Lorraine Doucette

After a valiant struggle to stay in this world, Pat Doucette left her earthly home on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 from the Community Memorial Home in Osakis, MN where she was a resident.
Lorraine Alma Gilson was born on July 31, 1927 at Fort Ripley, MN to Wesley and Estella Mary (Brundrett) Gilson. She lived in the country and grew up on a farm. On October 11, 1944 Lorraine, nicknamed "Pat" married Melvin Doucette at Holy Family Catholic Church in Belle Prairie, MN. They farmed for a time and then bought the dance hall at Fort Ripley, which they operated for many years. Pat also worked in Little Falls at the Sanitary Bakery as a baker. Eventually the Doucette's moved to Carlos, MN and it was here after her family was grown that she could provide home health care to area seniors. She was a member of Holy Family church in Belle Prairie, St. Mathias parish in Fort Ripley and finally St. Nicholas parish in Belle River.
Pat had a life-long love for music. She was a natural at dancing and enjoyed listening to many different kinds of music. She was also willing to share her singing talents by joining the church choir. She loved to be outdoors and enjoyed fishing and spending time on the various area lakes. She was a great card player who also had a knack for doing upholstering work. She was a loving and kind mother, grandma and sister who will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
She is survived by her children, Connie (Roy) Thesing of Carlos, Harvey (Roberta) Doucette of Brainerd, Brenda (Rick) DeRosier of Alexandria, Brian (Janice) Doucette of Carlos, Lisa (Troy) Rediehs of Alexandria and Jean (Tab) Hendricks of Osakis; 19 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; a brother, Gene Gilson of California and a sister, Dorothy Doucette of Little Falls; 2 sisters-in-law, Virginia Borash of Royalton and Joyce Johnson of Pillager; many nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Resurrection will be held for Pat on Monday, June 27, 2011 at 10:30 am at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Belle River, MN with Fr. David Petron officiating. Musicians are the Belles of St. Nick. Interment is at the church cemetery. Honorary pallbearers are her grandchildren and great, grandchildren. Active bearers are Greg and Andy Doucette, Garret Thesing, Tony DeRosier, Haden Hendricks and Maria Doucette.
Blessed be her memory.