Monica Lavoie (nee Hoppe) died at her home on Francois Lake in the early morning hours of Saturday December 17, 2016. She was 56 years old.

Monica experienced numerous seizures over the previous 13 years and she faced them and the consequences with courage and resolve. The last seizure, a Clonic -Tonic (Grand Mal) was more than her body could manage. Her life, made short by this final event, is a testament to the power of hope and optimism.

Despite all the challenges that came her way, Monica welcomed life with joy. She was able to see the good in all people no matter what ... and if you knew her more than a short time you were likely to get a big and beautiful hug.

Monica was born and raised in Calgary Alberta. She experienced maternal loss and a difficult childhood but took whatever good she was able to glean from this, including relationships with her little brother and her precious Tante Herta and Uncle Zep, and applied it to her relationships with others. Most notably was her devotion to her husband and the significant connections she made to children.

Monica's initial meeting with soul mate Joseph Lavoie took place at her part time job in the Pet Department at K Mart in Calgary when she was a young teenager. It was the start of an unfaltering 35 year love relationship. She and Joseph were inseparable physically, emotionally and spiritually. They lived in a number of rural communities near Edmonton Alberta and then relocated to Fran莽ois Lake in 2008.

Monica enjoyed living everywhere but her ultimate place of

solace and security was at Francois Lake with her beloved husband. Monica lived in what she called her dream home, constructed by Joseph and surrounded by her animals, her plants, and her art work creations.

In the early 2000s Monica left a career in the grocery business to start her own little company as a miniaturist. Her speciality was making flowers. She had her own online business, showing, making and selling her miniature creations. Monica was actively involved in this work up to the time of her death. http:miniflower05.blogspot.com.

Monica is survived by her husband Joseph Lavoie and his siblings William Lavoie and Rita Lavoie of Francois Lake BC; by her brother Helmut Hoppe and his wife Lori Hoppe of Calgary AB; nephews Daniel and Jonathan Hoppe, Calgary AB; niece Cassandra Hoppe, Calgary AB; and great-niece Phoenix Hoppe, Calgary AB.

Monica is preceded in death by her mother Gertrude (nee Marienfeld) Hoppe and her father Helmut Hoppe Sr.

A celebration of Monica's life will take place in 2017. Donations on her behalf can be made to the Center for Epilepsy and Seizure Education in British Columbia

112 - 32868 Ventura Avenue, Abbotsford, BC V2S 6J3 or online at the centre's website.