GEORGETTE LAPENSKIE: 1928 ~ 2023
It is with sadness that we share the passing of Georgette Exilia Lapenskie (Begin) on December 15, 2023 at the age of 95. Until the end, she loved her family and any time they had together- whether visiting with her children, grandchildren and especially great grandchildren, sharing a meal or a good glass of champagne. Georgie delighted many with her piano playing and her beautiful voice and is remembered as a lady of class and grace.
Georgie is survived by her children, Carol Crampton of Winnipeg; Nancy Cruickshank of Terrace Bay; Diane (Reg) Rennette of Terrace Bay; Lynn (Dan) McGrath of Rossport; Ron (Janice) Lapenskie of Thunder Bay; and Dave (Margaret) Lapenskie of Lac Du Bonnet, MB; by grandchildren: Kim (Dom), Jason (Bailey), Trevor (Candice), Steven (Caitlin), Derek (Amy), Michael (Julia), Luke (Catalina), Mark (Alisha), Katy, Paul, Kris (Denise), Wesley (Cori) and Kyle (Sara); great grandchildren CJ, Nicholas, Kaden, Gavin, and Tenley; Liam, Quinn, Carson, and Everly; Paige and Bryn, as well as her sister-in-law, Florence.
Georgie was predeceased by her husband of 70 years, Bennett in 2020; her daughter Donna and sons-in law, Alex, Bryan and David; her parents Ernest and Olivine; her siblings Henre, Nazaire, Auguste, Jean-Baptiste, Albert, Jeanne, Gilberte, Cecile and Sister Rose Helene as well as her numerous sisters and brothers-in-law. Georgie was the last remaining Begin and was often amazed that she continued to celebrate birthdays, enjoying each and every one.
Georgette grew up in Hearst and married Ben in 1949 and together they raised 7 children while living in Hearst, Hornepayne, Kapuskasing, Pays Plat, and finally settling in Terrace Bay. In 1982, Ben retired and they moved to Grand Forks, BC and together they built their dream home with some help from their children. Georgie was Ben’s right hand woman and was integral to the project. After 26 years of retirement, community involvement and travels, they moved back to Thunder Bay to be closer to family, and they were able to enjoy seeing their grandchildren and great grandchildren grow.
After Ben’s passing in 2020, Georgie continued to live at Glacier Ridge, then moved to McCausland Hospital in Terrace Bay, eventually finding a home at Wilkes Terrace (Long Term Care).
The family would like to thank McCausland Hospital (Chronic Care), and Wilkes Terrace (LTC) for the care and support over the last year and a half; and with her recent fall, the Air Ambulance crew and the Thunder Bay Regional for her surgery and care until her passing.
Although we are saddened, we know that Georgie is happy to be reunited with Ben, Donna and the boys and they will be toasting us with champagne this Christmas. She leaves behind such a beautiful legacy that she was proud of and we will continue to honour.
Funeral services will be held on January 13th, 2024 at 11am at St. Martin of Tours Church in Terrace Bay, and an interment of ashes will take place in the summer. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the McCausland Hospital and Wilkes Terrace Long-Term Care (Terrace Bay).
