Obituary of Laura "Laurie" Ann Flood
It is with profound sadness and deep gratitude for a life of service to others, that we announce the death of Laurie (Laura) Ann Flood on January 18, 2025. A pillar of both family and the Saint John community, Laurie left this world like she joined it, surrounded by loving family; at peace, knowing she dedicated her life to serving those who needed an extra hand. Her family celebrates a life that brought joy, wisdom, and generous spirit to all who knew her.
Born on December 31, 1961 to Art and Ann Flood, her first gift to her mother was not making the paper as the first baby of 1962. Welcomed into a large, loving and truly unique family of eleven siblings, Laurie personified the adage “fiercely independent”, perhaps best exemplified by her decision to adopt her beloved daughter Mia from China in 1999. She embarked on the journey of motherhood with characteristic determination and secure in knowing her family would always be there. A lifelong resident of Kennebecasis Park, a community designed and developed by her father Art, Laurie proudly lived in and maintained the Flood family home.
Laurie devoted her life and career to strengthening her community through non-profit work. During her time as Executive Director of Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Laurie volunteered on a 3-month mission to help children in St. Vincent, a pivotal life experience. For the past 21 years, Laurie has been the guiding force behind the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation. She was defined by her unwavering commitment to the Foundation’s mission to help improve our community’s healthcare. Her strong belief and connection to the Sisters of Charity fostered her conviction to pay special attention to patients who needed extra help.
To her 26 nieces and nephews, Laurie was far more than an aunt; she was a confidante of wit, wisdom, and refreshing irreverence. They looked up to her as a role model who showed them how to live authentically and embrace life’s adventures with strength, humour, dignity and grace. Laurie’s special relationships also extended to her Flood, Oland and Nagle cousins; many of whom she would count amongst her best friends, and all of whom she was proud to call family.
Laurie fostered family creativity through her love of arts and crafts; something she shared with her sisters. Whether it was knitting, felting, quilting or darning “Lotta Love” socks on her special antique sock machine, Laurie never looked at a craft nor project without the feisty utterance “we could do that”.
Laurie is survived by her daughter, Mia; sisters: Dooley (Claire), Henry (Mary Ellen) and Jane; brothers: Geoff, Peter, Tim, Pat, Dennis, Stephen and David; her sisters-in-law: Susan, Shelley, Cindy, Kelly, Madonna and Alison; her brothers-in-law: Mike, Karl and Jon; her aunts, Joanne MacDonald and Nancy Oland; and her godparents, Terry and Suzanne Stillwell.
Her spirit continues through 26 nieces and nephews, 15 1/2 grand-nieces and grand-nephews and more cousins than we are able to accurately count. Laurie is also survived by Bernice and Shaun, who she deeply impacted while proudly being their “Big Sister”.
Laurie and her family wish to extend a special thank you to Ann and Joe Armstrong, whose selfless friendship and kindness embodied the golden rule “love thy neighbour”.
The family was deeply appreciative of the care, compassion and kindness of Dr. Reiman, the 5A South team and the extended Saint John Regional Hospital staff that touched Laurie.
A special fund with the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation is being established in Laurie’s name. It will focus on patient care, patient advocacy and caregiver support; the things that defined so much of what Laurie cared about. In lieu of flowers, Laurie’s wishes were for all of us to give generously to this fund.
Visitation will be held at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (506-634-7424) from 3pm to 8pm on Thursday January 23rd, 2025. Everyone is welcome, and please – no lines! Just come in and find the family member you want to see. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 31 Gondola Point Road, Rothesay, on Friday, January 24th at 11am. A celebration of stories will follow in the basement of the church – everyone is welcome.
Laurie’s impact on her family, friends and community was broad and indelible. To best honour her, she would like us all to think of how we can help those who most need it.
