Mrs. Laurel Diane Lawlor (née Laing), age 78, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2025, in Scarborough, Ontario. Born on March 30, 1947, in Toronto, Ontario, Laurel lived a life marked by resilience, dedication, and quiet strength.

Laurel was the daughter of the late Loretta and James Laing. She grew up in Toronto and attended David and Mary Thompson High School. With a keen mind and a strong work ethic, she pursued further education at the Toronto School of Business, where she earned her Legal Secretary certificate.

Throughout her career, Laurel held several positions that reflected her adaptability and commitment to excellence. She began as a Key Punch Operator at Olivetti before moving on to work as a Clerk at Warner Lambert. Later in life, she found joy working as a Receptionist at Kew Beach Veterinary Hospital—a role that combined her professional skills with her deep love for animals.

Laurel had a lifelong affection for animals. She not only cared for them as pets but also enjoyed learning about different breeds of dogs and cats. Her passion extended beyond companionship; it was an enduring interest that brought her joy throughout her life.
A devoted fan of the Toronto Blue Jays, Laurel rarely missed a game. Whether cheering from home or discussing plays with those around her, baseball remained one of her favorite pastimes.

In 2016, Laurel faced a significant health challenge when she was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome. With remarkable determination and courage, she overcame the illness and spent the next nine years residing at Midland Gardens Care Community. There, she continued to enjoy watching Blue Jays games and engaging warmly with staff members who came to know her well.

In October 2025, Laurel was diagnosed with lung cancer. Despite this final challenge, she faced it with the same quiet strength that had defined so much of her life.

Laurel is lovingly remembered by her son Shawn Lawlor and daughter-in-law Katrin Taylor; her brother Jack Laing; and cousins Keith Kivell, Casey and Wanda Kivell. She was predeceased by her parents James and Loretta Laing and by her uncle R. J. Kivell.
May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.

Services will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025 at Pine Hills Cemetery and Funeral Centre, 625 Birchmount Road, Scarborough. There will be a visitation from 10 am to 11 am. The Funeral Service will be from 11 am to 12 pm. Burial to follow. The reception will be from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm.

If desired, memorial donations can be made to:
Fill the Dishes
https://www.mygrandfatherscat.ca/holidaypetfood
(or click the donations tab at the top of this page)