Delores "Dee" Sanford

Delores “Dee” Sanford, 91 of Sioux Falls, South Dakota passed away on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at Dougherty Hospice House, Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Dee was born to Elmer and Martha (DeSmet) Remmerde on February 18, 1931. Dee was a teacher for 32 years, often teaching the second generation of families.

Dee and Dayton loved to travel-they visited all fifty states, fifteen European countries, Canada and Mexico. She was an active member in American Business Women’s Association, the Moose Lodge, Active Generations and the Sioux Falls Retired Teachers Association.  Dee loved dancing, sewing, baking and making wedding cakes.

Dee is survived by her children, Bonnie (Virg) Senescall; Debbie (Randy) Blackburn and Donn (Becky) Bosler; grandchildren, Brad (Gen) Blackburn, Corey (Jasmin) Blackburn,  Kari (Steven) Prichard, Brian (Rosa) Blackburn, Chad Senescall, Jim Wold Jr. and Eric Wold; great-grandchildren, Garon, Corbin, Dawson, Landon, Destiny, Caleb, Chandler, Kaylee and Matthew; sister, Maxine Serck; nieces and nephews.

Dee was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Dayton, grandson, Shane Senescall and sister, Shirley Schemmel.

This and That

 I know I haven't posted much lately but frankly, there isn't much new to post. I finally finished the new park directory for Trails End and it was done in color. I have to say, it does look nice, not too many mistakes thank goodness and the residents have been very appreciative of the new directory. It costs $10 which is lots more than our Magnolia directory which we always priced at $3.00 but color is lots more pricey. It was a huge job but next time it would be ever so much easier.

We have had a park resident pass from Covid, not vaccinated nor is his wife who also had it and was seriously ill but she has finally recovered. There were quite a few break-through cases here in the park but with the exception of three people who were unvaccinated, no one else was severely ill that I am aware of. Most people in this park have taken great pains to be careful and most up to this point have been masked when in a group setting including us. Things are relaxing a bit now and of course, now the CDC is saying that masks are no longer necessary, at least for the time being or until the next big wave of a variant comes along. Our buildings are all open and have been all season. This park has lots of Canadians and they know that to get back home they must test negative before crossing the border so people in here are very careful.

We have been watching a little bit of the news about Ukraine but I really do find it too painful to watch much of it. As Jim said, it is tragic and that is about as good a way to put it as I've heard. 

Our Magnolia people as they call us over here are becoming more and more involved in various activities in the park and that is good. Chris is leading crafts just like she did in Magnolia. There is a very active quilting group here and I like that a lot. Someone has a "fabric garage" as I call it. Lots of beautiful quilting fabrics in a building that looks like a two car garage but is really her fabric store/quilting studio. How handy is that!!

As I understand it the folks that went to Alamo Rec from Magnolia are now going to have to relocate as part of Alamo Rec was sold. That is what the rumor mill says but I have heard it from several people so suspect it probably is true. The rumor mill says they are moving to Palm Shadows.

We have not been to the Don Wes Flea Market yet this year as it's not quite as handy as it used to be when we could just walk up to it. We will have to check it out before we head for home which will happen sometime in late March.

The weather this winter has not been the best. Here and there a few real hot and humid days and then three or four or more days in a row of cold and either out-and-out rain or drizzle. Neither of these could possibly be called pleasant. We are in a stretch like that right now. The cold front roared in Wednesday afternoon, yesterday was cold and wet, today was cold and wet, tomorrow and Sunday are going to be more of the same. Enough already!!

If you have news you would like to have shared, please let me know. By the way, this park has some empty spots just looking for new residents if anyone is thinking about the Rio Grande Valley for next season.

Joseph Daniel Lapointe

 

Joseph Daniel Lapointe (71 years)

It is with heavy hearts that our family announces the passing of Joe Lapointe on Thursday, February 3, 2022.

Beloved husband of Jeannette Lapointe (nee Piché). Loving father of Kelly Hunt (Ray), Kim St. Michel (Wayne predeceased), Todd (Mel), John (Mona). Proud Papa to Cassie (Jesse), Allie, Lenny (Carly), Liandra (Scott), Carolyn, Victoria (Mathieu), Wyatt, Morgan, Abby, Jeff, and Carter. Four beautiful great-granddaughters Paityn, Paisley, Oaklynn, and Mia.

Son of the late Susan (nee O'Hagan) and Louis Lapointe. Dear brother of Peter (Shirley), Patricia Annett, Maureen Bellerose (Richard), Louis (predeceased). He will be sadly missed by many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Joe had a passion for teaching and inspiring others. 'Mr. L' was a beloved teacher for over 30 years in Massey and Espanola.

'Gentlemen start your engines and tie your shoelaces!' In the 70's and 80's Joe organized the highly anticipated annual, Brown Street Soapbox Derby on his childhood street in Sault Ste. Marie.

Joe was an avid sports fan, but the game of Basketball held a special place in his heart. Joe and his brother, Lou, ran summer basketball camps teaching and instilling the love of 'The Game' in others.

A friend to many, Joe will be forever remembered for his love of music (serenading 'Happy Birthday' was the highlight of our family birthdays), youthful nature, charismatic personality, and great story-telling abilities often sharing sport stories and family history. Joe enjoyed reconnecting with his family heritage through fishing and enjoying time on the water.

In memory of Joe's lifework to help children reach their fullest potential donations to NEO Kids Foundation would be appreciated. We will honour Joe with a celebration of Life at a later date.

An Irish Blessing

May the road rise to meet you

May the wind be always at your back

May the sun shine warm upon your face

The rain fall soft upon your fields

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

 

Sad News

 It is with sadness that I have to report that Don Schmaltz passed away this morning here in Weslaco at 7:38 AM. He had been in ill health and in the hospital for the last couple of weeks. I don't believe this was at all covid related. Don has had a variety of health issues for the last several years. When I have more particulars I will post it.