Somewhere the sun is shining Somewhere the songbirds dwell Hush then, thy sad repining God lives and all is well Laura Isabelle (Roberts) Stockdale grew up on the beautiful Belleisle Bay and often said there was no place on earth prettier. She attended Long Point School until eighth grade, then continued her education and graduated from Hampton Consolidated School in 1947. Laura obtained her Teachers Certification and taught grades 1 to 8 at Darlings Island's one room school house from 1948 to 1950. That's where she met the true love of her life Austen, who lived with his family just down the road from the schoolhouse. They married on July 22,1950. That same road bears the sign “STOCKDALE ROAD” today. Laura and Austen settled into the family dairy farm on Darlings Island and by 1956 had a house full of boys – John, Stephen, Bill and Richard followed by a daughter Mary Anne in 1960. In 1961 a fire destroyed the cattle and hay barn. All the livestock escaped unharmed. Though not wanting to say good bye to close friends and neighbours on Darling's Island and area, Laura and Austen, kids and cows in tow, took up residence in Drury's Cove in November of that year. In 1967 the family grew again when Laura Louise was born. Laura was so proud of her family and beautiful dairy farm. “ Stockdale Ayrshire's” Besides her busy life on the farm, she found time to pursue many community interests. Laura was an executive member of the Ayrshire Breeders Association. As Dairy farmers it was only natural the family become involved in the 4-H Program. Laura spent many years as leader of Sussex Ayrshire and Jersey 4-H Club. She was always there to encourage her own children and anyone else who needed it. For many years Laura and Austen operated a Christmas Tree Lot as members of the Belleisle Christmas Tree Co-op. She was well known for her beautiful Balsam Fir Wreaths and Trees and customers would return year after year. Some of Laura's closest friends came to her through her involvement with Women's Institute and the annual Agricultural Fair. She was a devoted lifetime member of Lower and Drury's Cove W.I., serving in many executive positions at both branch and district levels. She always enjoyed attending Conventions and travel with her W.I. friends. She looked forward to the annual Food and Craft Fair each year in late August. It was an opportunity to share the many crafts,quilts, handiwork, food and preserves. Laura had multiple entries every year including 2019 despite having had a mild stroke a few weeks before the event. Laura had a natural gift for drawing and painting even as a child. She said she always wanted Santa to bring a coloring book and crayons. Family and friends have been treated to her paintings as gifts for years and many more adorn the walls of her home. She was a member of the Sussex Art Club for many years. Laura was a great entertainer. She had endless games and skits and songs that she would happily perform at any gathering she was asked. She always had a way to put a smile on your face. Laura was a member of Church of the Ascension where she devoted many hours as an active member of the ACW, Sunday School Teacher, and Organist. Her faith was deep. She lived in the Love of God and truly believed in the power of prayer. That was where she found her strength, especially during troubling times. Laura's greatest joy was her family. She treasured each and every one of her precious grandchildren and great grandchildren. Our hearts are broken as we announce the passing of our mother Laura Isabelle Stockdale, following a brief illness Friday August 21, 2020 at the Sussex Health Centre. Survived by her daughters Mary Anne Mitton, and Louise and Jack Pitcher , sons John and Nan, Stephen and Emily, Bill and Rose, daughter in law Judy Stockdale-Dow and Don as well as her sister Rita Munro of Keirsteadville. 12 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren; Susan and Brad Pope, Emmerson and Avery; Tanya and Mark, Kayla; Angela and Colin Cummings,Olivia, Michael, Addison, and Emily; Mitchell and Ellen, Thomas and Merryn , Nicole and Ron Bent, Karen and Josh Fox, Peggy(James), Paula(Tony), Richard and Jocelyn Pitcher, Patrick and Lauren. Laura was predeceased by her parents Reuben and Clarabelle (Norman), husband T. Austen Stockdale, her sisters Elsie Roberts, Hilda Roberts and Sadie Thompson, her son Richard and son-in-law Kevin Mitton. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, N.B. (506-433-1176) from where Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2020 from 2-4 and 6-8pm with social distancing measures in place. Due to Covid-19 a private family Funeral Service will be held from Church of the Ascension, Apohaqui, N.B. Donations in Laura's memory can be made to the Church of the Ascension Building Fund, Robert Walker Scholarship Fund, Women's Institute, or the charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and donations may be made through WallaceFuneralHome.com