Obituary of Laura-Lee Rumsey

Laura was the youngest child of eight born to Jim and Betty Rumsey. Laura was born on a cold winter day on January 15, 1966 in Spirit River, Alberta. At the time the family did not have a phone at home, so a neighbor came and let the family know Laura was born. Upon Laura's birth she had a collapsed lung and was very ill and weak and remained in the hospital for one month before she was taken home. At six months old, mom took Laura to Edmonton to see a specialist. It was said that there was some abnormalities and that she would never sit up, walk, or talk. Mom was told to bring her back when she was two years old and they would put her in an institution. When Eva and Betty learned about this, they said no, she's our little sister were not going to let her go. They made sure that Laura did it all before she was two. The family moved to Dawson Creek in 1970 so that Laura could go to school. She attended the open door school from 1970-1982. The O'Brien school for one year from 1982-1983. Laura would walk to school with her nieces Jamie, Corrine, and Patricia. They would all keep an eye on Laura usually she would be in the middle but she became quite independent on her own. She was always finding a friend. Even when she did all the work pulling kids on their sleds and not getting a turn, she was happy because they were her friends. Most of us would think they were taking advantage of her, but not Laura. Laura moved on to attend the Ribbon Room. She later went to the college "Adult Learning Education". She loved doing her books. Laura would take the bus on her own. From time to time Laura would wander off to the Bowling Alley to purchase some treats; chocolate bars mainly. She would then casually come walking softly into the house with chocolate stains on her face. She would say, "What? I came straight home." and then walk up to Eva and give her a hug and all was well. She had a gentleness about her and a pretty smile that would touch your heart. She took pride in whatever she achieved. Laura lived in different homes, a year with her sister Betty then moved to Grande Prairie Residence for six months. Eva then took her and moved her to Dawson Creek where she went to live with Ali's family until the end of the year. Laura would spend her summers at the farm. The next year Melinda kept her. In 1979 Laura came to live with her sister Eva and brother in law, Arnold. Laura moved into Canalta residence and after a while she wanted her own home. Arnold purchased a little house across the street and Laura moved in by herself. She remained there until she began to lose her memory, at which time she returned to Arnold and Eva's and stayed there until she was taken to the hospital. Laura enjoyed swimming and also had many bowling trophies. Laura loved dancing and all kinds of music, her favorite singer was Elvis Presley. She also loved all colours but said that her favorite was black. Laura got the opportunity to travel to many different places and celebrations. She also had a dog named Roxy. When someone asked what her goals were, she said she had three wishes in her life, ride a horse, get married, and go to Graceland. Eva, with the help from Melinda and Patricia made all her wishes come true. She was able to ride a horse. On April 7, 2012, she had a marriage of friendship to Ricky Germain. Also, in July of 2011, Eva, Laura, Patricia, Travis, and Angelina made a journey to Graceland in Memphis Tennessee. Laura came from a very large family and loved all of her nieces and nephews. A new baby was always a great joy to her unless they were coming to fast. Then she would say, "Ahhh too many babies." Laura cared about everyone and accepted people in her own way, which was pure unconditional love. In 2008 Laura was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. She required special care in the last two years and Eva was there for her, their love no bounds. Laura-Lee passed away on Thursday, February 7, 2013 in Vancouver, B.C. at the age of 47 years. A viewing was held on Monday February 18, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Reynars Funeral Chapel. A funeral service was held on Monday, February 18, 2013 at 2:00 pm at Reynars Funeral Chapel. Pastor Gordon Warriner and Pastor Shawn Robillard officiated, Interment will be at a later date. Laura was predeceased by her Father; Jim, and Brother-In-Law; Richard Foster. Laura is survived by her Mother; Betty Rumsey, Brothers; Jim (Nora) Allard of Norman Wells, NWT, Bruce Rumsey of Grande Prairie, AB, Sisters; Eva (Arnold) King of Dawson Creek, BC, Betty Foster of Dawson Creek, BC, Melinda (Dave) Quintal of Grande Prairie, AB, Sheila (Wayne) Roessler of Cleardale, AB, Phyllis Quintal (Gene Paul) of Grande Prairie, AB, 57 nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Special Memories of Laura-Lee presented by Rose Aasteviet. Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium