Laura Ella Harder

1927-2026

Laura Harder, born 16 April 1927, passed away peacefully on 22 January 2026. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 60 years, John, in 2007, and by all of her siblings (Peter, Bill, Anne and John) and by all of John’s siblings (Lily, Rose, Fred, David and Berta). She is survived by her three children, Ron (Brenda deceased, now Carol), Ralph (Judy) and Sandra (Angus), as well as multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a gentle soul,

loved by all who knew her, a faithful and supportive wife, and an absolutely amazing mother. She thrived on motherhood, adoring, relishing and nurturing her children who are all so much

better off because she was their mother.

Laura was born in rural Saskatchewan. Her early years were hard for her and her family, living through the great depression. As a young girl, her family moved to Yarrow, BC, where she remained throughout her teen years. She left school early to help support her family. In 1947 she married John and together they moved to Vancouver while John completed his schooling at UBC. During this time they also started a family with Ron coming in 1948 and Ralph in 1949. After graduating, John joined the military and thus they began a life of frequent moves. Sandra joined the family in 1953 in Bellville, Ontario. Laura stayed busy, keeping the family thriving

through moves to St, Jean, PQ; Metz, France; Trenton, ON; Goderich, ON; Winnipeg, Man; London, ON; Soest and Lahr, Germany (with the boys no longer at home and where Laura completed her high school education); and Ottawa, ON (where Sandra married). Without the

kids, they also lived briefly in Florida, Kingston, ON, and eventually settled in Kelowna, BC.

Laura excelled in the arts that are foundational to society: the raising of children, the making of a home that felt relatively predictable, preparing great food, and hospitality. Doing all these things amidst the challenge of being a military wife on the move must not have been easy. She modelled the strength that comes from Christian faith and establishing deep bonds of friendship with other women. She was a skilled seamstress, making beautiful clothing for her daughter and grandchildren for many years. When it

was necessary, she contributed to the family income by working outside the home. Her last few years were hard, and it may have been difficult for those who only knew her in her old age to recognize the considerable influence Laura had in making our world a better place.

She is now in the nearer presence of God and her Saviour, but has left the world a better place because of her life. It was a life well and faithfully lived. She is missed.

Celebration of Life

Valleyview Funeral Home

165 Valleyview Road, Kelowna, BC

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 - 11:00 AM