The world lost a brilliant, talented and vivacious woman on January 29th, 2024. Laurette Marie Larocque, born August 25th, 1951 in Windsor, Ontario was a whirlwind of activity her entire 72 years.
She received her formal education in French, plus a lot more informal education crossing the river to Detroit and immersing herself in Motown culture, dancing the nights away. Upon completing high school, she boarded the bus and took off for Toronto to seek her fortune. Her higher education was at Glendon College and the University of Toronto and culminated in a PhD in Cognitive Science at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. These studies served as the basis for her career as a psychotherapist in Fergus and Guelph, Ontario.
She was impossibly chic, instantly recognizable wherever she went because of her avant-garde style, gorgeous visage and ever-changing hair. She was an avid art lover, voracious reader of fiction (particularly Proust), and enthusiastic consumer of fine wine. But she is most beloved for her incredible devotion to her work as a psychotherapist. Every single client was seen as a unique individual necessitating an innovative treatment plan. Her tremendous well of empathy, unconventional techniques and healthy wallop of humour made her adored by scores of clients across Ontario.
She will be keenly missed by the many people whose lives she deeply touched. Special thanks to Dr. Danielle Thornton and Dr. Mike Koke for their compassionate and thorough care.
A public celebration of her life will take place at the Guelph Youth Music Centre, 75 Cardigan St. in Guelph on Sunday, February 11th from 2:00-4:00 pm.
Arrangements entrusted to WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL (519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com).
Online private condolences can be made on www.wallcustance.com and memorial donations to the Alzheimer’s Society would be appreciated.
A tree will be planted in memory of Laurette M. Larocque in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.