Laurel Woodland

Laurel (Laurie) Anne Naomi Woodland 1962-2014 Laurel Woodland was born May 25th 1962 in Winnipeg Manitoba to Ron and Judith Woodland. Laurel was the youngest of four children, Ronald, Tracy and Jody. Laurie was raised by her Grandparents Joseph ( Grampy) and Anne Kutzak (Grannie) in Prince Albert Saskatchewan. Laurie was blessed with many friends growing up in Prince Albert, most notably her life long friend Mary (Auntie Mary). Laurie would spend many of her childhood summers on Vancouver Island with her mother Judy, stepfather Harry and her brothers and sister. She enjoyed spending a lot of the summer swimming in the Oyster River, jumping off the old wooden bridge, and sometimes sneaking out at night to skinny dip with friends. She enjoyed music and playing the piano as a child. She would listen to her favorite artists Elton John and Billy Joel often, sometimes having to hide the record album from her grannie due to the risqu artwork on the covers. She had many friends in her childhood and Prince Albert was a huge part of her life. Laurie married Mark Schneider on Dec 23 1977 and moved to Saskatoon Saskatchewan. Laurie had two children born in Saskatoon, Desmond in 1978 and Desiree in 1980. Laurie was raised to live within her means and worked very hard at providing for her family. She would spend countless hours sewing clothes for her children, so they could be dressed nicely. At the age 21 and with the help of her family, she built her first home in the town of Martensville Saskatchewan. This was an important goal, as she wanted her children to have a home of their own. Proudly Laurie followed in her Grandfathers footsteps and started a career in the trucking transportation industry and proved herself to be more than just another employee. In 1989 Laurie and family moved to Vancouver Island to be closer to her mother and siblings. She worked hard at continuing her career in trucking as a transportation dispatcher. She spent several years living in Nanaimo and Seattle as one of the first female Branch Managers for one of the largest trucking logistics companies in North America. It wasnt easy for Laurie to succeed in this predominately male industry, however with hard work and determination, she became very successful. She had many obstacles to overcome, especially being the only female in her position, but she earned the admiration and respect of co-workers, which she so much deserved. She later moved to Victoria BC and retired from her profession due to medical reasons, spending time with many of her family. Laurie enjoyed travelling and felt blessed that she was able to enjoy France, Cuba, England, Mexico and several places in Canada and the United States. To her family she was known as Laurie, Cookie, and Bubba and of course Lolly. She didnt want to be called grandma and this soon turned into Auntie Lolly. She may not have coined the phrase Lolly gagging but she sure owned it. Lolly can be remembered for spending countless hours making food such as Perogies, Pizza, and fruitcake which was usually soaked for months in Brandy. There was always a sense of family when Lolly would cook, in anticipation of something that would be made with love just for you. Lolly was an animal lover and had several Dogs that she would enjoy walking along the Songhees walkway and Gorge waterway. Laurie passed away on December 30th in the early morning quietly and without pain during her sleep. She was surrounded by her family at her home in Victoria. She will always be remembered for her love of the Sun and for the Oyster River where she grew up and always felt at home. When the warm sun hits our faces we will always remember everything that she gave us. We love you and will never forget you. Laurel is survived by Her Son Desmond Schneider, Daughter Desiree and her Husband Evan Pierson. Her grandchildren Arielle, Dade, Anisha and Kain. Her mother Judith Erickson and stepfather Harry Erickson. Her brother Ronald and his Wife Sachiko Woodland, her sister Tracy Harrigan and youngest brother Jody and his wife Pauline Woodland. Her Nephews Nathaniel, Theodore, Ryan, Trevor, Myles and Galvin. She was predeceased by her grandparents Joseph and Anne Kutzak and father Ronald Woodland. Laurels wishes were to be cremated with no immediate service. There will be a celebration of her life in the spring and a spreading of her ashes on the Oyster River.
In lieu of flowers, Lauries wishes are that donations be made to the Victoria Hospice
Please share any memorable stories you may have of Laurel. She was our Daughter, Mother, Sister and all have great memories to recount.