Laura Hillier, a gifted and well-loved student from Nelson High School in Ontario, Canada, had her life tragically taken away by leukemia at the young age of 18.

Although she bravely fought and had been cancer-free for four years, the disease returned, ultimately claiming her life on January 20, 2016. But her story and legacy live on, touching the hearts of people all around the world.

Laura’s family, determined to celebrate her life and remember her remarkable spirit, came together with friends, neighbors, teachers, and classmates to adorn her casket with heartfelt messages. Using colorful markers, they transformed the casket into a beautiful yearbook-like tribute that captured Laura’s infectious enthusiasm for life and her extraordinary talent in music and drama.

The images of Laura’s casket, covered with scribbled notes and inscriptions, quickly went viral, leaving a lasting impact on strangers who were deeply moved by her story. These heartfelt messages expressed the immense love and admiration felt by those who knew Laura:

• “You were musical. You were artistic. You were understanding. You were my bestest friend.”
• “Life is a song…Sing ’til your heart’s content.”
• “Very brave and strong. You will always be a hero.”

Laura’s favorite color, purple, was also woven into her funeral service as a symbol of her vibrant personality. From the beautiful flowers to the clothing worn by attendees, purple was a constant reminder of Laura’s presence and the joy she brought to those around her.

In honor of Laura’s memory and to support the fight against childhood cancer, donations can be made to Coast to Coast, a national charity working tirelessly to put an end to this devastating disease.

Laura Hillier’s story remains an inspiration to us all. Her courage, strength, and pure spirit touched the lives of many, and her memory continues to shine brightly. May we never forget the impact she made and the lessons she taught us about cherishing every moment and living life to the fullest.