Obituary of Mary E. LaBine

The last surviving member of a well-known Ottawa Valley Family, died in the Temiskaming Hospital July 13, 1984 in her 91st year.

Mary E. LaBine, also known as Min, was one of 10 children, the daughter of John and Mar Jane LaBine of Bromley Line, Westmeath.

After graduation from the Convent of Mary Immaculate, Pembroke, she came to Haileybury in 1914 to train as a nurse at the Providence Hospital. After graduation in 1917, Mary E. did private duty and staff work which took her to Cobalt, New Liskeard and Haileybury.

Probably no one in the nursing profession can surpass her contribution to this field in northern Ontario. During her long career she assisted at the birth of 20,000 babies.

After moving to St. Mary’s Timmins, she spent some two years on night duty, surgical and maternity. After the new maternity wing was built, she was asked to be supervisor.

Miss LaBine went to Toronto and took a special course in Obstetrics. She then came back to Timmins where she worked and supervised and trained nurses in that field. She had a great respect for the medical staff and her friends were many. After 20 years of service the wing was dedicated to her upon retirement.

After coming back to Haileybury to live with her sister Rose, she was involved in Parish work and CWL - a member of over 50 years. Mary enjoyed golf, bridge, reading and music, also a member of several local organizations.

She always felt there was no greater profession for a girl than nursing. Her family included the mining men Charles and Gilbert, Theresa Venn, Mrs. Lauretta Belec, Rose, John-Paul, Mary Jane.

The Mass of Celebration and Thanksgiving was offered by Father LeFond, Parish Priest, and the CWL guard of honor holding candles and joining the choir in hymns of praise. A solo The Lord is My Shepherd was sung by Mrs. William Oslund (Paula), a great niece. The pallbearers were Eric LaBine, Cecil Venne, Charles Belec, William Oslund, Edward Venne and Cy Copps. A great niece Bernadine did a reading. Also serving were Andre Forest and Denis Venne.

A beautiful lunch was served to the family and friends afterwards by the CWL.

Miss LaBine will be greatly missed by many nephews and nieces, neighbors and friends. As Mary would say, Many thanks for all your kindness and prayers.

Article from Newspaper “7402

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John Nicodemus LaBine
John Nicodemus Labine