HARPER, LAURA IRENE (nee THOMSON)

February 29, 1928 - January 6, 2026

Laura Irene Harper passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026. She is survived by her sons, Paul and Steve (daughter, Elizabeth Plowman, predeceased), and by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, to whom she offered unwavering presence, principled guidance, and unconditional love. Laura lived a life of grace and intention. Each day, she lived her life to its fullest potential and ensured the people around her experienced joy and meaning. With a jet-setter's heart, Laura fulfilled her life with experiences from around the world. From hiking glacier paths to profound waterfalls in Iceland to motorbiking through the streets of Vietnam, she saw the world and, through her journeys, helped shape the lives of children wherever she went. Over decades, Laura volunteered extensively with organizations supporting children, health, and community wellbeing, including the Epilepsy Association, Halton Children's Aid Society, the Addiction Research Foundation, Streetsville Meals on Wheels, the Canadian Cancer Society, Oakville Mental Health, and the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital Women's Auxiliary. She also served on the Social Service Worker Advisory Board at Sheridan College. Among all her commitments, Laura's deepest devotion was to Sleeping Children Around the World. From 1986 until her retirement in 2014, she served as a travelling volunteer, board member, and team leader, working across Asia, Africa, and Central America. She believed dignity began with the basics and devoted decades of her life to ensuring children had them. Her service was recognized with the Caring Canadian Award in 2004 and the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers in 2016, both presented by the Governor General of Canada. A teacher by training and by instinct, Laura began her career in the classroom, teaching in Oakville, Owen Sound, and Chatham Township. Learning never left her. She continued her education throughout her life at Western University, McMaster University, Sheridan College, the University of Toronto, and Erindale College, drawn to social education, leadership, and the study of how communities function. At the centre of her life was her husband, Michael R. Harper, the great love of her life, who predeceased her 44 years ago. Together, they built a life rooted in family, boating, travel, and shared purpose. Laura brought steadiness, discernment, and structure; Mike brought warmth, imagination, and joy. His influence remained woven into her worldview long after his death. Faith and service were not separate from her daily life; they were its architecture. Laura was a devoted member of St. Paul's United Church in Oakville for more than sixty years, serving in numerous organizing and leadership roles. Service was never performative. It was practical, sustained, and deeply felt. She had a gift for presence. A camera was rarely far from her hand, capturing both the extraordinary and the ordinary: a bridge half-crossed, a market stall at dusk, a child mid-moment. She noticed things. She believed noticing was a responsibility. Laura was widely travelled, yet deeply rooted. Often, you would find her nestled in her cozy red-door cabin, perched upon a hill overlooking Mary Lake. The kettle boiled with a plethora of flavoured teas, a fire burned just right, and she welcomed her guests with open arms and a generous release from the stresses of everyday life. She never missed a bridge game if she could help it and was always immersed in a new book, entrenched in mysteries or lives well lived. We can all take a page from Laura's story of adventure, passion, love, and curiosity. She was a woman who lived this life with pure intention and originality. A service celebrating Laura's life will be held at St. Paul's United Church, Oakville, on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., with a reception to follow at The Boathouse in Bronte at 3:00 p.m. Donations, if desired, may be made to Sleeping Children Around the World, St. Paul's United Church, Oakville, or Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital.