WILLIAMS, Laura Ella-Belle June 28, 1921 - October 15, 2012 Born in Victoria in 1921, Laura Ella-Belle Williams (nee Bapty) was the youngest child of Dr. Walter Bapty (Colonel, Canadian Scottish) and Ella-Belle Bapty (nee Lind). Laura was predeceased by Harry Bapty, Betty Prince, Dr. Leonard Bapty, and Anne Bapty. Laura had a carefree time growing up in her large family on Pemberton Avenue. She never forgot the freedom of the streets and gardens that she and the many other children in the neighbourhood enjoyed in 1920s and 30s Victoria. She attended St. Margaret's School, Victoria High School, and Victoria College. In 1948 Laura married David Ricardo Williams LLB ( d 1999). Shortly thereafter they moved, to everyone's dismay, across the Malahat to Duncan. In 1952 they moved to Gibbins Road, Laura's home until her death. Laura and David's first date was a tennis game. She liked to describe how David let her win the first game but none ever after. Laura and David raised, on the wrong side of the tracks, (and sometimes on the tracks) Bruce, Suzanne (Anton), Harry, Owen, and Jonathan. Laura's 18 grandchildren grew up running through the same woods, fields and ponds which their parents had loved as children. Her 2 great-grandchildren (and many others to follow) will do the same. Some of Laura's happiest times were spent with family and friends in her country garden set amongst farm and forest. Even after 60 years of care, the garden continues to evolve in its beauty. In the last few years of her life, she took great pleasure in seeing sheep back on the property. Laura was always practical: A famous photo in the local paper (1961) was captioned, "Duncan lawyer watches while wife rescues chickens from burning barn". That was the end of chicken farming. Laura was always involved in her community. She spent many years organizing dance at the Cowichan music festival. Laura's interest in history was a constant in her life. She received great satisfaction helping David perform research and coming up with the names for his books. Until the day she died, she was talking about the camas meadows, the Garry oaks and the families in the Victoria of her childhood. Laura was a member of St Peter's Quamichan Anglican church for 62 years. She played tennis at South Cowichan Lawn Tennis Club into her 80s. Funeral Services will be held for Laura on October 20 at 2:00 PM at St Peter's Quamichan, 5800 Church Road, Duncan BC.