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Jeraldine "Jeri" Lafromboise Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 28, 2012.

Jeraldine Royce "Jeri" Loomis Lafromboise, 79, was born on December 14, 1933 in Hoquiam, WA. She was the daughter of Jennie Loomis Meade and Roy C. Loomis.

After the family moved to Auburn she graduated from Auburn High School in 1951, where she was voted Best Dancer. Jeri attended the University of Washington and was a member of the Alpha Phi sorority. She was a cheer leader for her four years there and was voted Homecoming Queen her senior year, graduating with a degree in Education in 1955.

Jeri married the love of her life Richard Lafromboise in April of 1955. After a whirlwind honeymoon in Europe, they moved to California, where he was in the Air Force and she taught elementary school. After leaving the Air Force, they moved to Olympia, where she gave birth to her first child, Rick. In 1965, they moved to Seattle, where she gave birth to her second child, Jenifer in 1969.

In 1968, Richard purchased the Daily Chronicle in Centralia and also owned the Aberdeen Daily World and The Red Bluff Daily News, in Redding California. Upon his untimely passing in 1968, Jeri became President and Chairman of the Board and served in that capacity until her retirement in 2012. Her strong spirit and wonderful sense of humor prevailed throughout those years as she learned the ropes of the business and raised two children as a single mom.

Throughout her lifetime Jeri was a huge Husky fan, and attended all home and many away football games. She was an active member of UW Alumni Association and Tyee Club as well as the Seattle Execs and Toastmasters. She was also an officer in both the Eastern Star and the Daughters of the Nile.

She is survived by her mother, Jennie Meade; her husband, William Dray; her children, Richard Lafromboise and Jenifer Lafromboise Falcon, son-in law, Jesse Falcon ; and her grandchildren, Tonishia La Martina, Saffron Lafromboise, Noah Falcon and Quinn Falcon.

Jeri was a remarkable woman. She will be remembered as a smart, fun loving, kind spirited woman who loved to laugh, sing, dance, ski, travel and attend Husky games, and her family and friends will truly miss her.

The funeral service for Jeri, will be held on January 10, 2013 at 11 am, at the Price- Helton Funeral Home located at 702 Auburn Way North, Auburn, WA.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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January 28, 2013

Karen Hanson Munro

I have wonderful memories of Jeri as a vibrant part of the Hanson-Olson clan in Enumclaw when we were growing up. Dick Lafromboise was the oldest of many cousins in our generation. Jeri and Dick would come to Lake Sawyer with their beautiful speedboat, and take the younger cousins waterskiing -- I was always in awe of her beauty and vivacious personality (being a shy child myself). Jeri and I have kept in touch over the years and I will always remember her as a lovely role model to a young girl, and an admired cousin throughout our lives.

January 13, 2013

I met Jeri as a freshman in the Alpha Phi Sorority, where her spirit was a marvel to me. She was a great friend, who helped me through the transition from my small town to the U of W and sorority life. I will never forget her positive nature and genuine friendship. When I moved back to the Seattle area in the late '80s, our friendship was renewed, and her spirit was still amazing; she was a wonderful friend while I lived there. She was a "one of a kind",and I will never forget her generosity and friendship.
I want to extend my sympathy to her family and their loss, plus wish my best to you, Jenifer, in keeping her vision alive.
Zilpha Haycox '56 Portland, OR

January 10, 2013

I worked for Jeri from 1992 until my retirement in December 2012. I found Jeri to be a great employer, who cared about those who worked for her. She was a good communicator an I will cherish knowing her and her kind thoughts and personal notes over the years. She will be missed by many and my hope is that the good memories and fun times will help ease the pain of her passing. Sincere condolences to Jeri's family and friends

Rosie & Bob O'Connor (Centralia WA)

January 9, 2013

jean staley morton

Joanne Michaels phoned me tonight to tell me of Jeris death. She was a wonderful friend and I was honored to be in her wedding to Dick. She will never be forgotten. I am so sorry not to have known sooner to be able to come to the service.

January 9, 2013

Shelli Auman

I was so sorry to hear of Jeri's passing. I worked at The Chronicle in Centralia, WA for 10 years before my retirement in 2010. I had the pleasure to meet her and her daughter many times. She was always cheerful and gracious and for being the owner, still treated us like friends and colleagues often dining in the lunchroom when I did. We had some nice chats. I remember when a coworker lost a family member unexpectedly. Jeri happened to be in the office that day and she teared up along with the rest of us. I believe when she said or showed she cared she was always sincere. She always brought the sunshine when she came no matter how dreary the day and I will never forget that. Thanks to her family for sharing her with us. I hope the warmth of the memories will overcome the pain of loss eventually. Jeri lives on through your love. The earth is darker without her but the stars have just a bit more sparkle now. Rest well Jeri, you have earned it.

January 9, 2013

Was sorry to read of Jeri's passing as I remember her from her Alpha Phi days. I was ahead of her in school but remember her energy. I am sure she will be greatly missed and please accept my sympathy for your loss.
An Alpha Phi Sister. Class of 1954

January 9, 2013

Charlie Hewett

Aunt Jeri has always been there for our family over the years. I fondly remember Jeri taking my sister Dawn into her home while she attended UW, helping her get into her sorority and being a huge supporter when she ran and became ASUW president. Aunt Jeri absolutely loved her Huskies. She would invite my wife and me to basketball games and we would have so much fun cheering the Huskies on together. After learning of our engagement, Jeri was so enthusiastic about our wedding and was a tremendous help with the preparations and planning. We were so delighted and honored to have her attend. We will always remember Jeri for her vivacious personality, her kind and giving heart, her passion for her family, and for being the loving, amazing lady she was.

January 8, 2013

Sharon Faulkner

Mom and I were so fortunate to spend some time with Jeri when she was down staying with her mother . One day Jennie called and invited us over for lunch. We had such a nice visit with Jeri. We talked about the past and all the good memories we had growing up. Even in sickness she still had that smile and laugh. We are so happy to have had that time with her. She was a wonderful lady and friend. We all will miss her alot.

With Love and Sympathy
Fernadele Pfeiffer and Sharon Faulkner

January 8, 2013

Jeri's 'spirit of vitality and vision" shall live on in her legacy to her family. Jenifer has her mother's sparkle for creativity and compassion.. Holly and Dev recall many "Best in Show" pool and birthday parties. Jeri, generously opened her doors for our daughters to give them opportunities to travel with her family and share many happy childhood times together in Laurelhurst.
Jeri, we "Thank You' for all the magic and kindness you gave to us from your selfless heart. Always in our hearts, Richard, Brenda, Holly and Dev Dimond

January 8, 2013

Holly Dimond-McMillan

"Jeri was an amazing woman! She was so loving, generous and kind. I have many wonderful memories spending time with her and her family over the years. She gave so much to me. I loved just being with the Lafromboise family. They have been a huge blessing to me! She will be missed."
Holly Dimond-McMillan (Goodyear, Arizona)

January 7, 2013

Sally Ryan

Jeri was one of the most vivacious, intelligent, loving, generous women I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. She was a neighbor and became a dear friend. We enjoyed skiing at Sun Valley, cheering on the Huskies at Husky stadium, in Oregon, and at the Rose Bowl. Jeri was a successful businesswoman, but her family was always number one.
I am blessed that Jeri was my friend. I will miss her beautiful smile, infectious laugh, and thoughtfulness. She will be in my thoughts and prayers forever. God bless Jeri, her family, and especially my goddaughter, Jenifer. Sincerely, Sally Ryan

January 7, 2013

Donna Anderson

Posted by Donna Anderson

January 7, 2013

Dawn Hewett

Jeri was a loving, generous, and kind aunt to me. When I had no place to live my freshman year at the University of Washington, she took me in and let me live with her in her beautiful Laurelhurst home. Once I moved to the sorority, Jeri was like a sweet and doting mother, surprising me with a care package in my new home, sending me gifts on holidays big and small, and always checking in to see how I was doing. When I ran for Student Body President, Jeri gave me a generous campaign contribution without me even asking. After graduation, I moved away from Seattle, but Jeri always kept in touch and made sure that I was doing well. I am extraordinarily grateful for how wonderful Jeri was to me, and I will always remember her fondly.

January 6, 2013

Charlotte Frank

I went to work for The Daily Olympian in 1961, and Richard LaFromboise was my boss. I remember when Jeri was expecting their first child.....I did some typing for her and she sent me a pair of embroidered gloves as a thank-you. I still have the gloves. I got to say Hello to Jeri when she was visiting with the folks at The Chronicle a few years ago, and as I stopped to say hi, she remembered me and that my husband and I had stopped to visit she and Richard when they lived in Ellensburg. A very nice lady....and while she will be missed, I am happy that she is with her Richard now.

January 6, 2013

Jerry Smith

There is no good time for a tragedy; her death is a sad loss for you and many others. We too will sorely miss her.
I have some great memories of Jeri and Dick while spending time at their summer home on Lake Sawyer back in the good old days.
I can only hope that your years of happiness and your many good memories will enable you to live with this sad loss.

With love and sympathy,
Jerry and Laurie Smith

January 6, 2013

There is no good time for a tragedy; her death is a sad loss for you and many others. We too will sorely miss her.
I can only hope that your years of happiness and your many good memories will enable you to live with this sad loss.

With love and sympathy,
Jerry and Laurie Smith

January 5, 2013

Diana Lull

I worked for Jeri for 10-1/2 years as an advertising sales representative for the Enterprise newspapers of south Snohomish county. Jeri was a positive influence in my life, as I was raised during the time when women were still not supposed to have a career. She was an amazing woman, encouraging with a great sense of humor. I am honored to have worked for her.

January 4, 2013

David Duryee

It was a privilege and honor to know Jeri and serve on the board of Lafromboise Newspapers from 1970 to the present. Jeri was a remarkable woman and showed a great deal of courage when she stepped into her husband's shoes and took over the company. I'm sure there were times when she was fearful and uncertain but she always reflected calm and a great sense of humor outwardly. She led a very interesting life and it was a pleasure to be part of it. We will truly miss her.

January 4, 2013

Carolyn Hanson

One of my favorite memories of Halloween in the fantastic haunted house Jeri created for Jenifer and her friends. I cringe remembering putting my hand in a bowl of warm, slimy spaghetti and the delight my terrified face gave Jeri! This memory makes me stay young in mind and want to do even more for my kiddos and their friends. Thank you Jeri!!

January 4, 2013

Dennis Waller

Jeri was a wonderful communications executive who took great pride in her company and its people. She believed in hiring talented personnel and then giving them autonomy in day to day operations. She supported strong local journalism and a vibrant editorial voice in her newspapers. She was a loving and caring woman who has passed on these same character assets to her daughter, Jenifer.
- Dennis Waller, former President and CEO, Lafromboise Communications, Inc.

January 4, 2013

Jenifer Falcon

Dear loved ones and friends,

My mom was a bright spirit who touched a lot of peoples lives with her laughter, love and zest for life. Please share your stories with us, so that I can share them with my children. Your memories and stories will be put into a memorial book for our family to cherish for years to come.

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