Obituary of Laura Marie Plantje

April 11, 1988 - February 23, 2023  

Our beloved Laura Plantje of Calgary, AB tragically passed away on Thursday, February 23, 2023, due to complications during heart surgery.

Laura was born and raised in Calgary where she attended French immersion schools from K-12. Laura went on to graduate from the Haskayne School of Business, majoring in Marketing. She was an honours student through her entire education and spent her final semester on an exchange in Marseille where her love for France was forged. She would return to visit many times throughout the years.

As a child, Laura persevered through two successful open-heart surgeries. These experiences helped push Laura to live her life to the fullest. She spent most of her childhood summers at the family cabin in Invermere, golfing at Willow Park GCC, or hanging with her many friends. She developed a love for travel, food, music, and the Flames over her years. 

Laura started working as soon as she was allowed to and loved the idea of being able to support herself. She consistently demonstrated her strength, dedication, and passion throughout her life. 

Laura epitomized the type of person who would light up every room she walked into. Whether it was family, friends, or colleagues, Laura put a smile on the face of every person she came across. Laughter was a biproduct of her presence. She exuded positive energy and a love for life that inspired others, made her the centre of any party she attended, and made her a natural leader in her professional career.

If you were lucky enough to have had Laura in your life, you likely got to witness her quick wit, and her contagious passion towards the things that mattered the most to her. Whether it be an email, supporting a friend or family member, or picking her outfit for the day, she did it with maximum effort and the typical Laura flair. 

Laura loved her family more than anything and would do anything and everything for them. We couldn’t have asked for a better sister, daughter, or partner. Laura would’ve made the best mother; something Laura and her soulmate Johan were looking tremendously forward too.

Besides her loving partner Johan, Laura is survived by her father Lorne; brothers, Nick Plantje and Joel Thacker; niece, Avery Thacker; sister, Dru Plantje (Mark Leger); and her nephew, Alex Plantje; along with numerous loving extended family members. Laura was predeceased by her beloved mother Janice. 

A Celebration of Laura’s Life will be held at Mount Royal University - Ross Glen Hall (4825 Mt Royal Gate SW, Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.

Please keep Laura’s legacy alive and speak of her proudly and often. You are welcome to share stories, memories, and photos of Laura here. Laura’s legacy will also be honoured by her final, parting gift. Through organ and tissue donation, Laura was able to save the lives of two people and enhance the lives of countless others, as she did throughout her life. 

If friends so desire, Laura’s family has requested any donations made in Laura's memory be directed to the Parkinson Association of Alberta in support of her father, Lorne Plantje, mygoodness.benevity.org/community/fundraiser/58691.

In living memory of Laura Plantje, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

Click Here to View Laura Plantje's Memorial Card