Laura Jean Reid

Laura Jean Reid (Kwashka), age 44, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 7, 2025, with her husband by her side after a short and courageous battle with cancer. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished daughter, sister, and friend, bringing warmth and kindness to all who knew her.

Laura was born on July 13, 1980, in Burlington, ON. As the middle child of three sisters, she embodied the classic traits of a middle child-independent, easygoing, competitive, and deeply empathetic. Growing up, she was athletic and naturally sociable, excelling in sports while also forming deep and lasting friendships. Laura's ability to balance determination and connection became a defining trait, carrying her forward to success in both her personal and professional life. She was also a talented competitive figure skater-a skill she later delighted in sharing with her children, performing jumps and spins on the backyard rink at the family's country house, much to her daughter Lennie's joy.

Beyond these qualities, her mother's commitment to service played a central role in her upbringing, instilling in Laura a lifelong dedication to helping others. From her early years as a Girl Guide to volunteering with her sister at the local hospital on weekends, she found purpose in giving back. Her generosity only grew with time-she conquered the 100 km Oxfam Trailwalker, sponsored numerous refugee families, and continuously sought ways to support those in need. Laura's kindness and generosity were boundless, woven into every aspect of her life.

After completing her degree in Economics at U of T, she remained in Toronto and began her career in finance, working for State Street, Kobo, and Spin Master Toys. During this time, she thrived professionally while also building lifelong friendships. Her friends remember this chapter of her life as glamourous and full of adventure, describing her as the Grace Kelly of the group-poised and polished yet fierce and formidable.

It was during this time that Laura's friends orchestrated a fateful meeting at a charity event, introducing her to her future husband, Mike. That encounter sparked a romance that would become the great adventure of her life. In 2012, they were married, beginning a journey filled with love, laughter, travel, and the beautiful chaos of family life.

During her maternity leave with Max in 2015, Laura, never one to shy away from a challenge, embarked on an entrepreneurial journey. With her signature passion, determination, and unwavering strength, she co-founded Radford Beauty, bringing her love for beauty and functional elegance to life. She embraced the process of building something from the ground up and thriving in her role as an entrepreneur.

Outside of family and work, Laura discovered a love for tennis. Though she initially struggled, her relentless drive and competitive spirit pushed her to top-tier levels at her tennis club. More than just a sport, tennis became a source of joy, providing her with a close-knit community of friends whose company she cherished both on and off the court.

Laura is survived by her husband, Michael Reid, and their children, Maxim and Lennox. She is lovingly remembered by her father, Peter Kwashka; her older sister, Alexandra Yazdani (Arjang), and their children, Anna, August, and Gabriel; and her younger sister, Ellen Kwashka (Tim Boock). She is also remembered by her mother-in-law, Julie Reid; her sister-in-law, Alison Reid (Robert James), and their children, Harper, Hunter, and Tripp; and her brother-in-law, Christopher Reid. She will be dearly missed by a loving extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Leslie Victoria Kwashka, and we hope they are now reunited, baking and knitting together once again.

Laura's legacy is one of love, ambition, and an unshakable spirit. Her legacy will live on in her children, Max and Lennie, who will carry forward her warmth, strength, and adventurous spirit.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at The Quay Event Space (100 Queen's Quay East, 3rd Floor). To honour Laura's vibrant spirit, guests are encouraged to wear colourful attire. If you wish, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Avenue Road Food Bank.

Please consider sharing your memories, stories, and pictures of Laura by emailing memoriesoflaurareid@gmail.com; these will be collected and given to her children as a cherished keepsake.