Doreen Larochelle

Larochelle, Doreen (August 19, 1936 - June 30, 2025)

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother, Doreen, at the age of 88. Predeceased by her mother Valeda Porter (nee Cloutier) and William Porter of Elk Lake, Ontario, she is survived by her five children, all boys: Michael James of Sudbury, Ron James (wife Joanne) of Carol Richard Park, Robert (ex-wife Nancy) James of Sudbury, Brent James of Newmarket and Kevin Bennett (Barb) of Kingston, Ontario.

Doreen will be missed by her five grandchildren, Rebecca (Sean) McKinstry, Kayla (Neil) Jones, Jessica (Tom) Raskevicius, Cory (Stephanie) James and Keith (Carolyn) James; as well as by her five great-grandchildren Rylee, Chase, Emma, Olivia and Lily.

Mom had a beautiful soprano voice and was an accomplished piano player who was known to burst into song at the slightest provocation. We would be remiss if we failed to mention that she played the female lead in Tony Lloyd's production of the musical, Kiss Me Kate, at Sudbury Theatre (circa 1971). This would have been before the current STC facility was built. Charismatic, with a penchant for the dramatic, mom was truly one of a kind. A real character. She loved cats, especially Siamese, never passed a dog without first stopping to say hello, she dabbled in folksy poetry and even had one published in Sudbury.com, and while she loved to garden, she was happiest picking wildflowers, wild blueberries and raspberries, when she could find them. Sorry you did not get to savour this year's crop of pick-your-own strawberries, ma.

It was mom's wish to be cremated with her ashes scattered to the wind in a special place known only to us. Rest in Peace, mom. We love you. And we take solace in the knowledge that you suffer no more. 

Cremation services provided by Simple Wishes of the North, Sudbury and Crystal Crematorium.

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