In our time of grief, we mourn the passing of our mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and celebrate her life. We know she will be dearly missed by all those who knew her. Through her 96 years , she showed great resilience and lived her life with a grateful heart, showing grace to all she met.
In the words of her family, she gave us so much in her years with us. She was kind and caring to everyone – family, friends, neighbours (and their kids), her taxi driver and even people standing in line at Shoppers. She kept her old friends close to her heart but always had room for new friends. She was always happy to talk on the phone to anyone, to share stories and learn about their lives. You always felt that she was genuinely interested in what you were doing .
She was curious and interested in the world around her; listening to the news (sometimes many times a day), reading the newspapers and watching her favourite TV shows City Line, Marilyn Dennis, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. Through her life she was always positive, saw the glass half full and lived her life to the fullest.
She encouraged family traditions – making Christmas fruitcake – even though only a few of us liked it, and making pickles – which everyone loved. We celebrated everything – birthdays, Christmas, graduations and even getting pedicures. She was our cheerleader who always celebrated all our accomplishments.
She was a fashionista, with beautiful hair (courtesy of weekly visits to the hair dresser), loved the color pink, new shoes and always wore earrings that matched her outfit. She was a lover of shrimp, flowers and shopping and always somehow seemed to win at cards.
She was “lover-ly”.
It’s hard to imagine what life will be like without her, but as we promised her, we will always take care of each other and continue on with the traditions and bonds that tie our family together. We will continue to share the kindness and love that she inspired in us.
We miss her deeply already and …… we want her back, even just for one day. Heaven has another angel.
A Private family Celebration of Life will be held on November 14, 2021. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary & Nature Centre in Calgary, St. Albert Botanical Gardens, CNIB, or plant a flower in your backyard.
Sandy Larsen says
What an absolute pleasure it always was to be in her presence.
She was the definition of kind.
Another angel has her wings 💗
Love to all her kids and grands in this time of remembering greatness!
Love The Larsen’s
Diane Enger says
Thank you Sandy, Bruce and Scarlett for your thoughts and kind words. She truly was the definition of kind. I know she always enjoyed her visits with you and especially when she came out to the Lake. Thanks for sending your love and keeping us in your thoughts.
Pat and Clarence Lomheim says
Laura was a wonderful neighbor and an inspiration to us all.
It was always a joy to visit with her.
Thinking of all the family and sending our deepest sympathy for the loss of your Mom and Grandma.
Pat and Clarence Lomheim.
(Braeside neighbors)
Linda says
Thank you for your condolences. Mom had such fond memories of her time in Braeside and all her wonderful neighbours.
Scott and Lori Mackay says
She was always Aunt Laura to Scott, and then to myself. A half hour in her company was enough to cheer us for the whole day!
‘Aunt’ Laura was a firecracker in the best sense. She was full of life and laughter and love that just always bubbled out. She folded you into her joy as though she’d always known you. Such a fantastic combination of grace and humour. She always looked so nice, but her big smile was her best accessory.
Although we hadn’t seen her in a while, Scott and I have thought of her so often. We are so sorry to hear of her passing. Please accept our condolences. She was a great lady.
Linda says
Thank you for your condolences and the kind words. Mom and dad were such good friends with your parents. They shared so many good times and had so many shared memories. Mom was always sharing stories of time spent with your mom and dad. They are all together now chasing geese and drinking coffee.
bruce ferguson says
Kay and I became the luckiest people in Winnipeg when we moved into our new home and immediately became friends with our next door neighbors – Ray and Laura Ward. That began a great friendship that has truly lasted a lifetime. When I reminisce about happy times and events, the Ward family immediately tops the list. Laura will always be my definition of great neighbor and a wonderful friend.
Linda says
Thank you for your condolences. Mom and dad had such fond memories of the time they spent with you. I have such fond memories too. Some of my first memories are climbing the fence between our two yards so us kids could all play together. As mom showed us so well, long friendships are so precious.
Kippy Nesselbeck says
Diane, I am so fortunate to have had the pleasure of knowing your Mom. She was always a delight to be around, and she passed on that loveliness to you. I hope you take comfort in thinking of fond memories of her. Sending love and hugs to you and your family.
Diane Enger says
Thank you Kippy for your thoughts and kind words. She will be missed dearly
Shirley and Dale Ragusa says
OH Mrs. Ward was such a part of our family as well as her 3 beautiful daughters and of course Mr. Ward. When we moved to Calgary from California we lived next door to these wonderful people. The girls baby sat our daughter and son and Mr. Ward was such a fabulous Santa..Dale took on that role when we moved back to Ca. I just loved being with Mrs. Ward, she was a real “hoot”….I loved sending her letters and pictures when we moved back to Ca. and I loved visiting with her by phone. I am sad to know she is no longer here but excited she is in the beautiful garden up above with her wonderful husband. I love you guys and thank you for giving us the time to be with your mom.
Diane Enger says
Thanks for sharing your memories of Mom she always loved getting your letters and the pictures you sent. She always had a big smile when your letters came in the mail. Over 40 years and thousands of miles apart we always stayed connected and we know Mom loved the stories and laughs you shared along the way.
Susan Dorrett says
Loved seeing Laura when she visited Toronto. Many fond memories over the years. Much love to the family and our condolences.
Susan Gord Cameron and Annie
Linda says
Thanks for your condolences. Mom always enjoyed her visits with you and the kids. She enjoyed her chats with June, too, sharing stories of the grandchildren as they were growing up.
Lorelle Crichton says
Dear Wendy, Diane and Linda, and family,
Your Mom was a most lovely lady, that I always enjoyed visiting with when she came over with your Dad to see my parents ( Louise and Don). She always was so interested in what I was up to, and very encouraging. I remember discussing the various things we ate as single women and compared notes on frozen meals!!!
Her ceremony was very special and personal- good job! She would be proud of all of you!
My sympathies for your loss,
Lorelle Crichton
Linda says
Thanks for your condolences. Mom and dad always enjoyed the time they spent with your parents. I’m sure mom appreciated all your tips on frozen meals, as we all know cooking was never one of mom favourite pastimes.
John & NJ Hagen says
Wendy and Family, our deepest sympathy on learning of the passing of your Mom and Grandma. She was truly a lovely lady.