The search for Nathalie Lavallée, a 59-year-old woman who disappeared nearly a year ago, continues to evoke hope among her daughters. On June 29, 2025, Nathalie vanished from Victoriaville, leaving behind only her clothing found near the Nicolet River. Geneviève Lavallée and Marie-Danielle Jacques remain determined to uncover clues about their mother’s whereabouts to provide her with a dignified final tribute.
Daughters Hopeful to Reunite with Missing Mother
Geneviève and Marie-Danielle believe that the arrival of spring and melting snow might reveal new evidence in the river. They anticipate the possibility of discovering remains that could help them lay their mother to rest properly. The sisters are calling on the community for assistance, emphasizing the importance of public support in their search.
A Brief Background
Nathalie, who had lived in Belize for the past two years, suffered a stroke in January 2025. After being found unresponsive, she was taken to a rehabilitation facility in Quebec following a successful crowdfunding campaign. While Nathalie made considerable progress, she struggled with her independence due to significant memory issues.
In late June 2025, during one of the first weekends of respite for her daughters, Nathalie disappeared after leaving her residence. She was last seen purchasing a beverage nearby, around the evening of June 28. Security footage later captured her crossing a bridge before her trail ended.
Extensive Search Efforts
The police conducted extensive search operations, utilizing dogs, divers, and helicopters. Local volunteers joined in to comb the area, including canoeists navigating the river. Despite these efforts, the only items discovered were Nathalie’s clothing, her shoes, and insulated water bottle remain missing. Statistics indicate that drowning victims are typically found within five to six kilometers of the site of disappearance, adding a layer of urgency to the search.
Speculations and Concerns
Geneviève and Marie-Danielle have considered the notion that their mother may have faked her own death. However, they find this unlikely due to her dependence and lack of personal belongings taken with her. Additionally, Nathalie had recently voiced her struggles, suggesting she felt like a burden. This adds a worrying dimension to the investigation, with the sisters concerned about what might have driven her to leave.
Future Plans and Community Involvement
- The daughters plan to organize a search on June 29, 2026, the one-year anniversary of her disappearance.
- A commemorative plaque bearing Nathalie’s name has been installed at the location where her belongings were found.
- Community members are urged to report any findings, especially as river levels rise.
Living with unanswered questions is challenging for Geneviève and Marie-Danielle. They express feelings of guilt about not being able to contribute to the search meaningfully. Their hope rests on the possibility of finding Nathalie and fulfilling her wish to return to Belize, where she felt at home. As they navigate this painful journey, the sisters express deep appreciation for the community’s support and generosity. “Seeing others care in our time of need has been inspiring,” Marie-Danielle emphasizes.
As investigations continue, the longing to reunite with their missing mother remains a poignant and personal battle for the Lavallée family.
