AUBURNDAL, Fla. — Mark Lafreniere completed his life journey after a long battle with illness. He was surrounded by his family when he passed away on June 18, 2024, at 1:45 a.m. at The Good Shepherd Hospice Center in Auburndale, Fla.
Mark was born in Waterbury, Conn., to Real and Pat Lafreniere in 1955.
He is survived by his loving wife, Gina (Palleria) Lafreniere (1976), and their children: Maria Lafreniere (John), John Lafreniere (Emily), Laura Backhaus (Larin), Lisa Holst (Steve), and Stephen Lafreniere (Samantha). He also leaves behind his sister, Julianne Graff (Stanley) of Plainville, Conn., and three nephews, Adam, Caleb, and Luke. His legacy includes 18 grandchildren: Sam, Leighton, Eden, Liam, Jesse, Isabella, Rachel, Charlie, Elijah, Roman, Kendall, Camden, Moriah, Addilyn, Malachi, Benjamin, Harper, and Jaren.
Mark was a registered nurse for 35 years, and his places of employment included Huron Regional Medical Center and Winter Haven Hospital. He was also a pastor for three churches, including Huron Baptist Church in Huron. In addition, he served as a missionary for NAMBI of the Southern Baptist Convention for 12 years. During this time, he assisted in starting the Western Way Cowboy Church in Huron, and played a role in the replanting of Fairview Baptist Church in Aberdeen.
Mark loved spending time with family and friends, fishing, eating, watching the New York Yankees, eating, going for golf cart rides and eating. He was a member of the The Mattatuck Drum Band (Wolcott, Conn.) where he played the fife. The greatest enjoyment of his life was caring for people, leading people to Christ, and watching the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.