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Fiona was freed from the burden of cancer on her 55th birthday June 15, 2022 surrounded by the love of her family.
Fiona was born on a float plane at the James Bay community of Fort George (now Chisasibi) Quebec to Maureen and Caleb Lawrence. Fiona will be missed by sister Karen Lawrence (Rob Goguillot) of Nanaimo and Sean Lawrence (Karine) of Kelowna.
Loved forever by husband Doug Maki. Wonderfully supportive and guiding Mom to Cam.
Art (predeceased) and Linda Maki are proud to have had Fiona as their daughter-in-law. Karen and Chris Brown are loving and supportive in-laws.
Loved aunt of Jennah and Evan Goguillot, Brianne (predeceased), Paula and Pierre Lawrence, Kira Guiseppi and Dean Guiseppi (Josée Cossette).
After a childhood in Great Whale River (now Kuujjuaraapik) on the eastern shore of Hudson Bay, Fiona’s teens were spent in Schumacher. Later she earned a teaching certificate following a degree in Wildlife Biology. Fiona primarily taught high school sciences in Timmins, Iroquois Falls, Sudbury, and Espanola. She lived humbly and selflessly in tune with Tommy Douglas’ philosophy that ‘the only test of character that matters is how we look after the least fortunate among us’. Fiona put a tremendous effort into preparing lessons to engage all students, gravitating later in her career to positions that allowed her to help less privileged students succeed.
Fiona’s loyal Canoe Chix and Sensational Six friends shared her passion for canoe tripping and reading. She had a special bond with the Kuhlberg family. Fiona enjoyed a quiet rural lifestyle with gardening, beekeeping, bird feeding, and walking with her faithful four-legged buddy Axle. For the past two years Rick Wise was a kind walking companion along with his joyful chaos of labs.
The world is a better place for having had Fiona in it.
The family is appreciative of the calm, kind environment of the Espanola Hospital and staff.
A Celebration of Fiona’s Life will be held in the barn at her home in Beaver Lake – 7840 Highway 17 – on Saturday July 9. Friends may gather between 1 and 5 pm with tributes at 3 pm.
If desired, a donation in Fiona’s memory (cheque only) payable to ‘Rainbow District School Board’ would be appreciated. Please write ‘Espanola High School Students In Need Fund’ OR ‘Fiona Lawrence Scholarship Fund’ on cheque). Mail to RDSB 408 Wembley Drive, Sudbury ON P3E 1P2 or entrust to Doug Maki. Please include your address to receive tax receipt.