Laura Dyck (Hogard), age 85, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 12, 2023 in St. Joseph’s Hospice after enjoying her well-lived life.
She was born to Lawrence and Johanna Hogard on December 16, 1937, in Port Arthur, Ontario. She spent the first three years of her life on her Danish parent’s homestead in Pass Lake, Ontario with her two brothers Tom, and Henry during challenging times before her father was able to buy a piece of land in the Current River area, and build their family home on Morse Street. Laura graduated from King’s Business College and proudly retired as the Executive Secretary for the Thunder Bay District Catholic School Board. Her family will remember her as a strong, determined woman who loved to laugh and would do anything for them. She was happiest when surrounded by her family and her dogs. She was the type of person who chose to be active, meeting new people, making them smile, and helping others. She was proud of her Danish heritage, spent many summers exploring the USA with Donald and their children, which gave her a lifetime of good memories and stories to share. Laura also loved to be at home and visit her favourite places, whether it was keeping her house and yard up to her standards, watching the birds at her feeders, playing golf at Dragon Hill’s with her friends, practicing her golf swing with her grandson, James, at the KOA Campground, or going for long car rides with her children and dogs.
Laura is lovingly remembered by her son, Jason Dyck; daughter, Joanna Mazanti; two grandchildren, Katie (Craig) Hemphill, James Dyck, and great grandchildren, Laila, Thomas Hemphill (Katie and Craig).
Predeceased by her spouse, Donald Dean Dyck; parents, Lawrence and Johanna Hogard; brother, Tom Hogard; brother in-law, Douglas Dyck; sister in-law, Della Anne (Dennis) Legros. Surviving relatives include, brother, Henry (Linnea) Hogard; sister-law’s, Irma Hogard, Margaret Dyck, many nieces and nephews including Carl (Allana) Hogard, Raymond (Jo-Anne) Hogard, Glen (Judith) Hogard, Elaine (Lee) Hogard, Larry (Barb) Hogard, Carolyn (Mark) Pleasance, Kevin Dyck, Shelley (David) Tremonti, Danny Legros, and cousins, Bente (Tom) Mazanti, and Helle (Soren) Mazanti (Denmark).
Cremation has taken place, and her ashes will be spread in the spring at the family camp without a service, following her request. The family would like to thank the TBRHSC hospital staff in 2C for the wonderful care she received, and the compassionate and respectful nurses and doctor in 4N, St. Joesph’s Hospice, who made her comfortable during her final days. Donations in her memory may be made to the Thunder Bay Humane Society, or a rescue animal center of your choice. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.sargentandson.com
