It is with great sadness that the family of Laura Jean Graham announces her passing on July 26th, 2022 in Kamloops, BC at the age of 67. Laura was born in Vancouver on November 3rd, 1954.
She is survived by her son Graham Hendry of Vancouver; her siblings Mike (Sharon) Graham of Coquitlam and Nancy (Michael) Sharkey of Gibsons; her nephews Russell and Rhys Sharkey; stepchildren Paul (Lisa) Rodd [their daughter, Olivia], Courtney (Benjamin) Rodd, and Ben Rodd; and countless family friends, ladies’ golf partners, and PEO sisters. Laura was predeceased by her parents Shirley (2012) and Gordon Graham (2015), and her second husband Gordon Rodd (2021).
Laura was a strong-willed, passionate, and creative soul. At a young age, she spent countless hours at the rink honing her figure skating skills. Early mornings, with a chocolate bar in hand, this is where Laura practiced and started to perfect her work ethic, her driven nature, and her determined attitude.
Spending most of her formative years growing up in Vancouver, Edmonton and Chilliwack, Laura set out for the University of Victoria, after a trip to the States helped her choose between pursuing a career in fashion or education. Once earning her undergraduate degree in Honours English, she spent the next 6 months backpacking in Europe with some friends. Upon returning home, Laura taught a few years in Hope, B.C. before moving to Kamloops where she met her first husband, Wayne Hendry, and she spent the remainder of her career, teaching anything from Textiles, Physical Education to English Literature- her passion. Upon entry into administration, Laura could not leave the classroom behind and taught small classes of English Literature at NorKam (as a vice principal) and Valleyview (as principal) so the programs could get up off the ground; never skipping an opportunity to dress up as Queen Elizabeth, she would encourage the students to don traditional garments and have an Elizabethan feast. Whether it was the countless hours she spent sewing costumes for school productions, helping sponsor school sports teams, or coaching and encouraging her son’s various sporting endeavours, Laura was always keen to lend a helping hand. She was also extremely proud of coming from a family of educators and cherished that her son followed in the family footsteps.
The family cabin at Loon Lake- built by Laura’s grandparents- offered up a great place for respite between each school year. It was a place that family and friends cherish many memories of Laura: during the day sun tanning and fishing on the pontoon boat, in the evenings around the campfire, and at any point around the table playing a rousing game of cards. Laura’s determined nature prompted the rebuild efforts after the original cabin was lost to the wildfires in 2017.
Retirement brought on several new opportunities for Laura. She found love again with her second husband, Gord- whom she married in the summer of 2011- and created a new home in Sun Rivers in 2015. Laura continued to give back in terms of her involvement in the local PEO chapter, as well as helped organize Ladies’ golf nights at Big Horn Golf & Country Club. Retirement also offered up the opportunity to travel more, whether it be to Hawaii, Mexico, or Largo, Florida to escape the Thompson Okanagan winters. She was able to devote more time to family, support her aging parents and cheer on the younger generation- earning her nickname “Auntie Camera” – as an enthusiastic photographer of events, gatherings and family milestones.
‘…People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’ – Maya Angelou
There will be a Celebration of Life held in the Summer of 2023. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to an educational charity of your choice or to the G.W. Graham Endowment Entrance Scholarship (established by Laura’s grandfather) at the University of the Fraser Valley here https://connect.ufv.ca/give-to-ufv. If you have inquiries on your gift in honor of Laura, please call Anita Nielsen at 604-851-6300.
Condolences may be sent to the family from
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com
250-554-2577
7 Tributes
Laura was a remarkable English teacher at KSS.As a PEO sister I found her creativity and enthusiasm for our project as inspiration. Laura will be missed greatly.
Laura was an exceptional English teacher. We appreciated this outstanding teacher. Elaine Webber
Our heartfelt condolences to you, Graham and the rest of the family. Your mom left this world too early, along with her many passions. Thinking of you at this challenging time. Beth Dye and Gerry Bond
We are so very shocked and saddened by the news of your mom’s death, Graham. Although we lost complete contact with her shortly after she married Gord, still considered her a wonderful friend.
I absolutely loved working with Laura at NorKam and was able to follow her to SaHali years later to continue that incredible working relationship we had. Her passion for students and what was best in their interest led to some inspired chats and actions.
May she be at peace and may you be comforted by the love so many of us felt for your mom.
Al and Jill Baker
My deepest condolences to Laura’s family. She will be finally thought of and missed by many!
Laura was my favourite English teacher at KSS in the 80’s; she spoke to me like an adult and we had many great conversations about English lit. She was always so beautifully dressed, even when pregnant with Graham (I think I remember that but it was a long time ago)! Later, she was my admin at sahali secondary and again, great talks, encouraged me to start a family and let the career sort itself out, which it did. Lastly I had the pleasure of teaching Graham for a short time in the Music Dept. I’m so sorry she’s gone, thankful for the times I got to share with her. Sending you a hug Graham, from your old music teacher – Judy (Laidlaw) MacPherson
Laura was not only my golf partner in Largo, Florida , she was a great friend. Together with her husband Gord and my husband Gerry we shared many a laugh on various courses, and even more at Ranchero dances and dinners out. So sad that she is now gone as well as our husbands, will always chersih those memories. Condolences to all her family who were always in her heart and I heard so much about and also her many friends. Christine Campigotto