Laura Lizee (Dion), 1908-2007

Laura Lizee, longtime resident of the High Prairie area, passed away on April 16, 2007, at the age of 98 years. Laura was born July 11, 1908 in Weedon, Quebec. She was the eldest of three children. A few years after her birth, the family moved to Gravelbourg, Sask. She was only 12 years old when her mother died of tuberculosis and Laura was left to help her father, Magloire Dion, care for her younger siblings: Henry, her brother (died 1990) and her sister, Yvonne Gauthier (Wilfred, deceased) resides in Portland, Oregon. In her late teens, she worked as housekeeper and nanny to a number of families. One of these families happened to have a son who fell in love with Laura. Lucien Lizee and Laura were married Jan. 31, 1928. Their first child, Andre, was born in April of the following year (died Oct. 7, 2005). In 1929, Lucien decided to move further west. So he, with his young family, acquired employment at St. Anthony’s Mission farm in Prairie Echo where the second son, Harvey (Rose) was born. Harvey died in August 1991. A short time later, his Excellency; Bishop Guy of Grouard, hired Lucien as his personal chauffeur; a job that many others where hoping for. The family then settled in Grouard where three more children were born including Guy (now living in Delta, B.C.); Joseph (Carmelle) from High Prairie; and Guylaine Hood (Bill) of Kelowna, B.C. When the opportunity was presented to Lucien, he purchased St. Anthony’s Mission farm, which he had been renting for several years from the Arch Diocese of McLennan/Grouard. There he resided until his death on Sept. 13, 1986. During their residence at the farm, three more children were born: Robert (Jacquie) of Edmonton; Roger (Marie-Rose) of High Prairie and Yvonne Savill (Jim) of Sherwood Park. In the fall of 1943 the house was destroyed by fire. After the new house was built, two more children were born: Monique (Gary) Perry (Monique died Sept. 28, 1987 and Garry on Sept. 8, 2001); and Dennis (Linda), also of High Prairie. Laura was an avid crocheter and quilter. She won many ribbons at the local fair for her creations. As the family grew she made afghans and quilts for her many family members. She was well known for her hospitality and you never left the house without something to eat, whether it was her freshly-baked bread or, her yummy Saskatoon pies. In 1992, Laura was encouraged to move to the Pleasantview Lodge, where she stayed for the next 13 years. There she made herself useful in many different ways. In 2005, a serious blood clot in her leg dealt the final blow to her mobility and Laura was then moved to the J.B. Wood Continuing Care facility. There she resided for the last 19 months of her life. Throughout her life, Laura gave of herself in the service and care of others; first to her siblings, then to her husband (married 58 years) and her children, her grandchildren, her friends and neighbours; as well as her co-residents at Pleasant-view Lodge; until finally her strength gave out and would not allow her to do anymore. Laura was predeceased by: her husband, Lucien; three of her 10 children including Andre, Harvey and Monique; two grandsons including Darrell Cox and Terron Savill; twin infants; and great-great grandsons Joshua and Nicholas Popp. She leaves to mourn: seven children, 32 grandchildren, 51 great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. On the morning of April 16, Laura quietly passed away in her sleep. God left her on this earth for as long as He could; just three months short of her 99 birthday. A celebration of Laura’s life was held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church on April 21, 2007 with Father Tony Chakkunga and Father Abraham Srambical officiating.

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