It is with great sadness, we announce the sudden passing of our mother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend at the age of 60. She had a lengthy battle with diabetes and kidney disease and as strong as she was, it was time to say goodbye. Laureen was born December 12, 1959 in Gladstone, Manitoba, and passed away October 24, 2020 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

            Laureen was predeceased by her partner John Tates; parents Roland and Isabelle Whitford; brother Brion Whitford; special aunt Rachel Bone; best friend Jennifer Johnston as well as many other relatives. She is survived by daughter Desiree Whitford (fiancé Ian Sinclair); siblings John Whitford (Muriel), Roland Whitford (Victoria), and Susan Whitford (Baz); nephews & nieces John Whitford, Christopher Whitford, Dale Whitford (Anna), Joe (Jackie) Whitford, Brion (Verna) Whitford, Nicole (Mitch) McIlvenna, Robyn-Rae Whitford (Roland); aunt Mary Gillis as well as numerous friends and extended family.

            Laureen was raised in Winnipeg and in the summer months stayed with her grandparents Thomas and Suzette Bone in Keeseekoowenin First Nation. In her teen years, she spent a lot of time with extended family. She travelled a lot in Canada and the USA. Laureen and Desiree had many spontaneous adventures throughout Canada which are lifelong memories.

            Laureen was an excellent mother and caregiver, who loved to use her creative talents to entertain children and those she cared for. Laureen looked after her parents until their passing. She enjoyed cooking, and was always looking for that perfect cup of coffee. She loved music and dancing. She loved the outdoors and picking traditional medicines. She never had a thing for animals but did enjoy her fur-grandbabies Groot, Rocket, Neville, Nova and Potter. Laureen made friends wherever she went – she was so easy to talk with. She had such compassion and empathy for others and shared her life experiences to help them with what they were going through

Wake will take place on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at 4:00 pm at House 4070 in Keeseekoowenin First Nation, Manitoba .

Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2020 at 1:00 pm at House 4070 in Keeseekoowenin First Nation, Manitoba.