Elvy Lamothe

Elvy Annette La Mothe (nee Osterlund) 91, of Lafayette, died from congestive heart failure at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL on Wednesday, February 5, 2009.


She was born in Chicago, IL on February 19, 1917 and was the daughter of the late Sven and Beda (Spjuth) Osterlund . She attended Lyman Trumbull Grammar School and Senn High School in Chicago. She was employed as a lab technician at Cook County Hospital upon graduation from high school.

On January 20, 1940, she married David J. La Mothe at Holy Name Cathedral Chapel in Chicago. They moved together to Lafayette, Indiana in 1942 when Dave was offered a teaching position at Purdue University in Electrical Engineering. Elvy remained in Lafayette until the death of Dave in 2004. She spent her remaining years with her family in Brookston, Chicago and DeWitt, MI.

Elvy was an ardent volunteer for the Red Cross for 35 years and was given many honors for her tenure. She served as President of the Sister Rafinia Art Club and was a member of the Edgewood Club. She also served two terms as President of the Wabash Valley Garden Club, and was a member of St. Mary's Cathedral.

Survivors include her son Ret. Col. J.D. La Mothe (wife Janet) of Brookston, Indiana; two daughters, Margaret C. "Peggy" Wilson-Finley (husband Tom) of DeWitt, MI and Michele La Mothe of Chicago, IL. Also surviving are 9 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by a brother, Stanley Osterlund.

Friends may call at the HAHN-GROEBER FUNERAL HOME, 1104 Columbia Street from 1:00 until 1:45 PM Monday. Mass of Christian Burial, St. Mary's Cathedral at 2:00 PM Monday, Fr. Dennis Faker officiating. Internment St. Boniface Cemetery.

If friends desire, memorials may be made to Central Catholic High School. www.hahngroeberfuneralhome.com