Obituary
Courtney Diana Lafreniere was born Sunday, March 28, 1982 in Swan River, Manitoba to Florian Lafreniere and the late Sarah Ann Cook. She was raised in Camperville, Manitoba in her early years. Her memories in Camperville are most memorable, waking up to Dad’s pancakes, being with Grandma Maggie and exploring the town with her sister Terri. Courtney then relocated to Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) and remained there till she reached her legal age, when she was freely able to explore her options. While in OCN, Courtney gave back to her community by volunteering in numerous home care events coordinated by her mother. Courtney was famous for making the Elders feel extra special during the holidays by sharing her beautiful smile. She did this effortlessly and without hesitation. Courtney gave birth to Darien Dre Lafreniere April 28, 2000, whom she loved with all her heart and cherished. This motivated her to complete her High School Diploma and later to obtain her Health Care Aide Certificate from Urban Circle Winnipeg, Manitoba, 2005. Courtney gained employment with O.H.A. and the St. Paul’s Care home in The Pas. This opened the door of opportunity for her as she later moved to Winnipeg and easily gained employment with Health Sciences Centre and Central Health Services, simultaneously. Although Courtney was employed in the health field, she couldn’t help her natural capabilities. She was gifted in the art of cosmetology and had a flare for fashion and style. She also had a natural ability to be imaginative which showed through her creativity in everything she did. This then leaned her towards entrepreneurship. She opened her own business which involved marketing and sales. And if that wasn’t enough Courtney was also looking to add home décor to her list of accomplishments. Courtney was always a pleasure to have in your presence, she had a quick witted personality and humor you could see and hear for miles. Courtney had a tremendous amount of friends, far and wide. She always made everybody feel welcomed and never left anyone out; she embraced everyone with a smile and then a quick laugh to break the ice. She laughed from the heart and smiled through her eyes. Courtney was known by many, so be sure to share a story about her and put it on the wind. Courtney lived life to the fullest; she was a daughter, mother, sister, auntie, niece, godmother and above all, a genuinely gold-hearted woman. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Courtney, Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at the St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg, Manitoba, at the age of 30 years. She began her journey home surrounded by her loved ones and friends. Courtney will be forever missed by her son Dre; father Florian Lafreniere; grandmother Victoria Cook; sisters Wanda, Daphne and Terri (Joey); brother Darrell (Holly); best friend Jo; and numerous aunties, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Courtney will be embraced by her ancestors: her mother Sarah Cook; grandfather Fred Cook; grandparents Leon and Maggie Lafreniere; great grandparents Cyril and Sophia Grymonprez, David and Helen Cook; aunties Rose Sinclair, Sophia Grymonprez, Helen Laliberte; uncle James (Jimmy) Cook; cousin Dean Lafreniere. Wake services were held Thursday, June 28, 2012 and Friday, June 29, 2012, at the Margaret Henderson Parish Hall, Church of Redeemer, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, MB. Mass of Christian burial to celebrate the life of Courtney Lafreniere was held Saturday, June 30, 2012, 12 Noon at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Cathedral, The Pas, Manitoba with Rev. Bill Stang OMI presiding. Music Ministry was provided by Mike Jebb Jr.. Scripture reading was proclaimed by Charlene Lafreniere and memories of the heart was shared by Jo Cowley. Interment followed at St. Michael and All Angels Cemetery, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, MB. Active pallbearers were Darrell Cook, Jo Cowley, James (J.R) Lathlin, Michael J. Young, Edwin Lathlin, Wesley (Banger) Cook, Jason (Jay) Constant, Corey Boisvert, Gus Jr. Lafreniere, Dale Delaronde. Honorary pallbearers were Courtney’s Son Dre, all Courtney’s Godchildren, all Courtney’s family and friends. If friends so desire, donations to CancerCare Manitoba, ON1160 – 675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E OV9, would be appreciated by Courtney’s family.
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