‘We should not have to live in fear,' sister of missing Sudbury woman says

Hamilton Spectator

06-05-2025

It is heartbreaking for the family and friends of Wendy Lafortune to recall that just over a year ago, she disappeared without a trace.
'No calls, no sightings, no banking transactions, no purchases … she has not been found. There is no explanation,' said Lorry Lafortune.
Lorry and a strong turn-out of family, friends and supporters marched along Lasalle Boulevard on Saturday, calling for action and in remembrance of loved ones.
Wendy's Walk began at 3:30 p.m., covering Lasalle Boulevard from Belfry Avenue to Adanac Gardens Road - the route she would have taken on May 1, 2024 - when she was last seen. Her destination most likely was the Apollo Terrace townhome complex, where she lived with her mother.
'She was 48 and though I am her older sister, we were best friends,' Lorry said. 'We saw each other every day. She lived with our Mom. This has been very hard on all of us, but especially our Mom.
'We are from here, our family is from here. Lasalle and the neighbourhood are familiar to us. Here at the gathering, it is like a Sudbury Secondary School reunion.'
There are too many girls and women missing, Lorry said. 'What is going on? Wendy was not an everyday user of drugs … recreational use, yes. If she overdosed, where is her body? Why has it not been found?'
Lorry said she has lots of unanswered questions.
'She was last seen along here. There was CCTV footage from the Montrose Mall. Did she get in or was she pulled into a car?'
From an earlier statement: 'She was seen walking down Lasalle past Jett Landry at 3:36 p.m. She's walking towards Notre Dame on the same side as Jett Landry. At 4:10 p.m., they see her from the Circle K at the Montrose Mall. They can see her on the sidewalk, across the street, still walking. But they see her taking a left a little bit, and she disappears.
'Our Mom thought something was wrong right away, but we didn't call the police for a week. She should not have disappeared on a sunny Wednesday afternoon.'
Wendy was a creature of habit, taking the same route, seeing the same people, Lorry said.
'Our Dad had 22 brothers and sisters. He has passed. It was a big family and there were so many cousins. We all watched out for each other. Many are here today … and our childhood and school friends. Plus over 100 women, men, children, some I have never met before. They also come to Facebook, and I acknowledge them. It helps me get through the over 365 days of pain and loss.
'I've always been the screamer, the fighter, the yeller … It is who I am. I won't let this go. I am lucky to have a strong, supportive daughter and a great friends' circle.'
There is a $6,000 reward for information.
'I was irate and calling the police every week. I know it isn't their fault. We drove everywhere she might have been or gone. I just don't know anymore where to look for her. I can't do this anymore. I am tired. And who is tearing our posters down?'
Lorry said she hopes that a large roadside billboard will become their future platform to get information out. Maybe it might jog someone's recall of that day.
'Lorry is like family,' said supporter Rob Tario. 'It is sad to see this happening. Why are girls missing? I do believe this has been going on for years. I am on the road to recovery and this walk is important for that reason, too. It is part of giving back. I am connected and had to come out in support. I care.'
Wendy's brother-in-law, Mike Bray, said, 'I've been involved right from the beginning. I am overwhelmed by the turnout today. The memory will just keep getting louder for all the women that are missing … not just here in Sudbury.'
Ray Breault, 81, is in the audience. He and Bray canvased the area, walked the Rotary Trail and scoured the wooded areas searching. They even went into the swamp.
'We were knee-deep. It was important. I knew the family when they all were kids,' said Breault.
Lorry has been the torchbearer on this, and at the microphone, she looked out and said the names of anyone she saw. She went on to say more than 60 names. It was a very personal memorial.
Wendy Lafortune is one of many who are missing. 'She and all others will not be forgotten,' Lorry said. At least five women have vanished in Sudbury this year. 'We should not have to live in fear.'
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