Two teachers who were siblings, a brother and a sister, died only months apart in the same New York county. On March 23, 56-year-old Laurette LaPrairie passed away. But just three months before that, her 61-year-old brother, Jacque LaPrairie, died.
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The sister's obituary, shared by Newsday, revealed that Laurette and Jacque both had the same chronic inflammatory disease. Although there's no confirmation that the siblings died due to this disease, it likely helped cause it.
Siblings Died Months Apart In The Same County And Profession
These siblings from Suffolk County had sarcoidosis, an illness that causes benign lumps to grow in your internal organs. According to People, it has a one in eight fatality rate, so it's likely connected to their deaths.
Not only did they pass away in the same county, but they were both teachers. In an Instagram post, Superintendent Dr Lance Lohman from Longwood Central School District wrote a heartbreaking message concerning Laurette's death.
The fourth-grade teacher for Ridge Elementary School touched many lives with her kindness and patience for 25 years. The superintendent described Laurette as having an "unwavering dedication to each and every one of her students and colleagues."
"She was a loving, caring, and selfless sister, daughter, aunt, mentor, and friend to all," he continued. She welcomed everyone "with the warm smile that was always on her face" and was great at making friends.
On the flip side, Jacque's obituary mentioned the brother's devotion to being a great physical education teacher. Jacque taught at Tackan Elementary School, and according to Mark Dellecave, his childhood friend, he was a standout human. "He was an amazing athlete and a tremendous leader," said Dellecave.
"He was known as 'Gentleman Jack' because of his sincere and humble personality." His friend also described Jacque as always having "a big smile" and mentioned how everyone loved him.
On top of being a wonderful teacher, Jacque was an assistant varsity football coach for Smithtown West. He had a love for the sport since he graduated from Rutgers University after earning an athletic scholarship.
Jacque will be remembered fondly by his son, Jacque Jr. The son has decided to become a football player just like his father, even playing for Smithtown West. "We have done everything together since I learned to walk," said Jacque Jr. "We were always playing a sport. No matter what he was doing, he dropped it to spend time with me. There couldn't be a stronger connection between a father and son."
