My great aunt, Lauretta Courtney, passed away last week at the age of 104. I vividly remember attending her 100th birthday where much of my extended family enjoyed each others stories. Long live Lauretta, she had a wonderful impact on the people she touched. The follow obiturary was published in the Green Bay Gazette.

Lauretta Courtney, 104, Green Bay, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2005, at Woodside Lutheran Home. Lauretta was born on June 21, 1901, in Marquette, Mich., the daughter of the late Nelson and Maude (Gebeau) Cadarette. She was a graduate of Duluth Central High School and furthered her education at the Duluth Business College in Minnesota. She worked as a secretary and bookkeeper for most of her life. On June 25, 1929, she married John S. Courtney at Saint John's Catholic Church in Marquette, Mich., and the couple enjoyed over 40 years together. John preceded her in death on June 30, 1969. She later married Norman G. Vadnais in California and he preceded her in death in December of 1989. Lauretta had a very caring and nurturing personality and she always accepted a caretaker role for her family and friends. She always put others before herself. Lauretta was a wonderful cook and always enjoyed creating delightful meals and desserts for her family. She loved her family and cherished the moments spent with them.

Lauretta is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, John F. and Lori Courtney, Livonia, Mich.; two daughters and one son-in-law, Ann E. Courtney, De Pere; Mary and Charles McGee; Allouez; six grandchildren, James (Nancy) McGee, Jean (Tom) Soderberg, John (Sandy) McGee, Sharon (Paul) Babasick, Thomas (Sally) Courtney, Daniel Courtney; 13 great-grandchildren, Lauretta, Courtney and Reven McGee, Mathew, Andrew, Eric and Sarah Soderberg, Jack and Kaelin McGee, Andrew and Olivia Babasick, Samuel and Luke Courtney. She is further survived by nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

Lauretta was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother whom will be fondly remembered and sorrowfully missed.