Noella Laurence

On October 13th, 2021, Noella Laurence, passed away peacefully, with family holding her hand and music filling the room.

Noella is survived by five of her children, Judy Marsales of Ontario, Robert Laurence of Virginia (Jamie), Sandy Michaud of Ontario (Victor), Sharon Beggs of British Columbia (Ernie) and Janet Laurence of Ontario. She cherished her 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Noella is predeceased by husband, Robert Wylie Laurence and sons James Laurence (Jody) and Brian Laurence (infant).

Born the third of 10 children, to Eva Marie Boiselle of Quebec, and Ana Paul Van Vliet of the Netherlands, in South Junction, Manitoba. The family were market gardeners, on the family farm in Charleswood. At 16, her family moved to British Columbia. Noella chose to stay in Winnipeg, which would remain her home the rest of her life. Noella and Robert (Bob) set up house in St. Vital, and had 7 children. The family attended Christ the King church on St. Mary’s Road, where Noella enjoyed bingo and socials in the parish hall. She worked at the Horseshoe Inn, and the Jolly Canuck, at the Bay, on Portage Avenue.

Noella had a love of all music, but especially classic country western. She only needed to hear a line, or a few words strung together, to inspire singing. As a long-time member of Norberry Community Club, she enjoyed square dancing and bingo. Noella was also a member of the Belgium Club. She also enjoyed bus trips to South Beach and Club Regent.

Noella shared her love of playing cards and competitive nature with her kids and grandkids. Big family dinners at our St. Mary’s Road home were followed by games of Rummoli and poker. Having all of Noella’s kids together, were amongst the happiest days of her life. Noella never held back from winning and taking home the pot, no matter how young the other players were. Life lessons, early.

In recent years, Noella travelled across North America, visiting her kids and grandkids, relishing the time together. While she could have moved anywhere, Noella chose to stay in St. Vital. Mom was comfortable sitting in her chair, beside the phone that had a button labelled for each of her kids. When anyone called, Noella always answered with a cheerful greeting, regardless of what life threw at her. Another life lesson.

The Laurence family will forever be grateful for the friends, support staff from Comfort’s of Homecare, nurses and staff in the palliative care unit of Health Sciences Centre. People to thank are too numerous to mention, but please be assured we are profoundly grateful.