Obituary

1916-2021 Laura Irene Coulter (Ellis) passed away peacefully on Monday, April 26, 2021 at the age of 105. Laura was born on the Ellis farm near Holstein, Ontario on February 23, 1916. She was pre-deceased by her father Thomas Ellis and her mother Anne (Reid); her brother James and her sisters Effie Aitken, Ella Neal and Ada Ellis. She was also predeceased by the love of her life, husband Robert Hartman (Hart) in 1998. Laura was devoted to all of her family. She is survived by her sons Glenn Hartman (Ghislaina), Thomas Lawrence (Lorainne), Robert Scott (Pam) and her special “daughter” Carmel Preyra; her six grandchildren Nikki Raquel Hrustich (John), Kelly Sue Gardner (Christopher), Chara Dawn Coulter (Paul), Shawna Lorainne Coulter, Brandon Scott Coulter and Robert Benjamin Coulter (Julie); and five great-grandchildren Jack and Noah Hrustich, Gracie, Makana and Carter Gardner. Laura was warm, wise, and a trailblazer, a people magnet that caused so many to call her “a very special lady.” Laura had a zest for life whether it was having a quiet tea with friends, or out exploring the back roads. She was steadfast in her respect and affection for all people championing their rights and shattering any notion of society’s limitations with a gentle ferocity. Laura will best be remembered for her remarkably kind heart, her inner confidence, and her ability to make you feel important and at ease. She brought a ray of sunshine to everything she did and everyone she touched. Laura was tenacious, accomplishing anything she set her mind to, never taking anything for granted, or demanding anything from anyone. Laura knew how to delight in each moment, and very simply, knew how to enjoy her life. Laura’s life experiences were vast over her 105 years encountering untold changes in life style and technology head on. She enjoyed travelling with Hart, and sometimes friends, to Australia, Europe, the UK, Hawaii, Florida, and across Canada. One thing remained constant throughout was her love of Hart and her family. She was definitely happiest surrounded by family. Laura beamed and excelled when it came to flowers and gardening. She was renowned for her flower gardens at the family home in Cataract. It was not uncommon for passers by to stop and ask if they could walk through her gardens. Laura was a Garden Club of Ontario certified judge of flower arrangements, and routinely won many prizes for her arrangements in local competitions. Laura was awarded a Life Membership in both the Orangeville and Ontario Horticultural Societies. Not only did she excel at flowers, but also baking, particularly all kinds of pies and butter tarts. Laura was interred in Alton Cemetery on April 29, 2021 following a ceremony conducted by Reverend Emma Pipes of Knox United Church, Caledon. A “Celebration of Laura’s Life” will be scheduled at a later date when the challenges and limitations of Covid-19 are behind us. Rest in peace Mum, Grandma, Great Grandma, Laura, we all love you! A tree will be planted in memory of Laura in the Dods & McNair Memorial Forest at the Island Lake Conservation Area, Orangeville. The next annual dedication service will be held on Sunday, September 12, 2021 at 2:30pm. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.dodsandmcnair.com