Obituary of Annie Lawrence
On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, Annie (née Zahorodniuk) Lawrence passed away from complications following a proud and tenacious decade navigating dementia. She left this Earthly plane in her 87th year, surrounded by her endearing family, as the day slipped into night, at AgeCare West Williams Long Term Care Facility, Kitchener.
Annie is survived by her son Blaine Lawrence (wife Carina), granddaughters Inez (partner Braydin Fairchild) and Morgan (partner Kyle Fennema), grandson Myles Melnychuk, son-in-law Tom Melnychuk, loving sisters in the West: Betty, Margaret and Alice. She is survived by many nieces & nephews throughout Canada.
Predeceased by her loving husband of over 60 years Gordon Carrique Lawrence (July 2020), sweet daughter Sharon Kathleen Lawrence (April 2021), her parents John and Olga Zahorodniuk, stepfather Nick and fondly remembered siblings in the West: William, Nick, Helen, Eleanor, Mike, George, Johnny, Jeannie, and Bobby.
Annie was born in Alberta and grew up in the small rural community of Culp. As a young lady, at the age of 20, she came East to Ontario, to courageously find new roots, settling in the Oakville area and working for the Ford Motor Company. Through friends at work she met her husband, Gordon. They married and Annie began a devoted and passionate life as a wife, and mother. As the family grew up, she had a career in the insurance industry which included working alongside her beloved husband at their family-owned insurance business, later joined by her daughter and son at G. C. Lawrence Insurance Brokers which became part of Zehr Insurance Brokers. Annie and family worked together for many years, serving the Waterloo Region.
Her life continued to be full in retirement, spending time with her adored husband, Gord, exploring Ontario taking day trips and visiting friends along the Great Lakes shoreline.
They resided primarily in Waterloo but also enjoyed two country homes where the beauty of nature, connecting her passion for wildlife and gardening was a daily experience.
Annie loved great food. Anyone who experienced her cooking knew this. She might ask what you wanted for a special dinner, and you could say something like, “How about Coquille St Jacques, braised turkey wings and English trifle for dessert”? It would be made, with love.
Annie enjoyed hobbies (sewing, crocheting, drawing, country walks) but family was her deepest passion without question. Quickly and happily offering celebration and cheer on all accomplishments made by family and always brightening their day. Her intense love and talent for hosting family Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter and birthday dinners will be fondly remembered. Grandchildren were the core of everything brilliant. From Myles baking in the Ariss kitchen, to weekly after school visits with Inez and Morgan, Annie did it “Grandma's style”.
Annie enjoyed her many great friends and getting together with them was a regular event. A lady of class. A woman of strength. From a pond full of fish to a barn full of horses and cats, to the wild birds and deer in her many backyards, quiet kindness and empathy for all living things prevailed.
As Annie would say to those she loved; “Until we meet again, too-da-loo sunshine!”
Cremation has taken place. A small memorial gathering for Annie will take place at the home of Blaine and Carina Lawrence on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. All love is welcome.
Donations to the Canadian Wildlife Federation, the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth, or a charity of your choice would honour Annie with deep affection and may be arranged by contacting the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.