Marquette––Edra L. Lahaie, 91, formerly of Marquette, Michigan, died peacefully at a Green Bay, Wisconsin nursing facility on Tuesday, December 25, 2007.
She was born in St. Ignace (Gros Cap), Michigan, on July 6, 1916, to Edmund J. and Anna (LaTendresse) LaChapelle. She attended the Ursaline Academy, where she graduated as valedictorian of her class. After graduation, she worked as a clerk/bookkeeper for a local business until her marriage to John F. Lahaie on January 20, 1942, at the St. Ignatius Loyola Church, St. Ignace.
Edra spent her early years raising her family and working at the family restaurant in St. Ignace. In 1967, the family relocated to Marquette, when John took a position with the Diocese of Marquette. Edra then went to work for the County of Marquette as court reporter in the Probate Court until her retirement in 1986. She was very active in her church throughout her life, being a member of the altar societies of three different parishes. Later in life she was involved as a member and officer in the St. Anthony of Padua Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order. Edra loved to read, do crossword puzzles, bake, knit, play cards, and visit with family and friends. Her most rewarding work was as a wonderful mother to her nine children.
She is survived by six sons and three daughters: Jack (Karol) LaHaie, Milford, MI, David (Ann) LaHaie, Green Bay, WI, Ann Lahaie (John Vasseau), Marquette, MI, Ronald LaHaie, Maple Grove, MN, Joan (Robert) Pinney, DeForest, WI, Steve LaHaie (Craig Hudson), Chicago, IL, Susan (Rick) Mathys, Suamico, WI, Robert (Marcia) LaHaie, Ann Arbor, MI, and James LaHaie, St. Petersburg, FL. Also surviving are her thirteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; a brother, James (Cathy) LaChapelle, Rhinelander, WI; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by husband, John, on July 5, 1988; brother, Jack LaChapelle; and a sister, Annette DellaMoretta.
Edra suffered from Alzheimer’s disease for sixteen years. The family would like to thank the staff and nurses of the Rebecca Odd Fellows Nursing Home, Green Bay, WI, for the wonderful care they gave Edra for the last nine years. Also, a special thank you to a friend and caregiver, Lee Knudson, and the staff of Unity Hospice for their assistance.
Friends may call at St. Michael Catholic Church, Marquette, on Friday, December 28, beginning at 12:00 noon. At 1:30 pm the Secular Franciscan Order will lead a prayer service. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 pm Friday afternoon with Rev. Msgr. Jed Patrick, pastor, as celebrant. Edra’s sons will serve as her escorts. A reception will be held in the St. Michael Parish Center. Burial will be made in the spring at Holy Cross Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Edward and Isidore Parish, Flintville, WI, on Saturday, December 29, at 6:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.