No fear runs deeper in a parent’s heart than the thought of burying their own child. It’s a universal truth that transcends borders, cultures, and circumstances—something every mother and father would acknowledge without hesitation.
For Laura Hillier’s parents, this unimaginable nightmare became their reality. Their daughter had first heard the devastating words “you have leukemia” at only 13. After four grueling years of fighting, she finally received the news every cancer patient dreams of hearing—she was in remission. But fate had other plans. The disease returned with a vengeance.
Laura, a gifted and well-loved student at Nelson High School in Ontario, Canada, took her last breath on January 20, 2016.
The family shared the heartbreaking update through a Facebook page they’d created to chronicle Laura’s journey for concerned friends and supporters.
“She fought bravely and all of you would have been so proud of her. Her poise, her courage, her strength and her pure spirit shone through right until the end,” they posted.
Determined to honor Laura’s memory and celebrate her remarkable bravery, her classmates and teachers came together to create something extraordinary for her service—transforming her casket into a stunning testament to how deeply she was cherished.
Soon after, images of what they’d done began circulating across social media… and it’s immediately clear why so many people were moved by what they saw.
Laura passed away in late January 2016, just 18 years old, succumbing to acute myeloid leukemia as she awaited a transplant.
According to those close to the family, the young woman spent her final moments in the hospital, encircled by the people who loved her most.
Laura’s battle started at 13 with her initial leukemia diagnosis. Four exhausting years followed—filled with countless treatment cycles and hospital stays—before doctors finally declared her free of cancer.
Tragically, the reprieve was short-lived. By May 2015, the cancer had come roaring back, more aggressive than before.
At Nelson High School, Laura was recognized for her passion for both music and drama.
Her classmates came up with a touching idea: they’d take the tradition of signing yearbooks at the end of school and reimagine it for Laura’s memorial service. They wanted to give her the kind of meaningful, love-filled goodbye that someone so special truly deserved.
What they created was nothing short of beautiful. Friends, family members, neighbors, teachers, fellow students, and even the medical staff who’d cared for her during her illness—all contributed personal messages directly onto her casket.
Every inch of the coffin became covered with their heartfelt, handwritten words.
Laura’s family found themselves completely overwhelmed by the incredible show of love when they saw the messages.
One tribute simply said: “You were musical. You were artistic. You were understanding. You were my bestest friend.”
Another declared: “Very brave and strong. You will always be a hero.”
Purple—Laura’s favorite color—took center stage throughout the service. The church overflowed with purple blooms, and every single person in attendance incorporated a touch of purple into what they wore that day.
There’s no question that Laura left this world far too soon, but witnessing the tremendous love her community poured out in her honor offers some measure of comfort.
Rest easy, Laura.