Laurie Bjornson

Laurie Ann Bjornson

On April 15th, 2017, with her family by her side, Laurie Ann Bjornson passed away in Portage la Prairie. She was 62 years old.

She will be lovingly remembered by husband, Shane, daughters, Megan (Rich) Sloik, Karina (Trevor) Hill, grandchildren, Brooke, Bree, Rhett and Maisie, brothers Cal (Debbie) Bjornson, Erik (Lynne) Bjornson, Barry (Mary) Smith, sisters Kerry Noton, Dawn (Al) Armstrong, Marnie (Simon) Bjornson, Dayle Bjornson, Margo (Brian) Smith, Eileen Smith, aunt Marlys (Ted) Carruthers, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and special friends.

She was predeceased by her parents Bernie and Blythe Bjornson, Sean and Olive Smith, brothers Dan Bjornson and John Noton, and nephew Rorie Smith.

Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, she spent most of her childhood growing up in Fort Richmond. As the oldest of eight children, she evolved from being an only daughter, to big sister, to motherly matriarch of the family.

From a school age, Laurie was inquisitive, analytical, and a stand-up for what you believe in individual being part of a group of girls who protested the mandatory wearing of skirts in schools resulting in a change of school uniform dress code.

Laurie enrolled at the University of Manitoba where she received her Education degree. She obtained her first teaching position in Gillam, Manitoba where she taught for three years.

A fortunate turn of events would see Laurie win the lottery of rolling into a community where the ratio of men to women was 10-1. Enter Shane. Two young teachers, in a remote community.  Shane had a lot of work to do. But, after a mutual friend connection, and a bit of persistence, a great love emerged. Shane and Laurie were married on August 5, 1978.

Once married, Laurie and Shane settled on a home in Portage la Prairie. Over the years, they grew by two welcoming beautiful daughters Megan and Karina.

Laurie spent her early days of motherhood at home with her girls. She would eventually return to work as a Junior High teacher at Prince Charles School. After years of teaching she obtained the position of Guidance Counsellor. She served as an educator for the Portage la Prairie School Division for over 20 years.

Above having a love for her students in her school, Laurie had a love for happy, healthy families. Early on in her career she joined the board of the, now, Tupper Street Family Resource Centre. She was dedicated to serving on that board for over 25 years.

Those who knew her would know of her caring and selfless ways that put everyone’s needs ahead of her own. There was nothing she loved more than spending time with her family, friends and being Ama to her grandchildren.

Some of Laurie’s happiest times were spent around Shane, the girls and the piano in the basement. One of her steady requests was “In My Life” by the Beatles. This song is a fitting description of Laurie and expresses just how much her family and friends are going to miss her.

Though I know I'll never lose affection

For people and things that went before

I know I'll often stop and think about them

In my life, I love you more.

Memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at the William Glesby Centre at 11:00 am.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Laurie’s memory to the Manitoba Lung Association 301 - 1 Wesley Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4C6 or to the MS Society Manitoba Division 1465 Buffalo Place, Suite 100 Winnipeg, MB, R3T 1L8.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com