Mrs. Lena Laidlaw of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Donald Laidlaw, and mother to Darrell (Betty) Laidlaw, Valerie (Michael) Steed, Keith (Dianne) Laidlaw, and Barbara (Corie) Oviatt, passed away peacefully at St. Therese Villa on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the age of 98 years.
Lena was born on October 20, 1927, and raised in Pearce, Alberta, the beloved daughter of Issac and Elizabeth Zoeteman. After a wait of 9 years, Lena finally had a brother born, Sam Zoeteman, followed by two more brothers, Lawrence (Larry) and Robert (Bob). Lena attended a small farm school from grades 1 through 9, then went on to high school in Fort Macleod, where she served as class president in her graduating year. After graduation, Lena moved to Calgary to attend Mount Royal College, where she completed a one-year business course.
Lena’s first job took her to Pincher Creek, Alberta, where she met her future husband, Donald Keith Laidlaw. Lena and Don made lifelong friends in Pincher and enjoyed many fun trips to the Waterton dances. They both moved to Lethbridge and eventually married on April 16th, 1955. Lena and Don raised their four children, Darrell, Valerie, Keith, and Barbara, in Lethbridge.
Lena was predeceased by her husband Don on April 23rd, 1987, as well as her brothers Sam Zoeteman, Larry Zoeteman, and Bob Zoeteman.
Lena loved to golf, took great pride in working in her yard, and was always tackling home improvement projects. She also embraced the opportunity to travel extensively throughout the world—experiences she cherished and carried with her throughout her life.
Lena was a devoted mother, a proud grandmother to 11 grandchildren, and a cherished great-grandmother to 22 great-grandchildren, all of whom loved her dearly. She had a gift for making others feel cared for, whether through her warm hospitality or the simple joy of sharing her famous cookies and juice snacks—memories that will be treasured by her family for years to come.
In her later years, Lena moved to Martha’s House, where she formed many meaningful friendships. She spent her final four months at St. Therese Villa, where she received compassionate and attentive care from the staff, for which her family is deeply grateful.
Lena was known for her kindness to others and her constant smile. Her legacy lives on in the family she nurtured and the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
The family is holding a simple graveside service on May 3rd at 2:00 pm in the Lethbridge Mountain View Cemetery.
Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.