Mary LaRoche

MAY I GO? May I go now? Do you think the time is right? May I say goodbye to the pain filled days and endless lonely nights? I've lived my life and done my best, an example tried to be. So can I take that step beyond and set my spirit free? I didn't want to go at first, I fought with all my might. But something seems to draw me now to a warm and loving light. I want to go, - I really do. It's difficult to stay. But I will try as best I can to live just one more day. To give you time to care for me and share your love and fears. I know you're sad and afraid, because I see your tears. I'll not be far, I promise that, and hope you'll always know that my spirit will be close to you, whereever you may go. Thank you so for loving me. You know I love you too, that's why it's hard to say good-bye and end this life with you. So hold me now, just one more time and let me hear you say, because you care so much for me, you'll let me go today By Susan A. Jackson

Mary Elizabeth LaRoche What could I tell you about a woman so strong-willed that could possibly let you know the extreme measures she took in life to be everything she wanted to be, that would give you even a small understanding of her warm caring ways or her endless sense of humor. Or the way she woke every morning happy to be alive, saying, “rise and shine”; my reply being “I’ll rise, but I’m not going to shine”. But she did! In her toughest battles in life, I think back on now, and the footprints poem comes to mind. Although she was always willing to lend a hand to everyone, her stubbornness and independence made it unlikely that she herself would ask for help. So, certainly God must have carried her through those tough times. A Sister – who was always distressed from the miles that separated her from her brother and sisters, but never let it become a barrier in her closeness in heart and prayers. A Friend – who would lend a hand day or night. No hurdles too large, as friends were so dear to her, and there were plenty of them. A Wife – although Joe is gone, I feel I must tell you those two shared a love only few people in this world are blessed with. A Creator – no job too big or small, gifts of plenty she shared with all. Sewing, beading, crocheting, painting shirts, and knitting mittens. Many sleepless nights she spent, coffee in hand, making sure a Christmas gift was done in time or a Birthday gift, or sometimes just because for no other reason except that she was thinking of someone and knew that they would enjoy a small something or they needed to feel special. A Grandma – forty-nine times, and still she made each and every one feel special, loved, and at sometimes as though the only grandchild she had. A Great-Grandma seven times, and did that make her feel old? Not hardly! More so she felt blessed, for in her eyes, a baby was the Lord’s way of saying the world should go on. A Mom – They say a parent loves their child unconditionally, but truly she took it further than that. Nothing we as her children did could have ever tarnished her view of us. When we were young, there were always expectations to be met, but not meeting them never made us feel less loved or less wanted. She endured so many physically painful days in her life, and yet she complained so very little to us. Mom was always there for us when we needed her most. I can remember her face as each of us girls had our first child. She looked as though she could feel our pain right along with us. Now the boys couldn’t give birth, but this didn’t keep Mom from sharing their pain. Each was quite comfortable sharing their troubles at two in the morning, knowing that she would listen and help any way she could. She planted deep in our hearts that we are family united as one but strengthened by our unique individualism that we each bring to one another’s lives. Although the Lord has taken her spirit home, the memories of her will live forever. A gift from God that has touched so many in such a short time here on earth. I’d like to think her wings were there waiting for her at Heaven’s gate, and she will be an angel watching over us all. GOD BLESS HER AND KEEP HER FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS. OUR MEMORIES, AND OUR PRAYERS. Written by Darci Cook

Mary LaRoche Mary LaRoche, 54, of Mentor, Minn., passed away Wednesday, Nov. 5 at Fairview University Hospital in Minneapolis. Mass of Christian Burial was at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 10 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Mentor with the Rev. Gerald Noesen officiating. Burial was in the parish cemetery. Visitation was from 5 - 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Mentor. There was also a reviewal for one hour prior to services Monday at the church. The Carlin-Hoialmen Funeral Home of Erskine was in charge of the arrangements. Congregational hymns were "On Eagles Wings," Amazing Grace," "We Remember," and "Alleluia." Pallbearers were Tom Tuckenhagen, Terry Tuckenhagen, Tim Tuckenhagen, Jeff Genereux, Peter Anglero, Doug Cook, D.J. Remer, and Kevin Genereux. Honorary pallbearers were Crystal Amundson, Raymond LaRoche, Chad LaRoche, Joshua LaRoche, Ryan Dehner, Michael Kelsey, Amber Kelsey, Kelly Remer, Carrie Genereux, Troy Busch and Jennifer Ringgard. Mary Elizabeth Tuckenhagen was born Feb. 9, 1943 in Waverly, Minn. to parents John and Norene (Fuller) Tuckenhagen. She grew up in Waverly, Minn. and attended school there. She was united in marriage to William Remer July 27, 1959 in Iowa. After their marriage, they lived and raised their family in Anoka, Minn. On July 3, 1976, she was married to Joseph A. LaRoche in Anoka. Following their marriage, they moved to Mentor, Minn. and Mary attended the University of Minnesota at Crookston. She was employed with Tri-Valley Opportunity Council in Crookston. Joseph passed away May 4, 1997, and she continued to reside in Mentor. Mary Elizabeth LaRoche passed away Wednesday, Nov. 5, 1997 at Fairview University Hospital in Minneapolis, Minn. at the age of 54 years, eight months and 24 days. She was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Mentor. Mary liked crocheting, beading, and sewing and also enjoyed playing cards and doing crossword puzzles. Mary is survived by her five daughters, Donna Genereux and husband Jeff of Red Lake Falls, Minn.; Dorie Anglero and husband Peter of Crookston, Minn.; Darci Cook and husband Doug of Milaca, Minn.; Veda Korn and husband Clyde of Sidney, Mont.; and Tana Dehner and husband Todd of Sidney, Mont.; eight sons, Duane Remer and wife Chris of Princeton, Minn.; Doug Remer and wife Diane of Dalbo, Minn.; Dean Remer and wife Tammy of Milaca, Minn.; Joseph LaRoche, Jr. and wife Coleen of Poplar, Mont.; Patrick LaRoche of Mentor, Minn.; Ronald LaRoche and wife Diane of Poplar, Mont.; David LaRoche and James LaRoche, both of Sidney, Mont.; 49 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Sue Tuckenhagen of Buffalo, Minn. and Barb Reeves of Corbin, Ky.; and one brother George Tuckenhagen and wife Monica of Waverly, Minn.; one brother-in-law John LaRoche and wife Val of Sidney, Mont. Nieces, nephews, godchildren and cousins also survive. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph LaRoche, Sr.; her parents, and brother, William Tuckenhagen.