Laurie D Ballantyne

April 5, 1963 – August 27, 2024

Laurie Denise Ballantyne passed away in Calgary, Alberta on August 27, 2024 at the age of 61.

She was born in Scarborough Township, the fifth child of James and Helen Ballantyne. Laurie was raised and attended elementary and high school in Rockwood and Schomberg, Ontario.

After graduating high school, Laurie attended the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon and the University of Calgary. She was ultimately awarded a law degree and a Master of Social Work degree.

For the majority of her career, Laurie worked for the Government of Alberta and Calgary women’s shelters as a Registered Social Worker. She was very diligent, usually juggling two jobs, and working seven days a week. It was only in the past year that Laurie was convinced to start taking Sundays off to rest and recuperate.

In her adult years, Laurie embraced and learned more about her Indigenous ancestry and culture. She was a proud status member of the Mohawks of Akwesasne and enjoyed collecting artifacts such as quill and birch bark baskets and attending local cultural events and courses. As an elder, Laurie mentored younger women, many of whom shared her cultural roots.

Laurie confessed to having a strong “hunter-gatherer instinct” and thrived on acquisition of all kinds, from grocery shopping at Costco, to combing through treasures at thrift shops and yard sales. She was always able to discover tremendous deals and gave many of her purchases away to others.

Laurie chose country music as the soundtrack to her life, especially songs by Dallas Smith and Garth Brooks, and looked forward to attending concerts whenever she could. She loved freshly baked bread and adored quality milk chocolate. Her favourite animals were frogs and whales and she embarked upon whale watching excursions as often as possible. In December of 2023, Laurie’s brother, Richard, took her on a final whale watching adventure in Puerto Vallarta, during which a family of Orcas repeatedly swam and breached alongside the boat.

Laurie’s close friends, brother Richard, and sister-in-law Tara are arranging a small, private Celebration of Life to honour Laurie and memories of their time together. Laurie cherished her friends and was particularly grateful for the loving support provided by Jenn, Terri, Bill and Rita, Denise, Sarah, and Glenda.

Should anyone wish to honour Laurie’s memory in a tangible way, a donation to a charity dear to her heart, such as the Wellspring Carma House, Calgary Food Bank, Legacy Place Society for First Responders, or the AARCS Pet Food Assistance Program is respectfully suggested