Jessie Mae LaVigne was born on December 15, 1940 in New Westminster British Columbia. Her parents were Agnes and Art LaVigne. Jessie has one Sister Marlene and two Brother’s John and Roy.
Jessie married John Oliver Sigurdson on June 16, 1958 in Blaine, Washington. Her mother Agnes was in attendance along with her maid of honor, Shirley Hamilton and best man Gary Whitting. Jessie and John raised their four kids in Port Moody, British Columbia. The oldest is Johnny, followed by Corina, Lana and Joel. Jessie has ten grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one more on the way.
Her four kids have many great memories of their mother growing up. They remember being told how in her younger years how she performed in concerts. They remember how she would play Patsy Cline and Kaye Starr records and loved to sing along, her voice was just as beautiful.
Jessie was well known for her jumbo raisin cookies. Now that recipe has been passed on to her kids and grandkids. Jessie liked gardening and loved the feeling of warm dirt between her fingers. Her favorite color was blue and her favorite flowers were Carnations, Chrysanthemums, Petunias, and Marigold’s. She also loved dark eyed fuchsia hanging baskets and always looked forward to her kids bringing that to her every mother’s day. In her spare time she loved to collect antiques, go to every local garage sale and second hand store that she could. Not too many other things made her as happy as SHOPPING did!
Jessie’s heart and drive was her family. But she also had a soft spot for the less fortunate that were not in her immediate family - Like sponsoring kids in Africa. Which makes us wonder, how many kids are strolling the streets of Mozambique right now repeating grandma’s favorite saying: “You can’t make candy out of horseshit!”
Jessie had big heart and passion for animals and would never turn her back to help any animal. We’ve lost count of how many orphaned small dogs she’s cared for over the years. And the stray cats she fed… well that’s just a whole other story.
Jessie was not one to ever sugar coat anything, and would ALWAYS stand up to those who challenged her. She had tremendous strength and with that came a stubborn side. But, in the end, she loved and cherished her kids and family more than anything else in the world.
John and Jessie were married for 58 years, and like every relationship there were ups and downs along the way. Without a shadow of doubt, through thick and thin, Jessie and John were always committed to each other. Right up until there final moments together. John, you are a fortunate man, as was she to have you in her life.
Jessie, mom, grandma, great grandma, we will miss you deeply.
May you rest in peace.
Lots of love……xoxox