Laurie Anne McCallion

Laurie went to be with Our Lord on October 25, 2018, after 54 years of living in the Niagara Region. Born in St. Catharines on Oct. 7, 1964, the family moved to Wainfleet in July, 1975; her brothers Michael William and Ryan David in tow at the ages of eight and almost two. The McCallion Nest started to reduce with Michael William leaving for McMaster University; Ryan David five years later also to McMaster.

Laurie started at Niagara College and diligently worked towards a Social Work Diploma, but a proposal for marriage drew her away; a mistake rectified three years later. Laurie was not able to live under the domination of the older husband. The years unfolded with Laurie’s struggling to keep things together and then comfortably resettled in St. Catharines with a renewal of an upper apartment over Uncle Terry’s apartment in Gramma’s House. The security of Uncle Terry downstairs and the ability of Laurie to prepare and provide meals for both of them was a good fit. This lasted until Uncle Terry’s health failed and he moved into full care. Laurie relocated to One Clark Street - Hillside Terrace. This was still her neighbourhood and there were good people living in the building. The number of good people in the building and her neighbourhood increased over the decade. She was still happy with her life through the health limitations and then she met Felix Tomcyzk who also moved to One Clark Street into his own apartment. He was the love of her life and her best friend. As well as Tiffany, Laurie’s ”Grand-Cat” as her parents were advised frequently. Laurie was recognized by the City of St. Catharines in 2013 for Twenty Years of Volunteer Work with the Ozanon Centre and received a warm and friendly welcome from the St.Catharines branch of - Bibles For Missions, on Scott Street.

Sad so sad for Laurie’s leaving are her Parents Rhea and Mike Sr. McCallion, now living in Vineland and formerly of Wainfleet; and her brothers; Michael William McCallion (Judi Lytle) of Burlington and Ryan David McCallion of Whitehorse, Yukon. Also remembered by her Aunts and Uncles and their families; Ruth Morris (Kate), Terri and Dimitar Ljomov (Daniela- Steve, Melani & Chris), Rick and Judi Morris (Ellie & Benji, Mindy & Rob, Stacy & David), her cousin Cheryl ( Brian ) and a myriad of cousins from the Deline family connection. Predeceased by her Aunt Pat & Uncle Ron Deline, Uncle Terry McCallion and Uncle Dennie McCallion.

Laurie Anne McCallion we miss you so much, but your Aunt and Uncles who have gone on before you, also love you and your constant effort to move forward, be happy and never to be shy.

Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the HULSE & ENGLISH FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL; 75 Church St. St. Catharines (905-684-6346). A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at 11 a.m. in the Chapel. Cremation to follow. Online tributes may be made at www.hulseandenglish.com    

Many things can be said about Laurie Anne McCallion. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, empathic woman, her compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing her charm, warmth and conscientious demeanor. She was warmhearted, gentle and organized in all the things she sought to accomplish.others and bringing out the best in all of those around her. She generally had a focus on harmony and peace.

Laurie was born on October 7, 1964 at St. Catharines General Hospital in St. Catharines, Ontraio. Her parents were Mike and Rhea McCallion. Laurie was raised in St. Catharines for 10 years, then Wainfleet . When she was young, Laurie's friends and family found that “straightforward” and “honest” were perfect words to describe her. Even as a child, Laurie demonstrated a disposition that was enjoyable to those around her.

Laurie grew up with two siblings. She had two younger brothers, Michael 3 years younger and Ryan 9 years younger. Laurie was constantly involved in all sorts of activities with her family. She was even-tempered, taking care not to get involved in family squabbles. This quality served her well, in perpetually bringing harmony, understanding and a sense of peace to the family. Laurie carried these traits into her adult life and served as one of many reasons why family and friends found her pleasurable and delightful to be around. Laurie was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others,.

As a young girl, Laurie was imaginative.. Regardless of whether her peers were older or younger, or came from different backgrounds, Laurie could easily relate to other kids. She was a Brownie at St. Thomas Church in St. Catharines. In her spare time she liked to read, and enjoyed all pets. Laurie's memorable achievements included swimming lessons, camping trips. However, to Laurie, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with her many friends.

During her high school years, Laurie had a natural flair for cheering on and applauding just about everyone. She was constantly offering her support and encouragement to fellow members of the groups and activities in which she participated. She graduated from E. L. Crossley High School, Fonthill . She genuinely enjoyed telling and writing stories. Teachers and classmates knew Laurie as an excellent listener. She placed a high value on learning and always understood that there was a new lesson to be grasped waiting for her just around the corner. She enjoyed being a contestant in the Miss Wainfleet contest.

Always considered a “good” friend, Laurie sought to understand the things that others enjoyed. For this reason Laurie always seemed to possess a never-ending collection of acquaintances. Laurie’s friends found her easy to know and get along with because she was always amiable in her dealings with others. Laurie would always seek to learn what her friends enjoyed. Laurie was always seen as the type of person who was the more gracious giver. Although she also enjoyed when she was the one on the receiving end. Throughout her life she had many friends. While growing up, some of her best friends were Joan Van Hilten,Kim & Kathy Kiss,Judy Cyopick,Tawnya Stasiak and cousins, Cheryl, Heather,Ronald, Michael, Chris, Jody. Later in life, she became friends with Felix , Joan, Jackie.

Her primary occupation was volunteering as an adult and babysitting as a teenager. Laurie always made the effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known by her colleagues as a team player. Laurie took pride in managing her responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete a project. Laurie was one to take the initiative and her skills at working cooperatively were highly valued.

Because she was organized and methodical, Laurie took great pleasure in her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were her many cats over the years, collecting cat memorabilia, listening to the Monkees music and cooking supper for herself and Felix. Laurie enjoyed sharing her passions with others and could singularly focus on one hobby at a time.

Throughout her life, Laurie was a gregarious and enthusiastic woman. She was generous in sharing her personal attributes, giving and helping those she knew and loved. She was imaginative, original, tender hearted and easy to get along with. Laurie leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives she touched will dearly remember Laurie Anne McCallion.

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Laurie went to be with Our Lord on October 25, 2018, after 54 years of living in the Niagara Region. Born in St. Catharines on Oct. 7, 1964, the family moved to Wainfleet in July, 1975; her brothers Michael William and Ryan David in tow at the ages of eight and almost two. The McCallion Nest started to reduce with Michael William leaving for McMaster University; Ryan David five years later also to McMaster.

Laurie started at Niagara College and diligently worked towards a Social Work Diploma, but a proposal for marriage drew her away; a mistake rectified three years later. Laurie was not able to live under the domination of the older husband. The years unfolded with Laurie’s struggling to keep things together and then comfortably resettled in St. Catharines with a renewal of an upper apartment over Uncle Terry’s apartment in Gramma’s House. The security of Uncle Terry downstairs and the ability of Laurie to prepare and provide meals for both of them was a good fit. This lasted until Uncle Terry’s health failed and he moved into full care. Laurie relocated to One Clark Street - Hillside Terrace. This was still her neighbourhood and there were good people living in the building. The number of good people in the building and her neighbourhood increased over the decade. She was still happy with her life through the health limitations and then she met Felix Tomcyzk who also moved to One Clark Street into his own apartment. He was the love of her life and her best friend as well as Laurie’s ”Grand-Cat” as her parents were advised frequently. Laurie was recognized by the City of St. Catharines in 2013 for Twenty Years of Volunteer Work with the Ozanon Centre and received a warm and friendly welcome from the St.Catharines branch of - Bibles For Missions, on Scott Street.

Sad so sad for Laurie’s leaving are her Parents Rhea and Mike Sr. McCallion, now living in Vineland and formerly of Wainfleet; and her brothers; Michael William McCallion (Judi Lytle) of Burlington and Ryan David McCallion of Whitehorse, Yukon. Also remembered by her Aunts and Uncles and their families; Ruth Morris (Kate), Terri and Dimitar Ljomov (Daniela- Steve, Melani & Chris), Rick and Judi Morris (Ellie & Benji, Mindy & Rob, Stacy & David), her cousin Cheryl ( Brian ) and a myriad of cousins from the Deline family connection. Predeceased by her Aunt Pat & Uncle Ron Deline, Uncle Terry McCallion and Uncle Dennie McCallion.

Laurie Anne McCallion we miss you so much, but your Aunt and Uncles who have gone on before you, also love you and your constant effort to move forward, be happy and never to be shy.

Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the HULSE & ENGLISH FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL; 75 Church St. St. Catharines (905-684-6346). A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at 11 a.m. in the Chapel. Cremation to follow. Online tributes may be made at www.hulseandenglish.com