Laurie Jean Irwin

Laurie Jean Irwin passed away peacefully in the morning hours of Tuesday, March 30, 2021 where she wanted to be - in her own home – with her family by her side.  For all of us who loved her – and that list is a long one - this news is bittersweet.  We had all hoped and prayed for more time with the woman who has shaped, nurtured, supported, and loved us all.  However, we also know how tirelessly Laurie fought against the relentless pain and suffering that cancer seemed intent on imparting on her. Ultimately, it was the same powerful spirit and inner strength that Laurie was able to draw upon in her final days – making the purposeful decision to return home to be with her cherished family and friends rather than pursue further treatment.

Everyone will agree that Laurie was devoted to her family and her friends. For any of us lucky enough to be a part of her village, we always knew that Laurie would go to the ends of the earth to help anyone in need. No one loved without question or obligation more than Laurie.   She has left a legacy of love too extensive to list everyone individually. However, we want to acknowledge that her dear, loyal, and beloved husband of 50 years, Lyndon, was with her every step of the way.  Her daughters, Corrie and Lyndsey, worked hard to be with Laurie as often and as much as possible. Whether it was medical interpretation (Corrie) or continuous humor (Lyndsey), Laurie’s girls were never far away. The family who sat together to discuss the cancer diagnosis and treatment options were the same family who sat together to make the difficult decision to return home. Laurie had recently said goodbye to her brother, Don, after his journey with cancer, and what she wanted was a similar and dignified end of life path to travel.

Born in Kindersley, Saskatchewan in September of 1952, Laurie made an impression on the world no matter where she went and no matter what she did.    Her parents Cory and Margaret Veldhoen always expected that their daughter was going to make a positive impression on the world – and she did so with a career that extended beyond 40 years in nursing. A lifetime LPN, Laurie recently noted that at one point in her career she had contemplated returning to school to complete her RN designation, and she wondered if that would be a ‘regret’ on her bucket list for not completing the training.  However, during her many hospitalizations over the last 5 years, she observed the changes in the profession over the years and remarked she was so grateful for her LPN licence as it inevitably kept here where she wanted to always be; providing hands-on care to the patients. 

Besides her career as a nurse, Laurie also was instrumental in supporting the lives of her daughters and their children. Laurie was an incredible grandmother (Gramma Laurie /Grams) and all 10 of her grandchildren loved her as fiercely as she did them.  When asked about what she was most proud of in her life – she did not skip a beat in reporting “my Family”.

Laurie also was a tireless supporter and advocate for those less fortunate.  Beyond the countless charities and organizations that considered Laurie as a reliable and consistent benefactor. Laurie always kept a close eye on the needs in her own backyard, and her kitchen table always had room for the ‘plus one’ who inevitably showed up, unannounced but seemingly always expected and always accepted. We suspect some of you reading this have been that ‘plus one’ at some time of another.  The ‘little yellow house on the corner’ was a safe, loving and welcoming meeting place.  This was Laurie’s influence.  This was who Laurie was – through and through. 

A Celebration of Life for Laurie – and what a life it was to celebrate – will be planned when COVID restrictions allow. However, we know that many of you would like to acknowledge this amazing woman who made a lasting impression on your life. To that end, we invite you to donate in Laurie’s name to one of the organizations below that were near and dear to Laurie’s heart:

The Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter;

500 – 1509 Centre Street SW, Calgary, AB T2G 2E6

Canadian Cancer Society;

200, 325 Manning Road NE, Calgary AB T2E 2P5

Laurie’s passing has created a hole in our hearts that feels so incredibly empty and leaves us questioning why such a beautiful and selfless soul would depart this lifetime so early.  It is a testament to her grace, caring and considerate nature that we know that it is only possible to believe that her genuine altruistic demeanor will live on around us and in us.

Mother Teresa was noted to have said: ‘Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love’. Laurie lived and breathed by this principle.  For that we are eternally filled with gratitude and love and we wish for each of you the same comfort and reassurance that we have.