Laura Walker
July 6, 2025
Death Notice of Laura Walker
Laura Lynne Walker, of Southgate and formerly of Toronto, passed away on Sunday, July 6th, 2025 in her 73rd year. Dear aunt of Robbie Walker and his wife Crystal, Michael Walker and his wife Amy Wilson, and Christine Walker. Laura will be missed by her dear friend Sharon Sinclair, her aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Predeceased by her parents Russ and Marion Walker, and her brother Kevin Walker.
Cremation has taken place. To celebrate Laura’s life, a final Farmfest will be held at her home, The Phoenix Farm, 283054 Southgate Glenelg Townline, Southgate on Saturday, August 16th from 1 – 4 p.m., with memories being shared at 3 p.m. Please come in casual attire and please bring your own lawn chair.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to the Grey Bruce Animal Shelter would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the McCulloch-Watson Funeral Home, Durham.
Laura’s passion for life manifested in every aspect of her being. Her early interest in music developed into a lifelong ambition to share her creative gifts.
As a dedicated teacher for many years, Laura not only invested endless hours preparing for classroom instruction, but she also extended her energy into directing musicals that showcased the talents of her cherished students.
Laura’s deep concern for the well-being of children made her an exceptional asset to the field of education. Her influence was felt not only in Ontario but also in Honduras where she worked tirelessly to provide needed resources for the community.
Laura was truly a visionary whose persistence and determination enabled her to fulfill her dream of owning a farm. Her rural properties allowed her free rein to embrace her love for animals.
In her personality, Laura demonstrated a lovely balance of Yin-Yang energy. With her soft-hearted nature, she provided a refuge for animals that needed a home and with her manual skills she could build facilities with her own strong hands. No chore seemed too daunting to tackle!
Following the deaths of her beloved brother and her father, Laura ensured that every need of her mother, Marion, was met with a devotion that also allowed her mother to maintain her independence. Their strong bond was celebrated in an annual farm festival where Laura could share with other loved ones the joy she found in her rural lifestyle.
Despite a car accident that seriously compromised her mobility, Laura once again demonstrated her indomitable willpower. Through relentless rehabilitation efforts she surpassed all medical predictions and managed to remain on her “Phoenix Farm”...so aptly named for the beautiful dreamer who conquered every challenge life presented.
Laura’s generosity of spirit was legendary and will remain a legacy for family and friends to treasure. Now she has “slipped the surly bonds of earth to dance the skies on laughter-silvered wings.”
Written by Sharon Sinclair
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Condolences
Laura Walker! I first met her in 2010 when she taught at Hanover Heights. She poured her whole being into bringing out the best in her aspiring student actors/singers. I am still in awe of how she directed the musical Cats! and Sussical the Musical. What an amazing experience she provided for her students! After she returned from Honduras, Anna and Sarah and I had the privilege of visiting her numerous times at her incredible Phoenix Farm. We will always treasure our memories of her.
— Carol van der Heide, August 1, 2025You can shed tears that she is gone
Or you can smile because she has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left.
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her
Or you can be full of the love that you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember her and only that she is gone
Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
Poem by David Harkins
Laura and our dad, Lorne Hanna, met in the spring of 1995 when Laura bought her first farm outside of Dundalk. Lorne walked Laura around her new property sharing his knowledge of the farm as well as his long farming experience. Laura took to farm life like a duck to water. Laura became fast friends with Lorne and his sister Georgina, opening her home and heart to them sharing many good times over the years to come. Rest in peace Laura, you left the world a better place. Marlene & Audrey Hanna
— Audrey and Marlene Hanna, July 27, 2025So sorry to hear of Laura's passing. I hadn't seen her lately, but we had some great conversations. Unfortunately I am going to the west aug 14 18, so will be away at the time of her visitation. Deepest sympathy is expressed to all the family.
— Leverne misch, July 21, 2025