Laura Lucienne Niemi

Our family’s Angel received her wings unexpectedly, but peacefully in the morning of Friday, February 26, 2016. It is with profound sorrow and endless love that we announce the passing of Laura Lucienne Niemi (nee Peloquin), just shy of her 92nd birthday.

Laura was born in the farmhouse in Deerhorn, Manitoba, the youngest of 8 siblings.  She described herself as a spoiled child (by her father but not her mother!), and she was the one who stayed indoors to do the chores, learning to cook by the age of 7. Her mother ran the family cheese factory so Mom’s job was to become the chief cook as soon as possible.

Mom moved to Winnipeg as a young adult to live with her oldest sister and look after their children.  She became trained as a practical nurse and it was this calling that brought her to Port Arthur/Fort William to join her sister Ginette working at the Fort William Sanitorium. She had fond memories of dancing the night away at Uncle Frank’s Supper Club.

It was in Laura’s role as an LPN that she met her soulmate, William (Bill), who was being treated for TB at the time.  Marriage soon followed and they began their life together on Adams Street in Current River.  Thus, her lifetime career as a mother began.

Laura was able to live a wonderful independent life to the fullest until the end.  She loved her condo, big screen TV’s, playing her country music (loudly), watching hockey (especially Sidney Crosby) and cooking for everyone! 

She was our role model for staying in the moment, giving love unconditionally, getting through the rough patches with grace and dignity, remaining open and curious about life, nurturing family and friendships while always being receptive to new relationships, loving living with all it’s crazy humour, making sure everyone receives nourishment (not just talking food here, although that was a major vessel), amazing understanding and encouragement for all of us on a completely personal level while at the same time forging the bonds that keep us connected. 

Laura was consistently non-judgemental and always saw the good in everyone.

The Family feels truly blessed to have received these countless gifts borne from this extraordinary woman with just shy of 92 years of lived experience.

Laura will be mourned and deeply missed by her family.  She leaves behind her children; Alan (Shirley) Niemi, Eric (Alexandra) Niemi, Donna (Ronald) Guerrieri, Robert (Julie) Niemi, Karen (James) Niemi-Stevens, Michelle (Kevin) Knudson. Step-daughters; Eileen (Ron) Winters and Linda (Larry) Santa. Grandchildren; Jason, Shannon, Alex, Tamara, Penny, Gregory, William, Kyrl, Patty, Halie and Hannah. Step-grandchildren, Robert, Sharleen, Wayne, Rhonda, Corinne, Lorri, Ryan, and Tarina. Numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.

Laura & Bill were married for 34 years until Bill’s passing in 1982. She was also predeceased by her step-grandson Kenneth in 1985, and by all of her siblings except for her sister Marcelle Daulby who will be celebrating her 98th birthday in April.

Funeral services for Laura will be held on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 beginning at 11:00 a.m. presided by Rev. Hugh Walker, with visitation for family and friends one hour prior, at Harbourview Funeral Centre, 499 North Cumberland Street. If friends so desire, donations in Laura’s memory are greatly appreciated.  In honour of Laura’s deep interest in our younger generation and concern for “nourishment”, the Family chooses Boys and Girls Clubs of Thunder Bay.