Helen Mary LaLonde

Helen Mary LaLonde of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan passed away on Thursday, October 8th, 2009 at the age of 102 years. Helen was born in Marquis, Saskatchewan on June 2nd, 1907 to Jacob and Josephine Fehlhauer. She married Joseph LaLonde in 1928 and they farmed in the Marquis area until 1941 when they purchased a farm in the Tuxford district. In 1946 Joe passed away, leaving Helen with seven children ranging in age from 2 to 16 years. In 1949 Helen purchased a home in Moose Jaw and for several years spent her time between the farm and the city. After she moved permanently to Moose Jaw in 1954, she finally began to have time for herself. She enjoyed square dancing, scrabble, bowling and playing cards. Helen took many trips to the U.S. with her sisters, a bus trip to the Maritime Provinces with the square dancers and even a cruise to Alaska. For many years it was hard to catch her at home! Forever the farmer, she always had a huge garden, which kept her busy. And who doesn’t remember her baking, especially the buns, bread and cinnamon rolls! Helen’s house was always full, not just with her own kids, but also with cousins and friends who came for a few days or longer. Holidays were always shared with kids, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her nickname was “Grandma the Great”. In 2002 when Helen was tired of “cooking and cleaning” she moved to Mulberry Estates, where she made great use of the Mulberry bus. For the past two years Helen has resided at Pioneers Lodge. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her and loved her. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 13th, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. in St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church. Father Neil Osiowy will be presiding celebrant and burial will follow at Rosedale Cemetery. Prayers will be held on Monday, October 12th, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral Home. Helen was predeceased by her husband Joe; her grandson Gregg Davidson in 1965; her daughter Peggy Hamelin in 1997; her son Tom in 2000; and sons-in-law Ernie Hamelin in 1996, Jim Franks in 2001 and Gerry May in 2001. She will be lovingly remembered by her childrenLois Franks, Dorothy May, Bob (Shirley) LaLonde, Yvonne (Ralph) Davidson, and Bill LaLonde; daughter-in-law Louise LaLonde; 20 grandchildren; 38 great grandchildren; 20 great great grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.