MRS. LAURETTE A. TARNAVA (KETURAKIS) of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Valentine ""Ducky"" Tarnava, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Thursday, October 4, 2007 at the age of 76 years.

Laurette was born in Shaunavon Saskatchewan in 1931. She attended Avon Heights and Hannahville Country Schools, then travelled to Shaunavon for High School. At an early age she left the family farm and travelled to Lethbridge in search of work. She found employment at the old Gault Hospital, then the Bank of Montreal, where she worked for 14 years. It was at the Bank she met her lifelong friend, companion and love of her life, Ducky. They were married in 1952.

After the birth of sons Paul and Greg, Laurette started her most challenging and rewarding career, that of housewife, mother and grandmother. She was a kind, compassionate woman. A woman whose honesty, understanding, and strength showed no boundaries.

Laurette truly loved and excelled at cooking and baking. She looked forward every spring to planting her greenhouse, often supplying family and friends with flowers and vegetables. Her garden and flower gardens were her source of pride and relaxation. She could sew anything, and for years she crafted many of her own clothes, always making sure the men of the family never had to wear anything torn or ripped. She enjoyed camping and fishing, many times humbly out-fishing Ducky. The last few years she enjoyed the time spent, and the good people met, at the St. Mary's Boat Club. For years Laurette was the designer and painter of all the hand-made Christmas decorations for the family lawn display at Christmas time. Rumor has it she even sewed a few outfits for Santa Claus.

Laurette endured many years of pain due to arthritis, undergoing numerous joint replacements. Through it all, she never let it compromise anything she wanted to do in life. She never complained or let it affect her wonderful outlook on life. She gained strength from the many people whose lives she touched.

Laurette is survived by her husband (of 54 years), friend, and companion, Ducky Tarnava; two sons Greg (Connie), and Paul; grandchildren Carmen, Laura and Jesse; two sisters Rita Dietrich of North Battleford Sask., and Annette Horne of Shaunavon Sask.; sister-in-law Laurie (John) Stahr and family; her very close friends Muriel and Doug Wild and family; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Laurette was predeceased by her father Klemence; mother Georgina; and five brothers Conrad, George, Ray, Ralph, and Leo.

The family would like to thank Dr. Hurtle, Dr. Wilde, and the Nurses of 4A, Lethbridge Regional Hospital for their care and compassion.

Vigil Rites (Prayers) will be held at 7:00PM on Tuesday, October 9, 2007, at MARTIN BROS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4th Street South.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:00PM on Wednesday, October 10, 2007, at ST. BASILS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604-13th Street North, with Father Ed Flanagan, celebrant, and Deacon Cliff Bogdan, officiate. Interment will follow in Mountain View Cemetery.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the HEART & STROKE FOUNDATION OF ALBERTA, 207, 542-7th Street South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 2H1 or the ARTHRITIS SOCIETY OF LETHBRIDGE, 4B, 740-4th Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 0N9.