Laura Pierina (Zavarise) Simmons

SIMMONS, Laura Pierina - Passed away peacefully and surrounded by close family on June 22, 2023, reuniting with her loving husband Greg (2018). She was a deeply dedicated mother to Kyle and his wife Erin (Kincardine) and Eric and his wife Danielle (Oakville). Cherished Nonna to Tyler, Iris, Amelia and Jack Simmons. Predeceased by her parents Emilio and Maria Zavarise, and missed by her siblings and their spouses Guglielmina and Luciano Capovilla (Guelph) and Dino and Frances Zavarise (Guelph), nieces, nephews, and extended family. Laurie will also be fondly remembered by the family of Greg’s sister Elinor and her husband Robert Montgomery.

Known as Lauretta to her close family, Laurie was born in Fanzolo, Italy in 1950 and immigrated to Canada at the age of 3 with her parents and older sister. She spent the majority of her life in Guelph, where she met her husband Greg and devoted much of her life to raising two forever grateful sons.

Intelligent, outspoken, creative, and exceptionally organized, Laurie excelled at academics. Her career spanned administration roles at Guelph Correctional Centre, the Red Cross, and Our Lady of Lourdes High School. Her final working years were spent supporting youth in finding their own calling.

Laurie’s summers were spent cottaging with family and friends on Muskoka Bay – she especially loved going on boat rides on the lake. She also enjoyed the company of her neighbors, contributing to neighborhood gardens and enjoying neighborhood walks. Upon retirement she and Greg continued their passion for exciting travel destinations. Along with her siblings, Laurie carried on her family’s culinary traditions throughout her life, leaving us all with full stomachs and spoiled tastebuds.

Laurie took great care in addressing the concerns of others throughout her life and faced her own illness with incredible courage, dignity and grace. While we regret our time together was cut short, we celebrate a life well lived, and so many fond memories.

Friends will be received at the Basilica of Our Lady in Guelph on Thursday June 29th, 2023 from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., with a service to follow at 11:00 a.m. and reception thereafter. A private family interment will take place following the reception. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Wellington, St. Joseph Health Centre, or charity of one’s choice. Donation cards are available at the funeral home (519-821-5077), or online donations and condolences may be below.