Laura Kathleen Anderson

Laura Anderson Obituary

ANDERSON, Laura Kathleen (Carter)
5 August 1931 - 2 July 2024

Died peacefully after living with vascular dementia. Born in Eton to Edith "Queen" (White) and George "Joe" Carter, and raised in Windsor, England, down-to-earth Laura valued health, education, peace and nature after her WW2 childhood. As a young woman, Laura worked with horses, then managed a coffee shop in Slough, where the journalist she would marry was a customer.

Laura lived in Cyprus, Toronto and Palo Alto before settling on the traditional territory of Lek'wungen-speaking peoples - known as Victoria BC - in the Gorge-Tillicum neighbourhood, where she lived the remainder of her life. Laura was a hard-working single parent, advocate for food sensitivity awareness, and early member of the Association for Children with Learning Disabilities.

Laura spent most of her career as a clerk for BC Social Services, where she would spend extra time supporting marginal clients at Services to Seniors. Laura managed to stretch her salary to provide for her family until fortune smiled upon her in 1986, and she was able to purchase a house overlooking the Gorge Waterway, where she spent countless hours observing wildlife and passersby. Neighbours will remember Laura's thriving garden, egg deliveries and vigilance as Block Watch captain.

She was passionate about social justice for Indigenous people, volunteering for the First Nations Education library and fundraising for Indigenous graduates. Laura experienced healing in the laughter and speaking from the heart which she found in Indigenous community.

Open-minded about religion, Laura practised energy healing and communication with spirits, including that of her first love, Tino.

Survived by sister Pamela Crane of Newton Abbott, and children Mark, Alison (Fox) and Julian. We are grateful for loving care provided by front-line care staff at Glenwarren Lodge for the past two years.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Ecojustice or the Alzheimer's Society are welcome

There will be a Celebration of Life to which any who knew Laura would be welcome, September 28, 1-4 PM at Victoria Scottish Community Centre, 1803 Admirals Rd.
RSVP [email protected]

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Victoria Times Colonist from Sep. 21 to Sep. 23, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Laura Anderson

8 Entries

Karen Fischer (Searle)

September 25, 2024

Alison, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. Condolences to you and your family.

Amanda West Lewis

Planted Trees

Amanda West Lewis

September 23, 2024

As one of Laura's few nieces (only niece, perhaps), I was always sorry that I couldn't have spent more time with her. We lived a continent away and were separated by circumstance. But her kindness and generosity to me will always be remembered. She was a regular correspondent, who was thoughtful and genuine in her words. She was a leader in her commitment to nature and the plight of the First Nations. The land that she made home was far from where she started, but clearly, she always brought her whole self, completely and entirely, wherever she went. She was an inspiration.

Mark Leischner

September 22, 2024

Very sorry to hear of Laura's passing. I well remember her employment at the B.C. Social Services Division on Fort Street, many years ago. It was always an interesting place in the Human Resource building back then, mostly because there were few technological advancements. Consequently, a colourful cast of characters would frequently regale one another throughout the day. I fondly recall Laura's quick wit and easy manner back then, and we became friends while making connections with the other employees. I plan to attend her celebration of life on Saturday, September 28th. You will be missed, Laura!

Faye McNall

September 22, 2024

Mark, Alison and Julian, Sorry to hear of your loss. I worked with Laura at Services for Seniors and have fond memories. Always helped in arranging our luncheons with all past co-workers.

Sandy (Fox) Whitney

September 21, 2024

Julian, I remember your mother very well and her smile and her friendliness whenever I saw her, whether she came into our office or I ran into her elsewhere!! So sorry for your loss.

Pamela McLellan

September 21, 2024

Dear Mark, Alison and Julian, I don't need to tell you how much your mother's friendship meant to me.
It began when I offered her a ride home when we both worked at Services for Seniors on Fort St. Since we were both going in the same direction this became a regular occurrence. We had both grown up in England and she was very familiar with Devon, my birthplace and on a holiday to Devon to visit her sister took the time to visit my mother for me. Over the years we became very close friends and people often commented to me that she and I were so different, (meaning that I wasn't as ladylike as Laura.) Well, Laura had a wicked sense of humor and wasn't the least bit stuffy. She was funny,kind, generous, clever and all the qualities you would wish for in a good friend.
I have really missed her since she became unwell and we could no longer get together for some giggles.
My love to you, Mark, Alison and Julian and hoping you are all doing well, Your Mum was so proud of you and your accomplishments.
Pam

Shirley Waldon

September 21, 2024

Mark, Alison & Julian - My condolences to all of you. I remember your mom as such as sweet lady who loved her garden including when all of you lived on the Gorge near the bottom of Millgrove Street. She will be missed by all who knew her.

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