Obituary of Laura May Williams

Laura May Williams (nee Graumann) passed away peacefully in Hanna, Alberta on January 7, 2018 at the age of 88 years. She was born in Hanna February 3rd, 1929, second eldest daughter, to Albert and Emma Graumann of the Hand Hills area. After her mother passed away in 1948, Laura and her oldest sister Edna helped their father Albert raise their younger brothers, Clarence and Ernie, and sisters, Bertha, Ruby, and Shirley.

Laura attended the Earltown school until her teenage years when she started to work at Connelly's Cafe in Hanna.

She married George Campion in Hanna, October 24, 1948. They were blessed with 3 daughters and two sons, Barbara Ann, Patrick Glen, Gerald Albert, Carol Eva, and Valerie Emma. While raising her children, Laura worked at the Hanna Dry Cleaners, cooked at the National Hotel and in later years cooked at the Hanna Lodge.

Laura spent 43 years volunteering with the Royal Canadian Legion Ladies Auxiliary and 38 years with the Hanna Order of The Royal Purple. She was president of the Auxiliary several times, and was the Honoured Royal Lady for three different terms. Laura spent many hours volunteering in her community. She was always there when needed. Volunteering always brought much happiness to Laura as she knew she was helping to make her community a better place for all.

Laura married Archie Williams March 14, 1981. Her happiest days in life began that day. She and Archie spent a lot of time travelling, attending reunions, watching sporting events, and volunteering. Laura loved gardening and preparing large delicious meals for family and friends.

Laura's retirement years were good until 2013 when she was diagnosed with dementia; which in time required her to move to an extended care facility in Coronation, Alberta. After one month there, she was able to be transferred to the Hanna long term care facility, where she was given excellent care up until her passing.

She is survived by her loving husband, Archie, her sons: Patrick Glen (Carol) Campion, Gerald Albert (Linda) Campion, daughters: Carol Eva Fabick, Valerie Emma (Glenn) Scheck, step-daughter Cheryl (David) Andrews, son- in-law Reginald (Barbara Ann) Symesko, grandchildren: Debbie, Rhonda, Randy, Janine, Dawn, Jennifer, Cody, Sheldon, Troy, Gregory, and Kimberley; 13 great-grand children and 7 great-great-grandchildren; sister Shirley Stewart, brother Ernest Graumann, sisters-in-law: Vera Campion & Blanche Graumann, brothers-in-law: Steve Melnyk, & Gus Adolf, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her daughter Barbara Ann Symesko; parents Albert & Emma, sisters: Edna, Bertha, Ruby; brothers: Edward & Clarence; brothers-in-law: John Morrow, & Brent Stewart; sons-in-law: Larry Fabick & Dale Marek; and Grandson Steven Fabick.

Donations may be made in Laura's memory to the First United Church Hanna, Alberta, Box 940, Hanna, AB, T0J1P0. Hanna Funeral Services Ltd., entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements; 403-854-5956.