LAURA CYPURDA

Condolences & Memories (11 entries)

• Laura as I knew her… We worked together at Taylor pharmacy in Gimli. We both had great 80’s hair! Even my own Mother would sometimes confuse the 2 of us, with our similar height & hair. She became not only a co-worker but also a friend. She was a grade ahead of me in school but really only 2 months older. She went to U of M while I finished grade 12. Wonderfully we both went to St.B. School of Nursing together in 1986. She had made friends with a lady named Monique Paul at university. So Laura wanted to seek out Monique’s younger sister, Shauna, who would also be going to nursing school with us. I am so thankful for this as Shauna remains a dear friend to this day, as does another gal pal we got very close to. Her name was Karen McArthur, from Snowflake, MB. The four of us were super close while living in rez (residence). We ate all our meals together, watched “Y & R” in one of our little dorm rooms everyday. We had study sessions & giggles. We would go out in the big city occasionally to some of the nightclubs of the time: “Night Moves”; “Strawberries”; “Club Soda”. Out for dinners, parties, & socials. I think we even went to the Viking in Gimli one weekend while back home. In school Laura was a studious student who strived for excellence. On top of that she was a very caring individual, an ideal nurse. I stayed in Winnipeg while Laura went back home. We always kept in touch. We were a part of each other’s weddings. She was thrilled for me when I had my first son. She loved babies & children. We lead different lives for a number of years. One day Laura moved to Winnipeg. We picked up easily to become very close once again. It was some of the best times when we both had a baby the same year, 1999. We did play groups together all the time. Supported each other through the challenges of Motherhood. Those 4 girls who went to nursing school together, & even the lady she had went to university with in 1985, would all get together at least once over the summers when our children were small to catch up on our lives. She was an amazing Mother who loved her children above all else, I am sure Blane & Lexie can attest. As life goes on it changes. Our boys grew up & went to different schools, did different activities. We saw each other less. No time apart could ever change the closeness we kept in our hearts. We would meet for birthday “breaky” & tea dates on occasion. She counselled me on the illness & death of my mother in 2008. This unfortunately was something she had already gone through herself, another commonality between us. It was when Laura found herself hospitalized after fainting at Superstore; that we rapidly reconnected on a more frequent basis once again. At this time I was in the midst of a career change and was at home studying when Laura was first diagnosed with the “big C”. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to take her to many of her treatments at Cancercare & drive the kids to appointments and activities when I could. I wasn’t the only one; she had a band of women who rallied to help her family through this, which is a testament to her character. She had an interest in what was beyond this earthly world. We went to a psychic medium name John Edwards at an event he had here in Winnipeg. I will watch for signs from her for sure. Death is difficult for those left behind, we both believed that there is a place hereafter that is peaceful. She wants to continue to be a part of our lives as we all now have another special angel up above. Laura had the best discipline and will power. She went on the special diet that Bruce had researched, and got the enemy and her head to shrink due to this regiment. So happily she was doing very well. She was able to travel to Florida this past spring break! I was so very happy for her and her family!! I didn’t hear from her too often & stupidly I assumed she was still doing very well. I had started my new career as a REALTOR® and was kept very busy. I was shocked when I found out that things were not going very well for Laura. I’m thankful that Bruce was able to be there for her during her last months, I applaud him for his devotion. I didn’t go to see her over the last days, as I wanted to remember her the way I had last seen her: full of life, vibrant & gorgeous. I know she knows I loved her, it didn’t matter how often we saw each other, and we would always have our special bond, our friendship. From Laura I have learned that true friendships are always there but do take time to always acknowledge those friends when you can. I hope she is enjoying a lovely cup of tea with her Mother right now. Until we meet again dear friend, xo. - Posted by: Kristel Coldwell (Friend) on: Oct 24, 2014

• Our loss is heaven's gain. Bruce, Blane, and Lexie, be strong, love one another, and remember all of the good that was your momma. Keeping you in our prayers. - Posted by: Jodi, Terry, and Jake Martin (Soccer Friends) on: Oct 23, 2014

• Bruce, Blane and Lexie my sincere condolences to you during this difficult time. - Posted by: Blair St.Germaine (Friend (former talent Agent)) on: Oct 20, 2014

• My deepest sympathies to Bruce, Blane and Lexie.........my daughter, Heidi, was in High school Gimli, with Laura and I have many happy memories of those times when the girls were younger. Laura was a beautiful spirit and she has passed way too soon. Thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time. - Posted by: Shelagh Morrow (Mother of Heidi Surman - a High School friend of Laura's) on: Oct 18, 2014

• Laura was a loving, kind and gentle lady that had a grace about her. She could always put you at ease - she had that special way. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you Bruce, Blane and Lexie. - Posted by: Patty Malek (Aunt) on: Oct 17, 2014

• Heaven’s Angels have come to take her home. My heart has skipped a beat in shock. Laura's strength and determination was one of her many gifts. Her generosity, kindness, compassion and love were felt by all that had the pleasure to call her friend. She has shared all of her wonderful gifts and more with her children. They are truly blessed to have called her mom. One of your Laura's greatest legacies and achievements will be her children. Laura always put her kids and family first, now she will have some of her own peace and tranquillity. Laura was an amazing women, mother, wife, sister, daughter and friend. I was blessed to have known her and I will miss her. I know the pipes will be playing in heaven, she will dance through the gates and join the ceilidh. Good bye, Laura. Here on earth, we will shed our tears, share our memories and you will live forever in our hearts. To Bruce, Lexie and Blane. We are so sorry for your loss. We sort of know how you are feeling .... completely numb… it is surreal, like you are having an out of body experience just going through the motions. The loss is overwhelming. In time you will learn how to live with it. Cherish and share Laura’s memories and let people help and don't be afraid to ask for help. Be patience with yourselves and each other. Grief is such a personal experience, just take it one minute, one hour, and one day at a time. Together, the three of you will find your way! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God's love surround you and give you strength. - Posted by: Lea, Garrett & Kaitlyn Clarke (Friend) on: Oct 17, 2014

• We are sending our prayers and love to Bruce, Lexi and Blaine. Our hearts are breaking for each of you. The road ahead will be difficult and the loss of Laura will be forever. Know however that your lives will forever be watched over by an angel, just as she did for each of you here on earth. - Posted by: Darlene Papaioannou (Friend) on: Oct 17, 2014

• Bruce, Blane and Lexie - my thoughts are with you at this heartbreaking time. Laura was one of my best friends in high school and in the years that followed in our early twenties. So many wonderful times. Laura was always a bright and beautiful, kind-hearted soul. Always a friend, always there when you needed her, no matter how much time or distance has separated us over the years. I will be there on Friday. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Heidi Surman, Vancouver, BC (Friend) on: Oct 17, 2014

• Laura and her daughter Lexie appeared in a Just Slow Down commercial for the Winnipeg Police Service that I directed a few years ago. Lexie was amazing. Laura was unbelievable as the mother of the teenager. Both of their performances were heartrending. But it was behind the scenes where Laura's kind, gentle and cooperative nature shone through. My heart is just breaking for this beautiful family, suffering such a tragic loss. - Posted by: Laura Hawkins (friend) on: Oct 17, 2014

• Laura was kind and loving, a wonderful mom to her children Blane and Lexie. Laura was a great wife to Bruce, my nephew, helping him with his business. They were a great couple. Everyone who knew Laura loved her sparkle and great gifts she had. Bruce, Blane and Lexie will miss her dearly and also Laura's siblings and their families and Bruce's family. Besides being family she was a true friend. Shall miss her dearly. Love, Auntie Dar - Posted by: Darlene Savage (Family) on: Oct 17, 2014

• The world lost a beautiful, courageous woman. Thoughts and prayers go to Laura's family. - Posted by: Ross Family (Friend & Neighbour) on: Oct 17, 2014