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
Mark
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing the journey. My thoughts are with you.
Frances van den Enden
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,
ReplyDeleteLouis
Hi Mark.
ReplyDeleteI 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
Hi Mark
ReplyDeleteLaurie 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
Hi Mark,
ReplyDeleteI 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