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Waterloo Regional Health Network (St. Mary's Hospital), Kitchener
Obituary
Laura Lee Cayley, beloved wife of the late Gordon Cayley, of Lucknow, passed away at St. Mary’s General Hospital, Kitchener, on Tuesday November 11, 2025 at the age of 87. She was born on April 3, 1938 in Norwich, ON, daughter of the late Marilyn (Beck) and Frank L. Swanton. Dear mother of Eric of Lucknow, the late Mary Lynn Zardkanlou (Kazem) of Kitchener and David (Laura) of Orangeville. Also greatly missed by grandchildren Lisa (Ed) Courtney, Stephanie (Dustin) McLean, Gord (Jessica) and Naveed Zardkanlou, Sophie and Allie Cayley and Avery and Blake Russell, and great grandchildren Marlee, Josh, Macey, Zoey, Zack, Cody and Chase. Lovingly remembered by sister-in-law Janice Swanton of Mildmay. Also remembered by Betty Jean McLean of Lucknow. Predeceased by brothers Wayne and Richard Swanton, brother-in-law Walt Cayley and sister-in-law Judy Cayley.
Laura Lee began her career as a teacher and was always actively involved in the Lucknow community. She was a longtime member of the Lucknow UCW and spent many hours volunteering and helping at the church. She was also involved in UNICEF, Amnesty International, and had enjoyed over 50 years leading Lucknow CGIT. Her community meant so much to her and she gave her time tirelessly and generously.
Visitation will be held at the MacKenzie & McCreath Funeral Home, Lucknow, on Saturday November 15, 2025 from 2-4 PM. A celebration of her life will be held from the Lucknow United Church on Sunday November 16, 2025 at 2 PM. Interment Norwich Gore Cemetery.
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We are so sorry to hear about Laura Lee’s passing. To the entire Cayley family, we send our sincere condolences and want to let you know that we have many fond memories of Laura Lee, especially from family reunions in Norwich.
Message from Suzanne Swanton2025-11-20 17:12:46
She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and community. As I knew her, my aunt Laura Lee gave her time, energy and unwavering support to family and community. For many years she took part running the United Church in Lucknow's Canadian Girls in Training (C.G.I.T) program focused on leadership and skills development for girls and young women. She was kind and generous. I loved her and her approach to life and consistent presence throughout the years.
Message from Brent & Julie Penny2025-11-16 11:50:48
Our deepest sympathy to Laura Lee’s family. We have had a connection for many years as part of the Norwich community. She will be sorely missed by her Lucknow community.
Message from Betty mcdonagh2025-11-16 09:15:14
So sorry to hear this. My love and prayers go out to the family and friends
Thinking of Mrs. Cayley's family at this difficult time. She was so proud of you and shared the joy that her grandchildren and great grandchildren brought to her. Heaven is rejoicing at her arrival after a life lived in faithfulness, love and service and she will be reunited with all those she has loved and lost.
It's the harshest reality that those we love cannont stay forever with us. Laura Lee was such a lovely person, cherished by her family and adored by her community. On days like this, I think of the passage from Romans 8, paraphrased: when words fail us, the spirit understands our deepest sighs. And I am sighing.
I knew Laura Lee and her family for over 55 years. It was a true friendship starting when our kids played together as toddlers and when we lived in lucknow. After moving to Goderich for 25 years we still kept a close friendship and then after moving to Keswick our bond continued. She was a true friend and will be remembered the rest of my life for her kindness and sincerity. I will miss our phone calls.
To David and Eric and all her family you have my love and sympathy at this time of deep loss.
To the Cayley family, our deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother,, she and Gord were such exceptional community generous people and Lucknow is all the better when they moved here and the legacy they’ve left us.. if the world just had more people like them
Thinking of Mrs. Cayley's family at this difficult time. She was so proud of you and shared the joy that her grandchildren and great grandchildren brought to her. Heaven is rejoicing at her arrival after a life lived in faithfulness, love and service and she will be reunited with all those she has loved and lost.
Eric, David, Lisa and families.
I am so sorry to hear of your Mom/Grandma’s passing! I have very fond memories of both Mr and Mrs Cayley growing up! When my girls were little and I would bring them to town to visit my parents, they always liked me to bring the girls over to see them, especially at Halloween!
Our thoughts are with you at this time!
Mandy (nee Peck), Graham, Mackenzie and Mikayla
Message from Dale & Margie Lougheed and families of Sean, Sandy and Heather Lougheed2025-11-14 12:03:42
There will never, ever be another person like her. She and Gord were precious gifts to us all -:)
Message from Brent & Julie Penny2025-11-14 11:14:51
Our deepest sympathy to Laura Lee’s family. We have had a connection for many years as part of the Norwich community. She will be sorely missed by her Lucknow community.
Message from Wayne Bell2025-11-14 08:53:09
Eric and family sorry for your loss, thinking of you at this time
Wayne
Eric, David and all your family and friends, I send my deepest sympathy and condolences.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
I will always remember the smiles and caring of your mom, grandmother.
I will always remember her fondly as so many of us called her Mrs.C
Cherish your memories of such a beautiful person.
Wayne Murray
Message from Danielle S.2025-11-14 04:30:53
MY Condolances to Eric ,Lisa ,Steph Bj and families
As a child I fondly remember how important unicef was to your mom and grandma also a great teacher to us at CGIT the Choc Eggs she did one could never forget,she loved her family and it sure showed over the years in all she did your in my thoughts all of you sorry for your loss.
Message from Brad & Sharon Petteplace2025-11-14 01:25:52
Our condolences to Laura Lee’s family. A wonderful lady that was so dedicated to the community!
I have known Laura Lee for many years now through the Legion Seniors dining program and then more recently with the Legion takeout dinners, I always enjoyed talking to her every month, she will be missed by many. Deepest Sympathy to all.
Message from Jennifer Atkinson2025-11-13 18:04:25
Dear David, Eric, and families,
You have my sympathy. Your Mom was a good friend always to my parents, Lynda and Henry, and I remember our two families getting together on a fairly regular basis!
Thinking of you…and remembering your kind and loving mother.
Message from Bernice Davies2025-11-13 14:47:37
My sympathy is extended to all of Laura Lees family.
Sending sympathy and prayers to the Cayley family. . She was wonderful kind caring person. Cherish your memories and hold them close.
Message from June Gilchrist2025-11-13 11:51:10
I have wonderful memories of a beautiful lady who was always there for me whenever I needed her. She will be missed by those who knew her. May she rest in Peace and send my love to all her family!
Our deepest sympathy to all on the passing of Laura Lee. She will be greatly missed by all.
Message from Shelley Sales2025-11-12 22:19:30
Dear Dave, Eric and families,
Offering my deepest sympathies on the passing away of your beautiful Mom. A lady so special will be remembered always.
God Bless each of you with the strength and peace needed to get through the days ahead along with the weeks, months and years ahead.
She has now joined your Dad and Mary Lynn watching over you from heaven above.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Shelley (Laura Cayley's Mom)
Message from Doug and Nancy Aitchison 2025-11-12 17:59:08
Our sincere condolences to the families. She will be missed.