Ellen Mary Lavoie

Ellen Mary (Morrissey) Lavoie passed away peacefully in her sleep at the Elim Home in Milaca on October 24, 2012 in the loving company of her family. She was 90. She kept that Irish twinkle in her eye and her sharp sense of humor throughout her life. Ellen was born June 24, 1922 in White Bear Lake in the home of her mother’s friend, Francis. She grew up in the hotel her father and mother owned in Wyoming, MN and attended Forest Lake High School, where she lettered as a cheerleader and the marching band drum majorette. She was a proud member of the United States Navy WAVES, serving during World War II in Miami, Florida where she met her husband, Albert. They were married in New York City after the war and resided for a couple years in dad’s home state of Rhode Island. After he finished college they moved to MN where they lived and raised their family. She was formerly of New Brighton and a 60 year parishioner of St. John the Baptist Church. She also worked for Father Paul at St. John the Baptist School in its earliest years. She was an avid bowler and reader, especially enjoying James Michener and Fr.Thomas Merton. At 84 she made a most exciting trip to Ireland to see the home of her grandparents at Kilkenny. Ellen was preceded in death by her father and mother, Edward James and Hilda Morrissey, by her loving husband, Albert Joseph Lavoie, her brother, Edward James and her sister Aileen Houle. Ellen is survived by her sister, Francis Patricia Zaikaner, son James (Deborah), daughter, Catherine Blomquist (Brad), grandchildren, Benjamin (Mehanthi), Joseph, Jessica and Ryan, and great grandson, Kahlil. Service will be at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, Assembly #5 on Wednesday, October 31, 2012 at 12:00. Memorials most appreciated to the angels who cared for her at the Elim Home, 730 2nd St. SE, Milaca, MN 56353.