Terence Mathilda Lapoint passed away peacefully on June 10, 2010 in Abbotsford. She was born March 17, 1922 in Wittenberg, Romania.
She is survived by daughters Lynda Payne, of ON; Brenda Penner, of NS; Penny Walker of BC and their half sister, Penelope Darlene Toone, of AB. She also leaves behind a brother, Ed Kauntz, of Likely, BC and sister Claire Mayer of Kamloops.
Terry was predeceased her husband, Bill, of 63 years in November 2006; a brother Ted Kautz; sister, Sue LaRoy and Irene Spencer of Richmond, BC. Terry had nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Our mother’s struggle with dementia finally took most of her independence. She became a resident of Menno Home, Abbotsford, on May 23rd, 2007. Staff found her very pleasant and agreeable. Her quick wit remained near to the end.
Her mother, Rosa Kautz migrated from Romania in the late 1920’s taking along mom, Ted and Sue. They eventually settled in a mud house in Hanna, AB. Mom spoke of a hard life and cold trips to school. She talked fondly of a farm horse, Queenie.
At a young age her first job was baking pies at Banff Springs Hotel. Later, she worked for the Moens, a couple in Calgary who offered room and board in exchange for housekeeping.
She and dad had met at an Air Force dance in Calgary, AB where they married in September 16, 1944. Around 1947 they moved to Essex, Dad’s birthplace, then to Windsor, Ontario. Here they raised us three girls, Lynda, Brenda and Penny.
Mom attended Bethel Pentecostal church in Windsor for many years and kept her faith in God dying unafraid. She had a very successful business at home clipping poodles. With no formal training her dogs could even enter competition. Her compassion for the sick led her to attain training as nurses’ aide. Many charities and family members were recipients of her generosity.
Mom could make anything grow well and her favourite perennial was roses. She dabbed in oil painting and enjoyed bowling and reading.
Last employment was at the Chilliwack General Hospital as a care aide in the Bradley centre.
Today we know she is at peace and with God. The family is deeply grateful to her supporters in health care, especially to her supporters in health care during her final days and to friends and family visiting regularly. A special thanks to Rita.
A memorial service is not planned at this time. Those who wish may make donations in her memory to the charity of choice or The Alzheimer’s Association of Canada.