Laurene Wilwand

Laurene Beth Wilwand (nee Mehaffey)

June 5, 1946- April 25, 2023

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, granny and great granny.  We are thankful she is now at peace.

Laurene is predeceased by her husband J. Barry, her dad and mom Cyril and Jean Mehaffey (nee Campbell), her sister Catherine Marcotte (nee Mehaffey), sisters-in-law Patricia Ross (nee Wilwand) and Margaret “Peg” Brownie (nee Wilwand) and her nephew Douglas Marcotte.

Laurene is survived by Daughter DeeAnne, granddaughter Amanda (Chad and son Everett), grandsons Jesse, J. Riyan (Carrie) and Tyler

Son Michael (Michelle), grandson Matthew (Mandy and daughters Bella, Jordyn, Payton) (Amber and daughter Ella), granddaughter McKelle, grandson Micah (Malorie and daughter Adelaide), grandson Mitchell (Abby), grandsons Max and Mason

Son Lee (Shannon), granddaughter Colette (Levi and son Stanley, daughter Maeve), grandson Seth, granddaughters Taylor-Anne and Cassidy

Daughter Kim (Craig), granddaughter Haley (Travis), granddaughter Makenzie, grandsons Cody and Zachary

Son Josh (Shauna), granddaughters Allison and Brynlee, grandson Nathan, granddaughters Katelyn and Kinzlee and grandson Logan

Brothers-in-Law Marcel Marcotte and Jim Brownie

Nieces and nephews and their families.

Laurene was born in Smithers, BC and spent her childhood there. After high school she worked for CN Railway as a telegraph operator. When she was 21 years old she decided she wanted to get her pilot's license. There she met her husband Barry, who was the instructor. In 1967 they were married and started a family shortly after. Laurene’s primary focus was her children. After her first three children she met the missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was baptized. The family began going to church where Laurene made friends and volunteered throughout her life. She was a devoted member of her church and served in many capacities, including with the children, the youth, with the other women and as the conductor of musical numbers for many years. Laurene was an avid genealogical researcher and spent many hours searching and recording her family history as well as teaching others how to do the same. She truly loved being a member of the church where she made lifelong friends in every location she lived, including Kenora and Duncan.

In 1977 Laurene and Barry added a fourth child to the family and in 1978 moved to Kenora, Ontario where their fifth child was born. In 1980 Laurene and Barry bought Delaney Lake Lodge, a full service fishing camp in Northwestern Ontario. Barry convinced Laurene that she should take on the job of head chef because she was such a great cook.

In 2005 Laurene and Barry moved from Kenora to their beloved British Columbia where she resided until her death.

We miss you Granny…Until we meet again