Maria "Laurette" Lavallee (nee LaJoie) was born in St. Boniface, Manitoba, on March 8, 1953. She passed away on March 11, 2026, at the Three Hills Health Centre. She suffered a long struggle with various health complications, and she was recently diagnosed with metastatic bone cancer.

Laurette or " Rette" was kind, caring, compassionate, and she had the patience of a saint. She would give the shirt off her back if you needed it. She was a friend you could confide in. She would celebrate your joys and sorrows with you. She loved deeply, and her faith in God was amazing!

Laurette grew up in Windsor Park, MB, and was a young mother to her daughter, Melanie. She then met the love of her life, James Lavallee, in Winnipeg, MB. There, they had their daughter, Tara. Laurette then attended Red River College and pursued a career as a Registered Dental Assistant. In 1986, the family moved to Calgary, AB, lived briefly in Cardston, AB, and moved back to Calgary. She and Jim later settled in the village of Rumsey, AB, to be closer to Melanie and her family.

Laurette was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Yvonne; her brothers, Daniel, and her sister-in-law, Lynn.

She is survived by her husband, James "Jim" Lavallee, (currently in the Three Hills Health Centre due to a massive stroke); her siblings, Jules (Elsie), Renald "Ray"; her sister-in-law, Gisela; her daughters, Melanie (Randy) Gridley, Tara (Jay) Barker; her grandchildren, Kennady (Justin), Kyra, Karson (Brenden), Kyle and Amber; and great-grandchildren Mason and Bennett.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank the wonderful teams at both the Red Deer Regional Hospital and the Three Hills Health Centre. They showed amazing care and compassion and kept Laurette and Jim together in the same hospital rooms during this difficult time.

There will be a private mass for close friends and family.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mrs. Lavallee's service streamed live HERE on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording will be posted.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Laurette's family here.