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BORN
1954
DIED
2022
FUNERAL HOME
Laura Graham Obituary
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; step-children Ben Rodd, Courtney (Benjamin) Rodd, and Paul (Lisa) Rodd- Paul's daughter Olivia; 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, BC. 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
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Laura Graham
10 Entries
Tarrance Grieve
August 31, 2022
Laura was an excellent educator. Her legacy as a teacher and positive influence on her students and colleagues will ripple through the ages. Sincere condolences to her family.
Tarry Grieve
Gordon Lloyd
August 21, 2022
I had the great pleasure of working with Laura at Kam High from 1979 to 1991. Laura was a very talented and creative teacher. Students reacted positively to her sincerity and enthusiasm. In her role as head of the English department she introduced a School wide reading programme. She was a key member of the School´s athletic program. She developed a most successful honours English program in which students looked forward to planning and participating in a medieval literary banquet. Laura also developed and led a fitness program for staff members. Mentioned are just a few examples of Laura´s many contributions while at Kam High. Laura went on to make significant contributions in her leadership role as principal of a number of schools including Valleyview and Westsyde Secondary Schools. My wife Anne greatly enjoyed having Laura as a Sister in P.EO. working together to enhance educational opportunities for young women. Sincere condolences to Laura´s family and friends. She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
Pam Peters
August 18, 2022
Mike, Nancy and families.....my sincere condolences. Way too young
Byron McDell
August 18, 2022
Laura taught with knowledge, passion, and sincerity, three key ingredients that students readily recognize in quality instruction. She was committed to finding successful student outcomes and always showed that she enjoyed the process. My condolences to family and friends.
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Jeannie
August 18, 2022
I golfed with Laura for a few years and enjoyed her cheekiness and easy laughter. She will be missed
Sorry for your loss...
Brenda Fisher
August 18, 2022
Sorry to hear about your Mom, Graham. She will be missed at the golf course. We had so much fun at her legendary ladies golf parties. Many good memories. Sorry for your loss.
Sara (Hodiah) Wagner
August 18, 2022
So sad to hear of this wonderful teacher´s passing and so young...Miss Graham, to me at the time -was enthusiastic, full of humour, encouraging and thoughtful. She loved great literature and fostered my love of reading in English 12. She is one one of my favourite teacher memories that I´ll continue to cherish. Dearest condolences to all of her family, especially her kids-hard to lose a mom so young.
Walter and Judy Trkla
August 17, 2022
I met Laura when Gordon Lloyd took her on a tour of KSS when she was hired by the district. She was liked by the students and staff. She was very active in the school culture and a valued educator. We took the administrative training program together and became good friends. She trained at KSS while I was given Sahali, which I declined due to the illness of my parents. Laura believed that true education, opens a door to human intellectual freedom, critical thinking, and creative autonomy. She was always kind and generous. Judy and I wish to express our sincere condolences to the family.
Melanie McDonald
August 17, 2022
Miss Graham was my favourite grade 12 English teacher at Kam High. I looked forward to my English class! She was enthusiastic, engaging, so kind and caring. Am deeply sadden to hear of her passing away so young.
My hugs and condolences to her family and friends.
Jamie Goode
August 17, 2022
I will never forget this amazing teacher. I was so saddened by the news of her passing. Sending love and hugs to her family. RIP Miss Graham you will always hold such fond memories for me.
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