Laurence Novack

NOVACK, Laurence Jeanette (née Blanchette) said goodbye to this world peacefully on April 29, 2022 at the Hopital Mattawa Hospital in her 90th year. A completely devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Laurence was known for her abundant thoughtfulness, generosity, kindness, hospitality, and loving heart. She was a peaceful soul who sought harmony with all in her life, being quick to love and quick to forgive. She also loved flowers, birds, cats, dogs, groundhogs, rabbits, and lighthouses. She was a fantastic cook who, for many decades, single-handedly prepared six- to eight-course weekly Sunday meals for the entire family of up to twenty-one people at a sitting! She did this with utter dedication and never a word of complaint; that was her character. Many friends and neighbours were also the happy recipients of her cooking and baking over the years. If she had a personal mantra, it would be well-expressed in the words of Étiene de Grellet: “I expect to pass through this world but once. If, therefore, there be any good thing I can do or any kindness I can show, let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” A remarkable, intelligent, wise, strong, and courageous woman, she touched many lives in her gentle, quiet way. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always. Laurence is predeceased by her beloved husband, Lloyd (2015), and daughter, Jeanette (1950). She is survived by five children: Brenda (Nova Scotia), Donna (Robert Maika, Pembroke), Rose (Mattawa), Theresa (North Bay), John (Tanna Glabb, Mattawa), and numerous grandchildren as well as great-grandchildren. Thank you, dear, sweet woman. Be forever at peace. You deserve only the best. The world is a smaller place without you. Funeral mass will be held at St. Anne’s Roman Catholic Church in Mattawa, on Tuesday May 10th at 11am followed by interment of cremated remains.  Cremation has been trusted with Hillside Funeral Services.  Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in memory of Laurence will be greatly appreciated.