CARD OF THANKS The family wishes to express sincere appreciation for the acts of love and kindness, phone calls, cards, flowers, gifts of food and memorial donations. Thanks to Crandleberry's for preparing the delicious luncheon. Deep gratitude also to Rhiannon Benjamin and staff from Sallows & McDonald - Wilson & Zehner Funeral Home for their kind, efficient, and expert help and support.
