Obituary of Gayle LaRochelle

Maureen Gayle LaRochelle of Gravelbourg, SK, passed away on Sunday, February 12, 2017, at the age of 72. Gayle was born on March 12, 1944, in Virden, MB. She was the oldest of five children born to Wilfred and Albertine (nee Meyer) Gamble. Gayle attended school in Gull Lake, Estevan, Brandon, and Gravelbourg. The family moved to Gravelbourg in 1954, when Gayle's parents bought the drycleaners. Gayle met Gerald LaRochelle at a dance in Lafleche, and they were married on August 2, 1961, in Gravelbourg. They were blessed with three children, Marc, Donnette, and Randy. They lived in Gravelbourg for a short time before moving to the farm north of Palmer. In the spring of 1965, the family moved to Meyronne where they rented land and farmed, and in 1969 they expanded the farm, purchasing land northwest of Gravelbourg. In April 1981, Gayle began working in the kitchen at St. Joseph Hospital in Gravelbourg. She then worked as a seamstress for the Foyer, and in 1984 started as a nurse's aide. In 1996 she transferred to the sewing room in the new hospital, and then back to nursing in 1999. She enjoyed her years working at the hospital and retired in April 2006. Gayle loved to sew, quilt, crochet, knit, cross stitch, and paint, and was an avid gardener. She started a quilting group in Gravelbourg and also was a member of the quilting group in Lafleche. Gayle and Gerald enjoyed traveling in their motor home and going on bus tours. In 1991, Gayle and Gerald bought a house in Gravelbourg and moved into town. Gayle was a loving mother and grandmother, and will be dearly missed. Gayle is survived by her husband Gerald LaRochelle; son Marc (Cathy) LaRochelle, grandchildren Devin, Maeca; daughter Donnette (Rob) Thiessen, grandchildren Robyn (Matt) Lawson, Holly (Peter) Desiatnyk, Joey Gavin, Brandon James Santa, Travis Gavin, great grandchildren Rebecca and Evan Lawson; son Randy (Sheryl) LaRochelle, grandchildren Ethan, Alyssa, Seth, Lillyx, Natasha, Marissa, and Mariah; brothers Robert (Carole) Gamble, Bill Gamble, Ferg (Lorraine) Gamble; sister Patricia (Don) Bouvier. Predeceased by her parents Wilfred (1966) and Albertine (2006) Gamble; brother Jim Gamble (1961). Family interment will take place in the summer.