James A Rutherford Funeral Home
Laurie Mitchell (Laura Mae Greenwood)
In her 89th year, Laurie Mitchell of Stratford died peacefully on Sunday, January 7th at Stratford General Hospital. Beloved wife of Clark Mitchell. Dear mother of Joanne (Michael), Kathryn (Brian), Bradley (George) and Michael (Lee-anne). Dear stepmother to Drew (Tracey), Scott (Kim), Laurel, and Crystal (Otto). She will be missed by fourteen grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and brothers, Harry and Ernie Greenwood. Predeceased by her first husband, Murray Selves, by her parents, Melburn and Vera Greenwood, and by her sister, Joy Sloan.
Laurie trained to be a nurse in Stratford following high school. After marrying Murray Selves, she lived the town life for a short while before returning to the farm life near Fullarton where she helped build a house, dig a well, grow a hog operation and raise four children. When her husband died tragically, instead of selling the farm, she chose to continue running the operation for many years.
Introduced to Clark Mitchell by a mutual friend, they married in 1988 and moved to Stratford. Mom’s family suddenly doubled in size with the addition of four adult stepchildren. Mom and Clark enjoyed many years with activities such as curling, playing crokinole, church, dining club and travelling in their camper van.
Laurie lived in her home as she wanted until her last few weeks. She enjoyed daily crosswords, trouncing opponents in Scrabble, and pumping the pedals of her grandmother’s player piano. She always welcomed visits from her kids, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Anyone who was lucky enough to know Laurie knew her quiet and gentle nature, her warm smile, and her incredible strength of spirit.
In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations in memory, made to Avondale United Church (www.avondaleunitedstratford.com), Stratford General Hospital Foundation (www.sghfoundation.org), or Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth (www.rotaryhospice.ca), directly or through Rutherford Cremation & Funeral Services. 804 Ontario St., Stratford. 519-271-5062.
A celebration of Laurie’s life will be announced on the funeral home website (www.jarfh.com) at a later time.
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