Well done, Mom.
An incredible life well-lived, full of gratitude and love ended its journey on June 2, 2025 when Laura Diana Mae Shannon, 90, passed away peacefully in the home she built with Dad 70 years ago. Grateful for the opportunity to spend her final weeks caring for Mom were all five of her kids – Alison, Vicki, Dian, Kary, and Brian.
Laura was born on Oct. 2, 1934 to Mary and Charles LaPlante in Port Arthur, Ontario, the 8th of 13 children. Following the death of her mother, Laura and 3 of her siblings were placed in St. Joseph Indian Residential School. Mom told us that on her last day at the school, she sat on the bed and vowed “None of my children will ever have to beg for love.” And we never did. Not for one second. Nor did any family members, friends, neighbours or most people who came in contact with Mom! She was a smiler, a hugger, a kisser with everyone she met, and if you had the good fortune to meet Mom, you came away happier for the experience.
Following a destined meeting at a Finlandia Club dance, Laura married George Shannon with whom she shared 54 wonderful years of romance, laughter and adventure before Dad passed in 2006. They built a house on Belton Road which became home to the many lively activities of their kids and anyone who wanted to join the fun. Never afraid of adventure, Laura and George moved after retirement to spend time with family in Burlington, St. Clements, Barrie and Priddis (Calgary) until they finally returned to Thunder Bay. Many happy years were spent camping at Sibley, on road trips and travelling with family and friends, and sitting around bonfires. Not a second in a day was wasted as they passed many enjoyable hours sharing their skills and talents in woodworking, quilting, and painting.
Laura continued to enjoy a very full life after 80, dancing, volunteering, cooking in the breakfast program at Algonquin Ave. School, tackling a half-marathon, rappelling down 14 stories in a fundraiser, ziplining over Eagle Canyon, and becoming a university student at Lakehead University at the same time as one of her grandsons.
Until we meet again, Laura leaves behind her daughters Alison (Mike), Vicki (Arturo), Dian (Keith), Kary (Brian), and son Brian (Stephanie), and #6 on the speed dial, Cleo (Cliff and family). All of her grandchildren were very special to Nanny. Jaime (Logan), Jeffrey (MC), Alex (Laila), Daniel (Mel), David (Sarah), Stuart (Christina), Taylor (Clay), Kyle, Annie-Laura, Neive, Nicholas/Forbes, Claire, Bradley, Brianne, and Finnegan will miss her big heart so very much. Great-grandchildren Addie, Kaiya, Layla, Lenny, Ellen, Owen, Ms.K, Emily, Georgia, and Lauren will often be reminded of their great-grandmother and her wonderful legacy. Special family includes Shelley, Keith, Dawn, Therese and numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved very much. Extended family included the Grahams, Herckmans, Martins and Walkers, and good friend Ed Bociurko.
Laura was predeceased by her husband George, as well as her 12 siblings including Cissy, Laverna, Georgie, Jack, Pat, and Gene. She was also predeceased by several nieces and nephews, and many good friends
Thanks to our many friends who helped us create a circle of care and love for Mom over the past 6 years, including Leanne G., Jason M., Rob K., Paula L. and the Churchill gang who often fed us and helped move Mom several times. Heartfelt thanks to Tracey G. for your loving care of Mom, and her excellent healthcare team, including Wendy who helped with Mom’s palliative journey.
As per Laura’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of her life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations would be gratefully welcomed to the Boys and Girls Club of Thunder Bay.
We offer so much gratitude to our amazing partners and families who checked in daily to keep us healthy, loved and able to continue honouring Mom’s wish to pass at home. We love you so much.
For her grandkids, great-grandkids and the generations to come, remember… Nana loved to dance. She loved to laugh. She was spontaneous and courageous and loved a great adventure. Heck, she loved a mediocre adventure! That is her legacy to you. Live it. Her kids certainly will be.
Dad, over to you. Our love is with you both always. We’ll talk every day.
- Love Alison, Vicki, Dian, Kary and Brian
Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
