Carmen LaPlante

Carmen Rita LaPlante, age 94, passed away peacefully with family by her side on November 22, 2017 at the Villa St. Vincent Nursing Home, Crookston, Mn. Carmen was born Aug. 12, 1923 in Terrebonne, Mn. to Joseph and Alice Fournier. In 1939 she was united in marriage to Leonard LaPlante at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Terrebonne, Mn. Together they made their home in Crookston, Mn. where they raised seven children.

In 1962 Carmen proudly opened a hat and dress shop called Carmen's Chapeaux. You could always pick her out of a crowd by looking for the cute, petite, distinguished little lady wearing a hat. (Chapeaux)

Carmen was a member of St. Anne's Guild Society, St. Joseph Club, Catholic Daughters of America, and in the funeral choirs at St. Anne's and Cathedral churches. She also was involved in the Retired Senior Volunteer Program.

Carmen enjoyed many little things in life such as crossword puzzles, playing cards, Bingo and Wii bowling at the Villa. :) and the Casino trips. She was a very crafty lady and was so happy to make Christmas ornaments each year for all of her grandchildren. Along with her husband Leonard and some close friends in the 1960's started a catering business with down home cooking. They were always in great demand for weddings, graduations, etc. The times she enjoyed most, were times spent at their lake cabin on Clearwater Lake entertaining family and friends, and of course doing a some fishing.

Carmen will always be fondly remembered for her love of family, friends and faith. She was very proud to have all of her children attend Catholic school. Her Catholic religion was most important to her and a comfort to her throughout her life.

She is survived by her children Pat Hollands(Merle), FIsher, Mn., Judy Brekken(Larry), Crookston, Mn., Karen Murphy(Royal), Crookston, Mn., Vickie Cichy(Nick), Grand Forks, ND, Marc LaPlante(Kelly), Crookston,Mn., Bill LaPlante(Bonnie), Battle Lake, Mn., Gerry Laplante (daughter in law) Portsmouth, Va. Also surviving are 24 grand children, 25 great grand children and 7 great great grand children.

She was preceded in death by her husband Leonard, son Russell, great grand daughter Courtney LaPlante, parents, half sister's Marguerite Cartier, Eve Rose Laundry, Alma Reopelle and Mae Zerr, and a half brother Wallace Fournier.

Memorial mass of Christian burial will be held at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Crookston, Mn., Monday, November 27, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service.

Burial at Calvary Cemetery, Crookston, Mn.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Villa St. Vincent, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception or Hospice of the Red River Valley.