Obituaries

In loving memory of Laura Marguerite Holland Brayford who passed away at 97 years of age in the Cottonwoods Care Centre on October 22 2017.
She was the second daughter of the six Holland girls born to Ernie and Lill Holland in Maryfield, SK. Sister to Louise Biggs and Shirley Nickels of Kelowna and Elaine Wardrop of Winnipeg. She was predeceased by sisters Grace Taft (2010)and Muriel Irene Holland (1942).
After completing high school in Maryfield Laura moved to Winnipeg working as Stenographer.
On June 10, 1943 Laura married Daryl C. Brayford and they made their home in Yorkton, Kelvington, Indian Head and Saskatoon. Summers were spent at or on the lake at Carlyle and Waskesiu. Laura's most precious job was a fulltime Mom!
In later years, with sons grown, she returned to the workplace employed by the Saskatchewan Government Insurance Corp where she worked until retirement.

Laura had many loves in her life....
She was a devoted mother to Barry (Lorraine) of Summerland, BC and Kirk of Rosthern, SK. She encouraged her boy's adventures and captured those antics in precious photos....catching perch and giant bullfrogs, boating, fishing, bonfires, biking, swimming lessons! Aunt Laura was always happy to spend time with her nieces, nephews , Ray Taft, Anne Smith, Karen (John) Holland Biggs, Jeff (Jennifer) Biggs, Susan Nickels, Helen (Jason) Madsen, Hugh (Alana) Wardrop, Dave (Kim)Wardrop, Craig (Jody)Wardrop, Christy (Derwood)Arnstead, Mark (Jennifer)Brayford, Jennifer (Gordon)Beiber, Susan (Richard)Brayford, Brenda Macdonald, Bob Macdonald and Bill Macdonald and many grand nieces and nephews.
She was much loved by her step grandchildren: Winita(Randy) Zaichkowsky, Michael(Kelly) Plummer, Wanda (Tobin) Hulme, Michelle (Pete) Gervais and great grandchildren: Ashley (Joel), Greg (Josee), Corrie, Payton, Carter, Taylor (Nova)
and spent fun times at Sun Oka and Skaha beaches.
Laura loved duplicate bridge with a passion that stayed with her to the end. She was proud to receive her Life Masters certificate in 2002. She was a past member of Saskatoon Duplicate Bridge Club and Rutland Seniors Bridge Club.
She was a voracious appetite for reading and when not bridging would rarely be seen without a book in her hand.
Watching curling, figure skating and golf brought many hours of spirited conversation and enjoyment to Laura and her sisters.
She was renowned as the family seamstress for hems lengthened or shortened, tops, dresses and work uniforms redesigned or altered. For fashion advice she was the go to person.
Laura loved the lake and was an excellent swimmer, when no longer able to swim she would take her chair to the beach to read, watch the boats and listen to the waves lapping onshore. At 95 years young she went kayaking on Lake Okanagan !
She loved music, dancing and singing. She was a member of Cottonwoods Bell Choir.
Laura loved lilacs and the color purple a perfect backdrop for her blue eyes that usually had a twinkle of mischief.
She always treasured her friendships, bridge partners, dance partners and travel companions and made every effort to keep in contact over the years.
We will always remember Laura as the most kind, thoughtful and considerate person, not only with family, but with everyone. She was quick to offer a meal, a bed or just be there for you when you needed a friend. She would be the first to offer a ride be it to bridge, dancing or church. In her final weeks, impractical though it was, she was still offering those kindnesses! Laura was a past member of Trinity Baptist, Grace United and St Paul's United Church.
Laura was always honest and frank in her opinions and stood by her word. Sometimes a firm "no" or "it's your bid" clearly expressed her point of view, however she was never judgmental.
She developed a passion for ice cream later in life....a single cone please ....brought a wonderful smile of pure enjoyment!
Laura loved her family and her loved Laura! We miss you and love you Laura and are thankful for your time with us but are grateful that you can now rest in peace.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Cottonwoods for the compassionate care Laura received during the past three years. Special thanks to Carolyn and Navinder....you were special to her.

A celebration of Laura's life will be held on Thursday November 9, 2017 at 1:00 at First Memorial Funeral Services 1211 Sutherland Ave Kelowna BC.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com
Arrangements in care of First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC. 250-762-2299

• Oct 27, 2017
  To Barry and Kirk: I would like you to know that your mother was a very special person to me. She treated me with upmost kindness and lovingly cared for my mother. I am proud to say that I was her niece. Anne
• Oct 26, 2017
  I am sorry to hear of Laura's passing. It was a pleasure to take coffee to her and her sisters on Thursday afternoons. My sympathies go to you. Christine

• Make Castanet Your Homepage
• News Tips
• Advertising
• Contact Us