Our dear mother, Stella Caroline LaRocque, born October 16, 1930 to Anna and Ed Brown, in Revelstoke, BC passed away Sunday, May 22, 2016, in Trail, BC surrounded by her loving family.
As a child, Stella lived in Nakusp and Nelson before moving to Trail. Mom and her siblings grew up in lower Shaver’s Bench. She met her future husband, Jack C. LaRocque through youth group. Stella and Jack married in Trail, July 21, 1952. They resided in Trail before relocating to Fruitvale. In 1960, they purchased a home alongside Beaver Creek in Blue Bird Corner to accommodate their growing family. Mom and Dad loved their spacious property, and surrounding neighbourhood. Side by side, they lovingly enhanced the property and raised their family of 6 children, remaining for 50 years in their piece of heaven. Mom and dad reluctantly relocated to Jubilee Place in Trail, where they found a new community of friends. They spent many hours walking by the river, enjoying the lovely gardens, and visiting their children. Mom had the soul of an artist. She enriched the lives of her family and others with her many talents in her playful, energetic manner. Mom’s legacy lies in her calligraphy, sketches, paintings, carvings, quilts and gardening. Her skills as a seamstress were legendary. She created beautiful clothing for her family and close friends; costumes, team uniforms, clothing, quilts, bridal and grad gowns, doll clothes, even upholstery. Anyone who showed up needing a haircut would find themselves draped and under her clippers. Mom freely gave her time to family, friends and community. Her artwork graced many community projects, in logos, signs, scrolls, production sets. Mom taught her skills through charitable and formal classes. Mom supported the Beaver Valley Ski Hill, as a volunteer and a term as President. She worked with the BV Historical Society, supported the BV library, May Days, and Grad reunions. Mom valued the women she met as a member of the Women’s Institute. She held various positions including a term as President.Mom and Dad were honored with recognition by the community they loved, as the Beaver Valley Citizens of the Year in 2003. Mom loved life and loved to dance. Like the scene in “Mrs. Doubtfire”, she taught us to dance through our lives. She was a resilient and resourceful woman. Stella is predeceased by her husband Jack, her parents Anna and Ed, her sisters; Gerty, Joan and Maizie, and her grandson Jack. She is survived by her children; Jack (Elaine) LaRocque, Anne (Wally) Saigeon, Teresa LaRocque-Walker, Judy (Jim) Urquhart, Rod (Janet) La Rocque, and Gene LaRocque, her grandchildren; Emelia, Caroline, Kate, Aaron, Pat, Rob, Zachary, Rory, Breanna, Tristan, Luke, Daniel, Dave, Heather and Stephanie, 18 great-grandchildren, her brother Bob Brown, her sister Esther Wall, Jack’s family, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.
A celebration of Stella’s life will be held on Friday, May 27, 2016 at 11:00 am at the Fruitvale Anglican United Church with Reverend Michael Hare officiating. Brent Long of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services™ has been entrusted with arrangements. As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Canadian Red Cross at 8100 BC-3B, Trail, BC, V1R 4N7 or to the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital Health Foundation (Geriatric Campaign) at 1200 Hospital Bench, Trail, BC, V1R 4M1 or online at www.kbrhhealthfoundation.ca
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family’s online register at www.myalternatives.ca