Laura was born June 27, 1933, in Kitchener, Ontario to Joseph and Anna Nowak. She came from a large family, growing up with 10 brothers and sisters. Laura loved playing sports, driving her Dodge Coupe and enjoying the outdoors. In 1959, Laura married Jack Donald and they enjoyed a wonderful personal and family life together in Kitchener, raising five children. When the grandchildren arrived, she became affectionately known as “The Matka”.
Laura loved spending time in her garden. She nurtured her plants and flowers and all sorts of fruits and vegetables; from beans, cucumbers and carrots to raspberries, strawberries and blackberries. Beyond the garden, Laura could be found canning and preserving. Her jams, beans and pickles are all family favourites! Laura loved her family and was the driving force behind many family gatherings such as birthdays, holidays, golf tournaments and card nights.
Laura will be sadly missed by her children: John (Kristen), Jim, Scott (Blythe) and Shelley. The Matka will also be remembered by her grandchildren Jackie, Michelle (Jordan) Clark, Jeff (Emma), Kailyn, Ryan (Alyssa), Sarah and Bryken and by her great grandchild Max. Also mourning Laura are her siblings Walter, Janet, Mania and Andzia. Laura was predeceased by her husband Jack, her son Jeffrey, her parents Joseph and Anna and her siblings Clara, Stanley, Casimir, Josephine Cote, John, and Irene Ferguson.
Visitation will be held Thursday, August 27 from 2-4 p.m. and from 6-8 p.m at Westmount Memorial Celebration Centre, 1001 Ottawa Street South, Kitchener (519-743-8900). A Funeral Mass will take place on Friday August 28 at 11 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 49 Blueridge Avenue, Kitchener. Burial at Woodland Cemetery following the service, with a reception to be held at St. Francis of Assisi Parish afterwards.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial donations to Canadian Food for Children, St. Vincent de Paul at St. Francis, or a charity of your choice.
Laura's Funeral Mass will be available through livestream available at https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/127430.
