Laura McLaughlin

Laura passed away peacefully with her family at her side. Laura was a humble and private woman who dealt with her illness as she dealt with her life in a quiet, non-complaining, and determined manner. She exhibited tremendous strength, dignity, and courage in her short, courageous battle with cancer and she will be missed by all those whose lives she enriched.

Laura was the seventh of sixteen children, born to Ambrose and Nora Jobin on December 24, 1942, in Prairie Echo, Alberta. Laura grew up on the Jobin homestead with her parents and siblings, later moving to High Prairie, Alberta where she began her family. In 1971, Laura moved with her young children to Edmonton, Alberta where she resided until her passing. Laura was predeceased by her parents Ambrose and Nora, Her siblings Bruce Jobin, Marina Brothers, Boycee (Frank) Jobin, Big (Albert), Tiny Lanz, Lawrence Jobin, Lillian Jobin, David Jobin, Denise Jobin, Wayne Jobin, nephew, nieces, in-laws, and dear friends.

Laura is survived by her husband Curly (Terry McLaughlin), children Dawn Sport (Eric Kohn), Darryl Sport (Laurayne Trigg), Sharon Kaup (Todd), Peter Sport, and Terra McLaughlin (Colin Bickford). Her grandchildren Andrea, Dustin, Deborah, Nicole, Sarah, Luke, Katie, Emily, Sophia, James, six great-grandchildren, her remaining siblings, nieces, nephews, and many close friends.

Laura met her best friend Curly (Terry McLaughlin) in 1974, and they married in 1985. Together they forged a life full of adventure that lasted until her passing. Curly remained a dedicated husband throughout Laura’s life in both the good times and bad. The exemplary care he gave to her during her illness was evidence of the strong bond that they shared.

Laura learned to sew at a young age from her Aunty Lena. Laura’s skills and passion with the sewing machine provided her a long career, which included designing and creating the wardrobe for Canadian singer Nancy Nash for a CBC televised variety show. As her children grew and moved away to begin their own families, Laura began a successful home based business designing and creating contemporary Indigenous clothing, specializing in ribbon shirts. Laura was proud of her Métis heritage and that pride was sewn into every stitch of the clothing she created.

Laura’s work was renowned and sought after by many who proudly wears her exquisite craftsmanship. Her work is displayed at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian in Washington DC, the Royal Alberta Museum in Edmonton, the British Museum in London England and, at the Lois Hole Hospital for Women.

Laura was very involved with the Métis Nation in Alberta and her professional life has been honoured by Métis Nation of Alberta President, Audrey Poitras, which can be read here:

https://albertametis.com/news/remembering-metis-matriarch-laura-mclaughlin/

Laura leaves behind a rich Métis legacy but outside of her professional accomplishments, Laura was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. Laura worked hard to give her children the opportunities that were denied to her due to her humble beginnings, instilling in them her determination, pride, and a strong work ethic. We, the family of Laura, will be forever proud of her accomplishments.

Although we grieve her loss, we are comforted knowing that she will be sharing stories, jokes, and laughter with her nephew Earl Joe as well as her family and friends who she cherished the most

Laura was a private person but she valued her close relationships. We will be planning a small gathering to celebrate her life later in the summer of 2021 with the easing of COVID restrictions.

The family will announce the date and location when it is arranged.

In remembrance of Laura McLaughlin's life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Alberta Cancer Foundation https://www.albertacancer.ca/donate/