With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Laurie MacKay at age 68. She leaves behind her children, Sean and Julienne, as well as her cherished parents, Ronald and Alice Fournier. Laurie was predeceased by her loving husband, Angus. Laurie is also survived by her brothers, Lyndon and Gregory Fournier, daughter-in-law Daryna, brother-in-law Sandy, and her partner and travel companion, respected musician Mike Allen. She will be dearly missed by her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were like family to her.
Born in Toronto, Laurie grew up in Port Credit, where she met her husband, Angus, and formed lifelong friendships at Port Credit High School. After the birth of their children, Laurie and Angus moved back to Port Credit—a community they loved and supported. Laurie built a career at TD Canada Trust where she was a respected colleague, a generous mentor, and a trusted friend.
After retiring, she made her home in Rosedale, embracing city life—'buying local' at shops along the Danforth and spending time in her favourite parks. She brought her knowledge and skills from creating her beautiful garden in Port Credit to her co-op community, where she played a key role as head of the garden committee. In retirement, she developed a passion for photography, capturing and sharing the beauty of her walks in Toronto and beyond.
Laurie’s patience and quiet fortitude were qualities that made her an inspiration to those around her. A thoughtful listener, she offered wise and heartfelt advice to all in her network, providing loving comfort and perspective in times of need. Laurie embraced life with a quiet joy, finding fulfillment in her hobbies, interests, and the meaningful moments she shared with others.
While Toronto was home, Laurie loved to travel, and trips abroad to Budapest, Prague, Hong Kong, Bali, Lisbon, Copenhagen, and New York City were among her favourite memories. As businesses reopened following the pandemic, Laurie made her “Tour of Ontario” a priority, visiting small communities throughout the province in search of special shops and restaurants.
Laurie was an adoring mother who deeply valued time spent with family, whether gathered around the table for Thanksgiving dinner (her favourite holiday), visiting her parents' treasured home in Sanibel, Florida, or enjoying summers with her friends in Tiny, Ontario. She was a pillar of her community, forging deep connections with friends from all stages of life—from those she had known for over 50 years to neighbours she met after returning to Toronto.
A passionate music lover, Laurie attended as many live performances as she could. Her appreciation for music spanned generations and genres—from classical composers to legends like Prince and Stevie Wonder, to up-and-coming artists she ardently supported. Laurie actively contributed to the music industry, carrying on her late husband's legacy by helping run Ready Records.
Laurie was a talented baker; her banana bread, pumpkin pie squares, and oatmeal cookies were prized gifts among family and friends around holidays and special occasions. She was a skilled ice skater, teaching youth skating skills and remaining on the ice into the winter of her life. Yoga and movement brought her peace and strength, and she found joy in biking around the city she loved with friends.
Laurie’s grace and resilience in the face of her illness were a testament to the way she lived—full of gratitude, strength, and an unwavering commitment to the people she loved. Both in life and beyond, Laurie reminds us to slow down, appreciate the beauty around us, and cherish the people who make life meaningful. Those who knew her well understood that when Laurie said she would keep in touch, she always did. Her remarkable smile not only lit up the room but the lives, and now the memories, of all she knew and loved.
A celebration of Laurie's life will take place in Toronto in May. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Laurie's honour to The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation or The Unison Fund.