Laura Mary (Zens) Willison

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”
1 Corinthians 2:9

Just as words cannot describe the beauty of heaven, our words cannot capture the character of our mother. To have known her is to have witnessed her beauty. We are immeasurably blessed to have called her, Mom.

Mom was one-of-a-kind, her life marked by humility and practicality. Her unwavering patience and quiet strength were traits our family admired. Her smile lit up a room. Where she went, peace followed. She was generous beyond measure, served others with great joy, and lived out her faith.

Born to Adolph and Dorothy Zens in 1948, she grew up as the 3rd of 6 children on a farm west of Humboldt. From the beginning, it was easy to see that the love of rural life ran deeply in her blood. Her childhood could be described as good wholesome living with a loving family.

While pursuing a passion for nursing, Mom met Dad, who was also employed in health care. They had their first date at A&W, fell head over heels, and were married in July of 1969.

In 1979, Mom and Dad decided to go farming. Dad describes it as the best decision they ever made. The rural lifestyle was perfect for our family. Whether there was fence to be fixed, potatoes to be planted, or cattle to be checked, Mom and Dad worked as a team. Mom was someone who faced every challenge that came her way with perseverance and resolve to see a problem through. She loved to research solutions, figure out mystery ailments, and calm inconsolable babies. She met machinery breakdowns, drought and hail, frozen sewer lines, empty wells, and a cancer diagnosis with grace and determination. Mom displayed exceptional loyalty to her family, friends, and community. She loved to create something from nothing and generously shared her kitchen and garden creations with others.

Mom was a devoted RN who was respected by her coworkers and valued by her patients because of her unwavering dedication to providing high-quality care. Her gentle demeanor and compassionate heart touched and impacted many at St Mary’s Villa on St. Joe’s wing where she worked for decades. After retirement, Mom spent many hours volunteering for the Good Neighbor Store and Humboldt Food Bank. Spring was Mom’s favorite time of year. She was a master gardener and spent countless hours at work in her greenhouse and garden. Her green thumb was evident in her beautiful flowers, towering cornstalks, and abundant produce.

Mom was passionate about her family. She cared for each of us with focus, empathy, and skilled hands. She prayed for every need we presented. She taught us about how to be humble and take pleasure in simple things. She exemplified what it means to take life as it comes, meet problems head-on and have a faith that serves others. She celebrated the achievements of each of her grandchildren and cheered them on in all their academic, athletic, and musical endeavors. She was our biggest fan.

She left us far too soon and will be missed beyond words. We look forward to seeing her again on the other side of eternity.

To the hospital staff who gave warm hugs, offered kind smiles and supported Mom with love and compassion during her stay, we thank you. To our friends, family, and neighbors who brought meals, sent texts and offered encouragement, we appreciate you.

Laura Willison is lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her husband of 55 years, Lloyd Willison, her children and their spouses, Reed and Kimberly Willison, Christine and Brad Berkan and Kelly and Skip Munshaw and her grandchildren Linden, Luke, Seth, Emmy, Avyn, Gracie, Samuel, Ezra and Joel.

Memorial donations in memory of Laura can be directed to the Good Neighbour Store (Box 1267, Humboldt, SK, S0K 2A0).

“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere. . . .”
Psalm 84: 10