Mrs. Loretta Lalonde passed away peacefully in the Transitional Long Term Care Unit of St. Joseph's Care Group on Wednesday, February 24, 2016.
Loretta was born August 7, 1925 in Fort William to Pearl and Bill Armstrong. Loretta attended St. Patrick's School and FWCI. Following high school, Loretta enlisted in the WRENS (1943-45) proudly serving her country as a wireless operator in Esquimalt, B.C., Moncton, N.B. and East Baccaro, N.S. during WWII.
Following WWII, Loretta worked in the Fort William Land and Titles Office and at the Bank of Nova Scotia until her marriage to her loving husband Gerald Robert Lalonde in 1952.
Loretta and Gerald raised seven children. When some of her children were in high school Loretta went to work as a church secretary at St. Andrew's R.C. Church. She worked there for 25 years.
Loretta was an active member of the church serving as a lector, collection counter and member of various community groups as well as being a life time member of the CWL. Loretta was also an active volunteer with St. Joseph's Care Group, bringing patients to chapel services and various activities.
Loretta was a member of St. Joseph's Care Group Auxiliary, Thunder Bay Naval Association, Branch 5 of Royal Canadian Legion, St. Andrew's CWL, Thunder Bay Museum and Friends of Waverley Park.
Loretta was predeceased by her husband Gerald Robert Lalonde, her parents Pearl and Bill Armstrong and her aunt Mary (Mayme) Armstrong. Loretta is survived by her seven children Bill (Danielle), Bob, Cathy, Pat (Don) Cottrell, Jim, Ray and Ron (Catherine); 10 grandchildren and 4 godchildren. She is also survived by her sister Mary (Wilf – deceased) Gagnon, nieces Marguerite (Romelle) Espiritu, Terry (Dave) Marcon, Barb (Bob) McFarlane, Laurie (Carl) Thibodeau, her brother Bob (Judy) Armstrong, nephew Michael, nieces Wendy and Kerry.
Funeral Services for the late Mrs. Loretta Lalonde will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2016 with family and friends gathering in St. Andrew's R.C. Church, 292 Red River Road at Algoma, for the Resurrection Mass at 9:30 am concelebrated by Father Antoni Fujarczuk and Father Luigi Filippini. Visitation will be held Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma, with Vigil Prayers offered at 6:00 pm. Interment will take place in St. Andrew's Cemetery following the service.
If friends so desire, donations made in memory of Loretta to the Dew Drop Inn, the Heart and Stroke Association and the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay would be gratefully appreciated.
