Charles H. Lalonde

Aged 85, beloved husband of 56 years to Laurel (Snyder) Lalonde, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2008, after a long illness.Mr. Lalonde grew up in Massena, NY where he was an altar boy, attended parochial school, and graduated high school.He went on to obtain a Bachelors degree in education from Potsdam State Teachers College and after several years of teaching earned his Masters degree.Mr. Lalonde began his teaching career in Ticonderoga, NY in 1949 where he met the love of his life, Laurel, who was also a teacher there.They were married in 1952.Charles, also known as Chuck or Charlie to many, had a passion for education and challenging young minds.He taught elementary school full-time for over 40 years, retiring in 1986 after which he continued to substitute teach in any subject, always filling in where needed.He even taught Spanish class, without knowing a word of Spanish!From 1960 until his retirement in 1986 Mr. Lalonde taught the fifth grade at Broadway Elementary School here in Elmira, NY.Magic was his other passion.As a magician he was known as ARDNAS, his only daughter, Sandras, name spelled backwards.Ardnas fascinated his daughter, grandchildren and students with his magical entertainment.He also performed magic shows for many schools, libraries, and birthday parties, bringing smiles of wonderment to many young people.Charles was a member of the Horseheads Council of the Knights of Columbus, where he served as Grand Knight for several years.In addition he was a member of two magic associations, The Linking Ring and MUM.He is survived by his wife Laurel Lalonde, daughter, Sandra Jones and husband Jonathan; grandchildren Autumn Hill, Misty Showalter, Brooke Bachert, Sheena Townson, Nathan Jones, and Kaitlynn Jones; great-grandchildren Candis Hill, Logan Chace, Kalina Chace, Colton Hill, Robert Hill, Dawson Hill, Savannah Hill, Brent Bachert, Brendan Bachert, Bryce Bachert, Bradyn Townson, and Emilyn Townson; nephew Jack Fitzgerald, his wife Kim and many loved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.He is predeceased by his loving parents Henry and Alice Lalonde-Goodrich and only sister Mae Fitzgerald.To celebrate the life of Charles Lalonde friends and family may call on the Olthof Funeral Home, 1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, Elmira, NY from 7:00-9:00 P.M. on Monday, March 10, 2008.A Christian burial funeral mass will be held at Saint Mary Our Mothers Church in Horseheads, NY at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, March 11, 2008, interment to follow..