Ami LaFrance-Lamie

Ami L. LaFrance-Lamie was a gifted woman with a vibrant spirit. She saw the world through an artist’s eye and loved it with a mother’s heart. Her children meant the world to her, and their happiness was her focus. Outgoing and fun-loving, Ami’s joy overflowed to her many friends and to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Ami’s story began during the decade of the 1970s, when a scandal surrounding Richard Nixon’s re-election campaign ultimately led to his resignation, and the nation was in turmoil over the war in Vietnam. By contrast, disco dancing, mood rings, Rubik’s cubes and yellow smiley faces lightened the mood of Americans. In Kankakee, Illinois, Judy (Williams) and Johnny LaFrance were overjoyed at the birth of their daughter Ami on December 19, 1973.

Ami was full of enthusiasm and talent. As a child, she used to sneak down to the VFW on her bike to spend time with her grandma, who was the cook there. Just sitting and listening to veterans, she grew fascinated by their stories. In high school, Ami played softball and was a cheerleader. Throughout her life, she enjoyed beaches and woodland parks—a love first nurtured by her father. She was a gifted artist, drawing and painting what she saw and appreciating many other forms of art. With all her interests, it was little wonder that Ami liked watching Discovery Channel and the History Channel.

After graduating from Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School, Ami attended Kankakee Community College and earned her degree as a Registered Nurse. For several years, she was employed at the Bay Medical Center in Florida. It was a good fit for Ami, because she liked taking care of people and making them happy.

Ami’s heart of love and care only increased when she married and had a family. She and Kurt Lamie made their vows on November 16, 1999 in Kankakee, and they raised three children. Ami was a great mom! She delighted in parenting, whether going to the beach with her kids or playing Monopoly with them, spending time with family outdoors or making meals that included Kurt’s favorite dish of linguini with shrimp. On an outing to Chicago with her boys, Ami took them to Navy Pier and the Field Museum, and on a trip to Disney World, the whole family had a sensational time. To Kurt, it was the best trip ever, and he couldn't decide who was the biggest kid—himself or the boys?

In truth, Ami lived life with the enthusiasm of a child. She had tons of friends, loved to play, spoiled her cat, remained an undaunted Cubs fan, and spent blissful hours on the beach. Along the shore, Ami took in the radiance of the sun and sand and absorbed the soft blue colors of the water that spoke joy and peace to her soul.

Ami passed away at her home on Friday, June 4, 2010. The love that she had for her family will remain in the hearts of those she held so dear.

Ami L. LaFrance-Lamie, 36 of Bradley, Illinois, is survived by her children: Colin Lamie and Gavin Lamie of Bradley and step daughter Justine Lamie of Chebanse; mother and step father Judy (Glen) Adams and sister Christy Adams of Arkansas; brother: Bobby LaFrance of Virginia; mother in law- Carol (Ken) Castonga of Bradley; sister in law: Brenda (Skip) Richardson of Bradley, Pam (Mike) Weigand of Bradley; brother in laws: Larry Lamie of Bradley, Jim (Gretchen) Lamie of Limestone, Frank Lamie of Limestone; uncle Steve (Mary) Lafrance of Bradley; aunt Debbie Partain- LaFrance (Nick) LaFrance of Arizona; maternal grandparents: Howard and Catherine Williams of Arizona; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Ami was preceded in death by her father Johnny LaFrance; father in law Larry Lamie and her paternal grandparents Lorraine and Robert LaFrance. Funeral service will be held Thursday, June 10, 2010 at the Kankakee Chapel at 7:00PM. Visitation will be Thursday, June 10, 2010 at the Kankakee Chapel of Schreffler Funeral Homes from 3:00PM until the 7:00PM funeral service. Burial will be Friday, June 11, 2010 at 10:00 AM at the Maternity BVM Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to an education fund for Ami’s children. Services provided by Schreffler Funeral Homes & Cremation Center.