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Laurie had a serious brain lesion that was surgically removed on July 24, 2011. It was uncertain exactly what the disease was and to me, these days were really the fight for her life. After the surgery, Laurie spent two weeks in an Ottawa, Ontario hospital. This period was full of events relating directly to her and to other patients and aspects going on in the hospital during her stay. Laurie came home on Friday, August 5th, 2011. Since being at home, events have settled into a routine but not without the ups and downs of recuperating with a rare brain tumour. Her story is one of hope, struggle, patience and above all, courage. The current update is presented at the top of the page with her day-by-day story presented from the bottom upwards.
This story also has pictures of Laurie. She is a woman of many interests and dimensions. She and I love to travel and September has been our favourite time of year to do so. The trips taken over the past six or seven years have seen us in places like western and central Scotland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, New Zealand, Australia, Cape Breton, Charlevoix, Ireland and to Newfoundland a couple of times. The first things that Laurie always packs are her plant press, silica gel bags, binoculars, loupe, botany reference books, bird books, hiking books, note books and always a good raincoat. If there is any room left she packs some clothes. You can usually recognize her at the airport because she is one with three or four layers of clothing on.

Thursday 20 December 2012

Where the Grass is Greener



It is with a broken heart and tear-swollen eyes that I pass along the news of Laurie's passing on December 18th, 2012. Laurie left this earth and everything that she loved on it in my arms at 11:45 p.m. at the Kemptville District Hospital. Quiet, soft slowly descending snow fell as Laurie's hazel-coloured eyes closed and she began a journey to where the grass is greener.  She was a truly wonderful partner and positive person who was taken all too soon from us. Her courage and strength all through life was remarkable. I would like to think that she had lived a fulfilling life in her almost 53 years and it is so sad to think that she passed away in the prime of her life. I would like to thank everyone of you who have followed Laurie's illness and sent us good wishes, flowers, cards, gifts and thoughts of recovery and visited us at our home and in hospitals over the last 17 months. Many people located around the globe knew Laurie and it is touching to know that so many friends and colleagues have travelled along what was hopefully Laurie's road to recovery. Another posting will be made towards the end of January when I may be able to provide some final thoughts on Laurie's brave journey.

An announcement will be made when there will be a memorial service for Laurie. At this time I would think that the service will be held in downtown Ottawa sometime between late March and mid April, 2013. There will an obituary in the Ottawa Citizen and the Globe and Mail likely within a week.

Laurie really like the Christmas season and I have posted three holiday period photos of Laurie enjoying this period. It was a time when Laurie really seemed to put her work aside for a week or two and enjoy the snow and relaxation here at our home. I know that Laurie would join me in wishing everyone the best over the Christmas season.

Mark

A note from Laurie's sister:

Siblings sometimes take each other for granted and forget the little words and gestures to let each other know how much one is cherished.  Please, make sure you let everyone you love know just how special they are to you this holiday season and throughout the year.   Thank you for being a part of my sisters life.   Her love of life was boundless, and encompassed us all.

Lisa

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5 comments:

  1. Anonymous20 December 2012 at 14:17

    Mark

    I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing the journey. My thoughts are with you.

    Frances van den Enden

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous21 December 2012 at 14:46

    I worked with Laurie at the Museum during my 14 years there - I only have good memories of her. Kindness in its purest form. My most sincere condolences,

    Louis

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous21 December 2012 at 14:57

    Hi Mark.

    I just discovered your blog. Thank you so much for sharing that with us. I had never had the pleasure to meet your wife. She was very obviously a wonderful person, just as you. All my tought are with you, your family and Laurie's family. I certainly hope to see you in the near future. Take care.

    Éric

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous8 January 2013 at 15:50

    Hi Mark
    Laurie and I went to high school together and she was a dear friend. I am very sorry to hear about her illness and passing. I do wish I had been better about keeping in touch. My heart goes out to you and Lisa.
    Bonnie

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous5 September 2015 at 19:56

    Hi Mark,

    I hope you are doing better as it must have been so difficult for you when Laurie passed. I was shocked when I heard the news in the summer of 2013. I first me Laurie at the UWO in 4th year in 1982. She introduced me to botany and I have been an ardent naturalist ever since. We shared a lot of neat moments along the Thames River discovering new plants. I kept in touch with Laurie for several years after graduating and last saw her in 1988 (I think) when she came to visit me in Hamilton to (what else!) look at plants. Sadly we lost touch and I feel I have lost a dear friend despite the years on no contact. I hope things are going better for you Mark. I do hope you some day read this message. Take care.

    Bill Lamond

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