Gloria Ann LaBissoniere

Gloria was born on February 5, 1922, in St. Victor, Saskatchewan, to Edmund and Bertha Montreuil. She spoke French when her family moved to Yakima when she was 5 years old. Gloria was a student at St. Joseph Academy when she met a handsome young man named Paul “Buck” LaBissoniere. The two reunited after Buck returned from serving in World War II and were married on May 16, 1946.

Buck and Gloria made their home in Yakima where they raised five children. When her youngest children were in school, Gloria put her knowledge of sewing to work as a clerk at Discount Fabric Store. She was a classy lady who enjoyed quality things and had an excellent sense of style. Gloria kept an immaculate home, was an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed playing golf in the Ladies Division at the Yakima Elks.

Gloria suffered a great loss in 1984 when Buck died, but she continued to make a life for herself, living on her own until 2010 when she moved into assisted living at Wynwood. She passed her days reading and watching golf matches and Mariner games, with her faithful dog, Pierre, at her side.

Gloria was a tough lady, a fighter who outlived her siblings: brothers Roger, Johnny, and Harvey Montreuil and sister Carmen Kautzman. She ended every day with a martini (or two!) and although she didn’t need company for Happy Hour, she loved it when one of her kids would stop by and she could buy them a drink.

Gloria loved deeply and never gave up on those she loved. She was a devout Catholic and longtime member of Holy Family Catholic Church. She practiced her faith without fanfare, in a straightforward and devoted way.

Gloria is survived by three sons, Dr. Ed LaBissoniere (Denise) of Yakima, Tom LaBissoniere (Barbara) of Bend, Ore., and Jeff LaBissoniere (Leanne) of Yakima; two daughters, Jody LaBissoniere (Eric Hansen) of Whidbey Island and Annette Cook of Yakima; 12 grandchildren, Joli, T.J., Sheri, Jami, Lori, Bryce, Britt, Jennifer, Laura, Mary, Carmen and Christine; two great-grandchildren, Tyler and Vivienne; and longtime friend, Rose Ringhoffer.

Gloria was an extraordinary woman who lived an ordinary life. We’ll miss our Mom and Grandma, but we’re glad that she is no longer tired. We hope you’re toasting your reunion with Dad and cutting a rug on the big dance floor in heaven.

Recitation of the Rosary is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 31, and Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Friday, June 1, both at Holy Family Chapel, 5315 Tieton Drive. Lunch will be served in the fellowship hall following Friday’s Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Renaissance Program at Eisenhower High School or the Society of Jesus. Keith & Keith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.