Laura Bellingham

Passed away July 17th, 2026 at the age of 65. Laura was born in 1961, daughter of the late Ed and Sis (Monette) Bellingham and sister to the late Bruce (Nora) and Rodney (Barb) Bellingham.

Growing up on a farm, Laura named all the animals and became a natural vegetarian. Having skipped a grade at Stanbridge East Elementary School, she joined Massey Vanier Regional High School at a young age and was just shy of her 16th birthday when she graduated. She moved to Montreal to attend Vanier College and, having received her D.E.C., continued on to Concordia University where she received her BA with Honours.

She took a summer job at Redpath Sugar that turned into a lifelong career and it was there that she met Terry Lesko with whom she lived blissfully for 33 years, including relocating to Toronto with him when the head office moved in the early 80's, and they remained close throughout the years. Laura was months away from her 40th anniversary with Redpath when cancer diverted her attentions to a different path of discovery.

She was an avid reader and during her leisure time she also enjoyed a wide range of outdoor activities, attended many concerts and cultural events, and did volunteer work for several organizations, her favourite being with the Toronto Public Library tutoring children. Though she had no children of her own, she delighted in being aunt to Julie, Johanne, Ben, Matt, and Katie, as well as to her in-laws' daughters.

Laura lived well, laughed often, and frequently expressed gratitude for all that she had and all that she had experienced. Special thanks to the team at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, particularly to Dr. Penelope Bradbury, and to all the family and friends who stayed close and true throughout her illness.

For those who wish to and are able, donations to a hospital or library in Laura's memory would be greatly appreciated.