Laura (Travis, Nee Peterson) Brown

Laura Florence Brown (Travis, nee Peterson) of Ingersoll ON, on Wednesday July 17th in her 81st year was reunited with her beloved granddaughter Payten Lara Vanderklooster (July 17, 2004-Oct 9, 2006).  Daughter of John and Verna Peterson, Laura was born in Chatham ON. Cherished mother to Brian Travis of Vancouver B.C, Belinda Janes (Trevor) of Etobicoke and Bonnita Vanderklooster (Paul) of Beachville. Treasured Grandma to Mackenzie, Steven (Sarah), Spencer (Erika), Scott (Ashley), Candis (Tamas), Brandon (Mekaila), Brianna, Bonnita (Riley) and great grandma to Evaleigh and Ayla. The eldest of four girls, she will be tremendously missed by Ann Shaw (late Barry), Fran Vandermeer (late Tony) and Jackie Polyak.  Aunt/Auntie Laura (Lollie, Lollipop, Lols) will be immeasurably missed by many nieces and nephews & great nieces and nephews.  She had a very special relationship with so many of them. Family and friends were everything to Laura and she never missed sending out a birthday blessing, even to family she had not yet had the pleasure of meeting.  Once the arrival of a new bundle was announced, in her book it went! Once she figured out Facebook, she was beyond thrilled!  Allowing her to keep in touch with all of her loved ones, it was a true gift for her, she was lost without her iPad. Nobody sent better emojis, memes and gifs than she did. Laura was the best Mom, Sister, Auntie, Grandma, friend, and everything in between. Simply stated, she was LOVE!  Every single person she met was touched by her kind and compassionate soul.  And if you were a friend, you were family. The most caring and empathetic person, she was always there for others with a big hug ,a kiss or both or simply just to lend a listening ear.  Forever supporting and never ever judging, she would forgive you a thousand times if needed.  She was over the top generous with her “I love you’s”, never afraid to let people know how she felt. Her daily messages of love and blessings will be sorely missed by many….

Laura lived in various cities in south-western Ontario throughout her life and had many types of jobs through the years.  She was known for her home decorating/crafting and gardening skills and was an absolute boss in the kitchen!  She loved all kinds of music and loved to dance. There was always music playing in the house no matter the hour.  She was always up for a party and especially loved to host them.  One of her biggest passions was to put on a huge spread for any occasion really; she created the charcuterie table before it was a thing! Laura’s greatest joy was helping, loving, caring and doing for others.

Laura rediscovered her Baptist faith in her later years and found comfort in her daily morning devotions.  Her faith and prayer gave her strength especially during these last few years as she battled several health issues. No matter how difficult, her faith never wavered.  Special thanks to Dr.Logan at the London Heather Sciences Centre who headed up her oncology team, the Ingersoll Senior Centre and Personal Support Workers who assisted Laura through out these last few years, very much appreciated, truly.

A celebration of life will be held for Laura Saturday October 5, 2024 at the Oxford County Naval Veterans Association in Woodstock beginning at 2pm.  Be sure to bring your dancing shoes!

Memorial donations can be made to Sakura House Hospice in Woodstock.  http://vonsakurahouse.com/ways-to-donate/

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou