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Laurie passed peacefully surrounded by her family on January 12, 2022 at Northumberland Hills Hospital in Cobourg, Ontario at 61 years of age. Beloved wife of Don Forster. Cherished daughter of Kenneth and Violet Pratt of Barrie. Dear sister of Mark Pratt (Peggy) of Owen Sound and aunt of Carley (Jordan) and Samantha. She will be fondly remembered by Krista, Shannon, Phoenix, Carter and Emma along with countless other family members.
Laurie was a wonderful, loving, warm member of her community. She loved nothing more than making connections with people. Whether it was at local shops or someone on the street, Laurie always took the time to listen and respond to those around her. She touched the lives of everyone she met everywhere she went and she will be greatly missed. She was an avid crafter, musician, traveler and fur-mama. Special thanks to the wonderful team of the Palliative Care unit at NHH.
There will be a service to celebrate Laurie's life on Saturday April 9th, 2022 at the MacCoubrey Funeral home, 30 King St., E., Cobourg at 1 pm. (The family have respectfully asked that all those attending over the age of 12 be fully vaccinated and that everyone must wear a mask). Those wishing may make a memorial donation to the Canadian Cancer Society, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre or the Northumberland Humane Society.
Very thoughtful service to honour a lovely daughter. The ability to remember is a gift from god to be cherished.
We were so very sad to hear of Laurie's passing as she had come to the UK several times to join in with The Photographic Group meets and other events. A little group of us (including Laurie) met on other occasions too and we got to know Laurie and her lovely personality. Kind, generous, caring and funny. We had lots of fun and were very happy to see Laurie. She bought a hand made knitting bowl from our little narrowboat business (crafts from reclaimed wood) and was delighted with it. We met up at Whitby for a Steampunk event. We went on Photographic shoots to various places, and met at a pub a couple of times when a band was playing. Laurie was a great person and loved joining in and having fun. She will be missed by her friends in the UK. Thank you so much for including us in Laurie's memorial service. It means a lot to us. The family stories and Carley's poem were very moving. Thank you. Sending love and hugs and our condolences to Laurie's family and friends. Christine Buckley and Paul Hirst from Staffordshire, UK
I loved seeing my cousin whenever our families were together. It was always a joyous occasion, had lots of laughs and I loved her a lot. I missed seeing her grow up and become the wonderful, talented person she came to be and all her accomplishments. She's in a wonderful place with family around her. I know I will see her again and have a great time catching up. Until then Laurie. My condolences to my Aunti Vi, Uncle Ken, Mark, Don and the rest of her family. Until I see you again Laurie, love Cindy
I loved seeing my cousin whenever our families were together. It was always a joyous occasion, had lots of laughs and I loved her a lot. I missed seeing her grow up and become the wonderful, talented person she came to be and all her accomplishments. She's in a wonderful place with family around her. I know I will see her again and have a great time catching up. Until then Laurie. Love Cindy
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Laurie and I became best friends in kindergarten, and our friendship continued for our whole lives. For me, it will never end. Laurie's intelligence, energy, sense of humour and enthusiasm, and the love that she radiated, made her an incredibly special woman. Her passing is heartbreaking. I have spent many hours over the past months remembering the times Laurie and I shared over the decades. My mom loved Laurie, too, and she often talked about the times we had with Laurie in my parents' home in Etobicoke and then Ottawa. My love and wishes for comfort go to Don, Vi, Ken, Mark and Laurie's whole family.
Fond memories of Laurie, from earlier days in Rexdale. Such a kind individual who accepted everyone as they were and welcomed everyone. Sending deepest condolences to her Family & close friends. Katharine-Gillard -McCord
Love and Prayers to all Laurie's family. Years pass, we move and lose contact with people. I remember Laurie growing up and when she was in her teens having visits in our home in Rexdale. She was a lovely girl, warm and kind. I have many happy memories of the Pratt Family. May God be with each one of you! My favorite Hymn is, He Giveth More Grace. I pray that for each one of Laurie's family and friends. I just found out on Thursday. Love, Rita
I am so sorry to hear of Laurie’s passing. I will remember with fondness her kind spirit and the fun we had at Barry Manilow shows. I am sending my deepest condolences to her family.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Charity of Your Choice
On behalf of the staff at Shalem Mental Health Network we wish to pass along our condolences to all of Laurie's family and friends. She had been a service provider to our CAP ministry for several years, having been a blessing to the clients she met with and to our partnership with her. We join you in your grief and wish you comfort as you celebrate her life and mourn her loss.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Cancer Society
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Cancer Society
I met Laurie through my work & we connected immediately. Laurie was definitely in the right profession as she was truly a people person. Laurie accepted everyone “where they were at” & spread the caring, helpful support every person deserves & wants. Lorie loved teaching…….. in her desire to spread the attitudes & clinical approaches that she believed should be shared to every person studying to work with other people. Laurie was definitely not ready to leave she had so much she wanted to continue to learn, enjoy, share….so I am guessing the good Lord is going to have a special assignment for Laurie to continue helping others. Blessings to Laurie’s family & friends her legacy lives on in many 💕 hearts.
Very sorry to hear of Laurie's passing. I played Double Bass with her in the Orchestra several years back and always enjoyed chatting with her. My wife Jen also knew her through her work and at church. She will be greatly missed.
Laurie was such a special, kind, generous, and thoughtful person, and we will miss her being part of our knitting groups at Yarn It. I am so very sorry for your loss. She was so not ready to go yet, and we were nowhere near ready to lose her.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Sending my deepest condolences to Laurie's family. A wonderful lady! Thoughts & prayers are with you all. Carol
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Humane Society
Our neighbour and friend Laurie will be missed so much. She was the first person to welcome us to Cedarmere Ave. when we moved in almost five years ago. She filled us in on the basics, like the garbage pick-up schedule and the nearest vet. She was delighted to know we had a cat, and when she adopted her second kitty Oliver, she brought him right over so we could meet him. We often chatted on the street and talked about gardens, cats and about the little "fairy door" she installed on the trunk of a tree in her front yard, among so many other things. She was looking forward to her eventual retirement and we are heartbroken that she didn't get to enjoy her plans for the future, including travel adventures. Our deepest condolences (from Jodi, Mike and Kelly) to Don and the rest of her family. We will miss her positive spirit, but know that it lives on in us all.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Cancer Society
I am deeply saddened by Laurie's passing. She was my college Professor at Loyalist College. She was warm, passionate and caring. She was my favorite professor. I was in several classes of which she taught. My favorite was counseling. She made everyone feel capable of not only counseling but following their dreams. She spoke about her continuing education while teaching, counseling and being a part of the community. We shared a chuckle over the lasagna story. She made a pan for her husband when he went hunting, and well apparently the other men who hunted with her husband wives had made the same for 5 days. She told us he never liked it after. She shared her excitement for her trip to Europe. Showed off her nice boots when she returned. Laurie was an amazing women. The world is a colder place now. I am truly sorry for her family's loss. God bless.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Humane Society
I knew Laurie as a friendly fellow musician in the Northumberland Orchestra. I was always impressed that she had chosen to play such a huge instrument, the double bass My sincere condolences to Don and family. I have made a donation to the Northumberland Humane Society.
I had Laurie Pratt as a professor for a few classes at Loyalist College in 2021. I remember starting in person in September and Laurie teaching my counselling class and I never felt I had a professor who had as big of a heart as Laurie. Laurie was always someone who cared for each of her students and pushed them to be better. I had many work-related concussions from September till the time she went off in October and she was someone who worked with me at my pace. Laurie inspired our class with her dreams of counselling in England and all over the world. Rest Easy Laurie❤️❤️
I had Laurie Pratt as a professor for a few classes at Loyalist College in 2021. I remember starting in person in September and Laurie teaching my counselling class and I never felt I had a professor who had as big of a heart as Laurie. Laurie was always someone who cared for each of her students and pushed them to be better. I had many work-related concussions from September till the time she went off in October and she was someone who worked with me at my pace. Laurie inspired our class with her dreams of counselling in England and all over the world. Rest Easy Laurie❤️❤️
When my family and I first moved onto Hinton Road in Rexdale, we thought ourselves so lucky to be living next door to the Pratt's. Kind, caring, friendly, and inclusive were qualities readily associated with the Pratt family. Laurie was 5 months younger than myself, and one of the first things I remember about her was her hearty laugh that was so infectious and spontaneous. Even at age eleven, her warmth, kindness, and generosity of spirit shone through. It's been decades since I have seen Laurie, but I have never forgotten the kindness's extended by her and her family to our family. My sincerest and heart felt condolences to Don, Mr. and Mrs. Pratt, Mark, and all the extended family. From reading the obituary narrative, it does not surprise me that the things I remember about Laurie at the beginning of her life, were lived out her entire life. Clearly a life that was well lived.
Mark we are so very sorry to hear about the passing of your sister. May you & your family know God's peace and comfort at this tough time. We pray that you will be comforted with good memories. Please accept our deepest sympathy. Hugs Ed & Moe
A cheerful meeting led me to invite Laurie to join the Northumberland Orchestra & Choir as a double-bass player..... she filled in and helped the NOC for many a good time, and everyone enjoyed her contribution. Her daytime job and different working hours clashed with rehearsals and concerts; so ended the relationship.... but she is still remembered. She had an enviable personality. Don, my condolences and Laurie, Rest in peace.
I’m so sorry to hear of Laurie’s passing. We went through school together and played in the school orchestra. She was always warm, welcoming, and a lot of fun. Years later we met again at our high school reunion and I was so happy to reconnect with the same down to earth person she had always been.
Deepest condolences to Don and to the whole family. I will miss our enjoyable, impromptu deep discussions, girl talk and solving of the world’s problems usually in one of our driveways during the past 20+ years. Laurie’s positive attitude and outlook on everything is something I will try to carry on. Miss you Laurie…
Laurie and Don are our next door neighbors, we shall miss the good morning neighbor and chats across the fence. Don, our heartfelt condolences to you and your family
My sincerest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Laurie. I had Laurie as a professor from 2016 to 2018. She was the very first person I connected with and during my time in the program we connected over a few things and she helped me signifanctly. What stood out about Laurie is that she had a knack for making people feel comfortable and that they counted. She made everything seem so down to earth. She shared her own stories reminding people of their own humanness. I will always remember her incredibly infectious laugh, her beautiful smile and her gorgeous outfits. You just knew she loved her life and that was contagious. Carissa
Sincerest condolences to family and friends near and far. Laurie was my teacher for the SSW program at Loyalist college quite awhile back. She was an amazing teacher and will be truly missed
My Condolences to Laurie's family....I had the pleasure of having Laurie as one of my professors in the SSW program at Loyalist from 2014-2017. During my time in the program Laurie helped me through and to overcome a lot being a student with a physical disability. I will always remember and cherish the conversations we had and the things that she taught me. Thank you Laurie! You will always hold a special place in my heart. I will miss you!
Dear Vi nd Ken, so very sorry to hear of your loss, Brad was kind enough to call me and let me know. My thoughts and prayers are there for you and your family.
Sorry for your loss. Laurie spent many years sharing her knowledge with others.
My heartfelt condolences to Don and all of Laurie's family. I will never forget the first time I met Laurie. I was in my home in Baltimore and a knock came to my door. When I opened the door she said "hi Lori Pratt, I'm Laurie Pratt, it's nice to meet you", just too funny. We laughed about this lots and she always thought it was funny to tell people, when we were out together, hi "I'm Laurie Pratt and this is my friend Lori Pratt". We didn't see a lot of each other but always enjoyed our times together and picked up right where we left off. I will dearly miss her. She was a constant bundle and energy and joy! Bye for now Laurie, I will see you again some day! You will all be in my thoughts and prayers. The other Lori Pratt
To the whole family, my husband and I (Joe, Renata Paiva)(friends of Mark and Peggy)would like to extend our deepest sympathies on the loss of Laurie. Although we didn't know her personally, we remember Peggy always talking about her when we use to work together at Bayview Glen Alliance Church. May you all feel God's presence, peace and comfort during this difficult time. God's richest blessings on all of you. Joe and Renata Paiva
My most heart felt sympathies to Laurie’s husband and family..she was such an amazing person and she made a tremendous impact on everyone she worked with and taught. I had the privilege of crossing paths with Laura many years ago through work , and over the years, we continued to run into one another in the community and work related functions. She was a beautiful woman, kind hearted and beyond compassionate. Her legacy will live on…Rest in peace, Laurie xx
I am so sorry to here of Laurie's passing. I met her many years ago when she is came into the clothing store that I manage. She was a wonderful person and my heart goes out to her family.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Humane Society
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
I had the honour of having Laurie as a teacher in the SSW program at Loyalist from 2016-2018. She was a truly wonderful person who supported her students, whether it was a weekly stitch and bitch in her office or offering an ear for frustrated students. She truly left a mark on my life and for that I will be forever grateful. I am sending my thoughts to her family, especially her niece, who she spoke of often while beaming with pride. Jen Wiechenthal
Awww our dear, dear cousin Laurie, an earthly angel who has gained her wings. Gary and I are so heartbroken that you’ve moved to your Heavenly home far too soon. We pray that Don, Mark, Peggy, Carley, Samantha, Aunt Vi and Uncle Ken find comfort in all their cherished memories to, as John Denver/Plácido Domingo sang in PERHAPS LOVE ….”The memory of love will see you through❣️” Sending caring hugs from Donna Jacobs-McCourt & Gary McCourt
Dear Don. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. Laurie’s infectious smiles and laughter will be missed.