Audrey "Babe" LaVoy

Audrey “Babe” LaVoy, age 77, of Naytahwaush, MN, died Monday, February 16, 2015, at Mahnomen Health Center Hospital, Mahnomen, MN. Audrey LaFriniere was born in White Earth, MN, on October 26, 1937, the daughter of Theodore and Lilian (Enmark) LaFriniere. She grew up in Mahnomen and graduated with the class of 1955. On May 18, 1957, Audrey was united in marriage to Richard LaVoy at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, Naytahwaush. The first years of married life took them to Air Force bases in Abilene, TX and Rapid City, SD. While Dick served in Korea, Babe lived with Dick’s parents, Howard and Ruby. Upon his honorable discharge in 1959, Dick and Babe lived and worked at Pinehurst Resort, solely acquiring from Dick’s parents in 1968. Babe was instrumental in establishing Pinehurst Resort. For over 40 years she worked tirelessly with her husband to build the business from the ground up. Babe and Dick were a great team, they relied on each other’s strengths and Babe was the glue that kept it all together. In addition to her full time job she raised five sons and was always there for any family member or friend. Babe and Dick’s lives evolved around Pinehurst, a place where their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren would grow up surrounded by their love. In 2000, Dick and Babe proudly passed the ownership of Pinehurst Resort to their son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Julie. Babe continued to help out over the next few years before her true retirement and finding her perfect seat for Bingo. Babe had a wonderful life. Babe loved to laugh, loved to dance, sing, and most of all loved her family. Babe loved the holidays and having ALL the family together for an outstanding meal which she made look effortless! With her quick smile, kind heart, infectious giggle and giving personality, Babe made everyone whom she came in contact with feel loved. She was “Grandma” to many and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Babe was a long time member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Naytahwaush and taught Religious Education for many years. She was a founding member of the Naytahwaush Nightriders Snowmobile Club and served as secretary for several years. Babe also served numerous years in a secretarial capacity for Pinehurst Association. Babe is survived by her husband of 57 years, Dick, Naytahwaush; sons: Richard (Denise), Gilbert, AZ, Thomas (Nancy), Scottsdale, AZ, Timothy (Anita), Gregory (Julie) and Bruce, all of Naytahwaush: 16 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Lois Larson, Silver Bay, MN and Sharon (Sydney) Bonaime, Thief River Falls, MN; several nieces, nephews and cousins as well as many family on Dick’s side. She was preceded in death by her parents, in-laws, 2 grandchildren, Lesley and Vincent; 3 sisters; Muriel Mercil, Phyllis Waite, and Joanne Simonson; and two brothers, James and Michael. Blessed be the memory of Babe LaVoy. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, February 20, 2015, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Mahnomen. Visitation will be held Thursday, February 19th from 5:00pm until 7:00pm with a prayer service at 6:30pm at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Naytahwaush.

Audrey "Babe" LaVoy

February 16, 1938 - February 16, 2015