It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Rollande Aurélie Lauzé-Duffy of Edmonton, AB. Rollande passed away on September 1, 2025 at the age of 93. She was born on August 26, 1932 in St. Jean Baptiste, MB and was raised on the family farm with her parents Joseph and Anna Lauzé (nee Hérie) and her many siblings. She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Thomas Francis Duffy, brother Paul (Linda) Lauze, sister-in-law Gail Lauze, of Winnipeg, MB, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Rollande completed her grade school and high school education in St. Jean Baptiste, and pursued her Manitoba Teacher’s Certificate at the tender age of 18. Teaching was her passion and she taught in both English and French at several schools across Manitoba and Ontario. Following her retirement from teaching, Rollande’s love of learning and entrepreneurship led her to pursue a certification in Applied Kinesiology. She then created a women’s health initiative, Temenos, which supported women to discover optimum health. Her work life touched the lives of countless students, parents, teachers, and clients – she was loved by many.
She is lovingly remembered by her children Patrick (Adrienne), Anna-Marie (John), Michelle (Glenn), and Dawna-Lynne (Mark) as well as her beloved grandchildren Clara (Ty), Josh, Riley, Sophia, Jean, Jillian, and Joy-Mai. Rollande loved her family and dear friends deeply. She was passionately dedicated to the pursuit of feminist spirituality and created deep and lasting bonds with her women’s circle. These meaningful bonds of friendship and love carried her throughout her life and most especially during her final days. She loved greatly and was greatly loved; her absence will be profoundly felt by all who loved her.
A funeral Mass and Celebration of Life will take place at Providence Centre, 3005 119th Street, Edmonton, AB, T6J 5R5 at 3:00 pm. on Saturday, September 27, 2025. A reception at Providence Centre will immediately follow the service.
Cremation has already taken place and Rollande’s remains will be interred next to her dear parents in the cemetery at the Parish of St. Jean Baptiste in the spring of 2026. In addition, a Celebration of Life will be held in the London, ON area, also in the spring of 2026. Details to follow.
Heartfelt thanks to the all of the staff at St. Joseph’s Auxiliary Hospital in Edmonton, AB for their compassionate care and friendship.
On t’aime, on t’adore Maman. Que le bon Dieu te bénisse!
HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO ALL OF YOU…SHE LOVED YOU ALL SO MUCH.SHE WAS A WONDERFUL PERSON AND A VERY GOOD FRIEND. I WILL MISS HER A LOT. THINKING OF YOU ALL…JE VOUS EMBRASSE TRÈS FORT
We are deeply saddened to hear of your loss. It is truly moving to know how much she loved turtles, and we are grateful that Little RESQ was included as part of her memory. Her kindness and compassion will live on through the lives she touched — both people and turtles alike. Our heartfelt condolences go out to your family during this difficult time.
— With sympathy,
All of us at Little RESQ
I’ll always remember her smile, her giggle, her storytelling and her abundance. She was a treasure.
A special and much loved Auntie. She was a thoughtful woman who gave me some great advice many years ago. “Don’t just do something. Sit down and take it easy.”
Dear Tom and family,
We were very saddened to hear today of Rollande’s passing. I was just talking about you guys on the weekend, when we were driving through Hensall and Zurich.
I have have fond memories of you all as former neighbours in London, then later as Rollande’s colleague at É. F-A.
She was a great comfort/ relief to me as my substitute teacher at the two most difficult times in my life. That was Divine intervention for sure.
She certainly earned her place in Heaven through her empathy and compassion.
Wishing you all healing strength during the difficult time.
Sincères condoléances à vous tous
Aunt Rollande was a great lady. I will miss our phone chats. My prayers are with uncle Tom and his children.
We have lost a gem. Rest in the loving peace of God dear auntie. You will be greatly missed.
Tom & family:
Our heartfelt condolences in the loss of Rollande. She was simply a lovely lady who we were proud to know. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May she rest in peace
Sincerely
Don & Charlene