Laura Helen Spence

Laura Helen Spence of Esterhazy passed away in her home, the morning of December 30th, 2024, surrounded by her beloved family.  She was 73 years old. Laura spent her childhood on her family farm in Nut Mountain, Saskatchewan. She attended elementary school in Nut Mountain and high school in Kelvington. After the birth of her first child, Paula, she lived for short periods in Saskatoon and Regina. She met her husband, Barry Spence and moved to Victoria, British Columbia in 1972, where Barry was stationed in the navy. She worked in a restaurant part time while raising her daughter. Laura and Barry married in 1973 and moved to Esterhazy in 1975, where they purchased their first home, and added three sons – Christopher, Jaret and Brendon - to their family.

Aside from being a full-time mother, Laura worked at the Old Central for 11 years, from 1988 to 1999. She also worked part time at the Royal Canadian Legion, later taking on a managerial role in the Legion Lounge. Both Laura and her husband Barry were avid members and volunteers at the Legion throughout their time in Esterhazy. Community events and ‘happy hour’ at the Legion were integral parts of their life together.

An avid gardener and nature lover, Laura enjoyed watching the songbirds and hummingbirds in her backyard. She was always complaining about the ‘shit hawks’ and crows and would staunchly protect the other birds from their wrath. Dill pickles made from Laura’s garden cucumbers were always prized.

Laura was a slo-pitch and fastball pitcher and played for several years with her sisters and friends. She had a killer arm and even won a local arm-wrestling competition back in the day! She was an avid reader and talented writer. She enjoyed playing darts, cards, and sharing a glass of wine and a laugh with anyone she met. 

Laura is predeceased by parents, Walter and Helen Jankowski and brother, Wes.

Surviving are her husband, Barry, sons, Christopher, Jaret and Brendon, and daughter, Paula. Laura will also be missed by her 8 grandchildren: Jacob, Madeline, Maria, Jada, Elias, Ester, Ezra, and JR. Also surviving are her 3 brothers: Alvin, Richard, and Robert Jankowski, and her 3 sisters: Terry Horan, Cindy Potter, and Donna Hack.

Her smile, strength, and wicked humor will be missed by all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held May 17, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Esterhazy Royal Canadian Legion. Donations may be made to the Allan Blair Cancer Centre in lieu of flowers.