Laurette M. Pourier, age 71

Laurette M. Pourier

December 23, 1945 - January 1, 2016

Laurette Marie Pourier, Wo Wasake Inajin Win, (Stands Strong Woman) was born on December 23, 1945 to Loren and Isabelle (Rooks) Pourier in Rapid City, S.D. Laurette made her journey to heaven January 1, 2016 at 8:40 a.m.

Laurette is survived by her friend, Mr. Leslie England; five children: Tawney Brunsch, Jamey Brunsch and wife Tara, Chad Brunsch and wife Crystal, Grady Brunsch and fianceƩ Alaina Clifford and Hayley Brunsch-Vocu and husband Wade; her six siblings: Patty Kelso, Peggy Pourier, Bat Pourier and wife Patty, Bim Pourier, Karla Pourier-Longwell and husband Rod, and Shelly Pourier; 20 grandchildren: Orrin, Tanner and Hayden Clark; Kaley, Logan, Zachary, and Brock Brunsch; Afton, Cade, Chase and Caseton Brunsch; Hanna, Chloe, Baylor, Kessler and Gaitlan Brunsch; Gabriel, Titan and Baby Wade Brunsch; and one great-grandson, Breckon John Clark.

Laurette was proceeded in death by her father, Loren in 1966; and her mother, Isabelle in 1999.

Laurette lived her life to the fullest, immersing herself in deep spirituality and was so full of love that it overflowed into every relationship that she had. Laurette touched a vast multitude of lives with her loving persistence and caring strength spreading it like seeds in her beautiful garden of life.

In her professional life, Laurette was an eternal dynamo with the ambition and intentions to change the world. She worked for and started many nonprofit organizations focused on the improvement of race relations and Native American rights. The organizations she was involved with included Cangleska, focused on providing Native American women shelter from violence; and The Society for the Advancement of Native Interests Today (SANI-T).

Laurette attended grade school in New Underwood and McMahon School, a small country school near the Cheyenne River. She attended New Underwood High School and graduated from Interior High School. While attending National American University in Rapid City, she met Jim Brunsch, whom she married in 1965, from their union five children were born.

Laurette raised five kids at her country home south of Interior while working construction and pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Human Services at Oglala Lakota College. Laurette continued living in the country until 1996 when she moved to Rapid City. She eventually purchased a home on Rapid Creek where she loved spending time with her kids, grand-kids, family and friends. Laurette also enjoyed the time she spent with her sisters and brothers creating memories, especially during the last months of her life.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, January 5, 2016, at the Mother Butler Center in Rapid City, with Fr. Rick Abert officiating.

Interment followed at Mt View Cemetery

Friends may sign her online guest register at www.osheimschmidt.com.

The Pioneer Review

221 E. Oak Street
Philip, SD 57567
Telephone: (605) 859-2516
E Mail: ads@pioneer-review.com

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