Mrs. Gisele Laurin

Gisele was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; her parents were William Prairie and Laura Laurin. As a teenager and young adult, she worked hard to help support her family, a reflection of the strength and determination that would define her throughout her life.

In 1960, she married Gerard Henri Laurin at Saint Boniface Cathedral in Winnipeg’s historic French quarter. Together, Gisele and Gerry moved to West Palm Beach, Florida, to begin their life and raise their family. Gisele devoted herself to being a loving mother and homemaker before later discovering her passion for fashion. She built a successful career in high-end retail, working with renowned designers and distinguished clientele on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach.

In 1976, during a luncheon with friends at The Breakers Palm Beach, Gisele won a “Best Dressed” award — an honor that perfectly reflected her natural elegance and glamour. Even while navigating the challenges of single motherhood later in life, she carried herself with grace, style, and resilience. She remained close friends with her former husband, Gerard, until his passing in 2000.

Gisele had a generous heart and a deep love for animals. She was known for welcoming in strays — both human and animal alike — and for always seeing the best in people, giving everyone the benefit of the doubt. Her personal motto, “Turn the page,” became a lasting expression of her outlook on life and is lovingly tattooed on the arm of her granddaughter, Samaria.

She looked forward to attending Mass every Sunday at St. Ann Catholic Church in West Palm Beach, the same parish where her children attended elementary school.

Gisele embraced life with true joie de vivre. Her children often joked that she reminded them of Lucille Ball in “I Love Lucy” because of the spirited adventures and amusing escapades she sometimes seemed to find herself in.

Gisele was preceded in death by her parents; her former husband, Gerard Henri Laurin; her son, Gerald, from cancer; her daughter-in-law, Renata Sek; and her siblings, Edouard, Rene and Guy Prairie, and Yvette Angus.

She is survived by her children, Jacqueline (Robert Olshaker), Michelle, and Marc (Lori Laurin); her beloved grandchildren, Marcus and Samaria Laurin, and Benjamin and Gerald Olshaker; her loving sisters, Jocelyne Laurencelle and Florence Cooper; and many cherished nieces and nephews from the Prairie, Laurencelle, Angus and Jeanson families.

The family will hold private services. Cremation has taken place and her ashes will be scattered on the sea at the same place in Jupiter, Florida as her son, Gerald.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trustbridge Hospice Foundation or Saint Ann Catholic Church, West Palm Beach.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to her dear friend, Angel Davila, for his compassion and support.

Final words from her granddaughter, Samaria:

“Until We Meet Again, Nama”

Some souls leave softness behind them everywhere they go. Nama carried a rare kind of kindness that made people feel lighter, safer, and loved simply by being near her. I will never stop being grateful that I got to call her my grandmother.