Virginia Lalande, 73, of Lumberton passed away Nov. 18, 2013 at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont, TX. She was born August 15, 1940 to Clarence and Eloise Downs. There will be a gathering of family and friends Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013 from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home. A celebration of her life will be Friday, Nov. 22, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Jennings Chapel in Marthaville, LA.
Mrs. Lalande is survived by her son, Steve Brooks and his fiancé, Terry Nash; a daughter, Julie Chase and her husband, Mike; grandchildren, Jeremy Moore, Katy Chase, Taylor West and Rylee Nash; great-grandchildren, Baylee and Kyleigh Moore; and sister, JoNan Barnard. She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Lalande; parents; and brothers, Prentice and Howard Downs.
She loved working in her flower garden and watching the beautiful flowers grow and add color to the world she shared with us. Virginia was most known for her big heart and love for others. The most enjoyable times of her life were those spent with family, especially her children and grandchildren. The more children she had spending the night at her home the happier she was. Her spunky energetic personality made it easy for her to keep up with a house full of teenagers and for them to love being with her. Her gift was caring for those she loved, whether it meant caring for the sick or just loving those around her. She always put others before herself.
Those who wish may make donations to the Kenny Can Foundation for Brain Cancer Research, P. O. Box 802110 Dallas, TX or to the Harbor Hospice Foundation, P. O. Box 21463 Beaumont, TX 77720.
The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to the staff of Harbor Hospice for their care and compassion in caring for their mother.