Laura Catherine (Gollan) Elliott, 87, River John, passed away on July 28, 2025 under the watchful, loving care of her nurses at Lillian Fraser Memorial Hospital in Tatamagouche.

Laura was born on April 26, 1938, the 13th child of James and Rosanna (Holmes) Gollan. She was predeceased by her siblings, Jessie, Annie, Bob, Iola, Irene, David, Lillian, Angus, Lloyd, George, Charles, Zelna as well as her special niece who was raised as a sister, Valerie.

Laura grew up in Melville working hard and having lots of fun on her family's farm. After finishing school, she and her sister, Zelna went to Truro, where Laura worked first at the Bank of Nova Scotia and later at Stanfields. It was in Truro that she met her husband, Charles "Bugs" Elliott and they eventually married in 1963. Not long after his passing on November 1, 1993, Laura returned to Melville purchasing a cottage home on the same land where she had helped make hay in her younger years. Later she moved into the village of River John. She was baptized in 1999 and became an active member of the Salem United Church congregation. She was also involved with the Royal Canadian Legion, River John Festival Days Committee, River John Ladies Group and the River John and Area Historical Society, The Campbell Cemetery Committee as well as assisted in starting the Melville Corner Project.

Laura is survived by her sisters in law, Jessie and Gayle; 16 nieces and nephews as well as her dog, Molly.

Her family is forever grateful to the VON Nurses who became like family to Laura as they visited each day, going above and beyond in caring for her. Thanks also to her many good friends who "got her where she had to go" when macular degeneration affected her ability to drive, leaving her dependent on your kindnesses.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 4 from 1:00 pm until time of Funeral Service at 2:00 pm both from Salem United Church, River John, with Reverend Connie McNamara officiating. Burial will be held in the Riverbank Cemetery, Toney River.

Memorial Donations in Laura's memory may be made to Riverbank Cemetery, Toney River or to the Lillian Fraser Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Coulter's Funeral Home in Tatamagouche.