Laurie Jo Canary Frederick Northville - Laurie Jo Canary Frederick, 66, passed away unexpectedly at home on April 15, 2024. Laurie was born February 12, 1958, in Gloversville to Kenneth and Phyllis Crannell Canary. At 4 months old, it was discovered that Laurie had a hole in her heart. At the age of 4, she underwent an extremely risky (experimental at the time) Open Heart Surgery at Boston Children's Hospital. Laurie's parents were the local John Deere Dealers in the area, so many dolls and stuffed animals were sent by other dealers and employees at Deere & Company in Moline, Illinois. So many dolls were sent that Laurie's mom filled a gurney with them and then went up and down the hall sharing with all the other children on the ward. At the age of 11, Laurie underwent a second and final Open Heart Surgery.
Laurie attended Broadalbin Schools before eventually transferring to Bishop Burke High School in Gloversville. When Bishop Burke closed, she transferred to Bishop Scully High School in Amsterdam where she graduated, Class of 1976. Throughout Laurie's youth, she was an active member of 4H and especially enjoyed competing with her horse "Minnesota" at the Fonda Fair.
Laurie married Thomas Frederick on March 20, 1982, in Johnstown. They lived in Johnstown until 1985, at which point they moved to Northville and made an Adirondack-style home. This is where she would remain until her passing. In 1987 they welcomed the birth of their only child, Justin. The family would then fill the home with many different pets, who were loved as additional members of the Frederick family. She got much enjoyment living on their woodland property, where she was able to feed and care for the various wildlife that would visit on regular occasions. Laurie and Tom shared many passions through the years, ranging from hiking, camping, photography, traveling the Adirondacks, spending time on the Great Sacandaga Lake boating, and in later years, a passion for Harley Davidson Motorcycles. They spent much time together on their bikes, so much so that she was given multiple awards for high mileage from the Sacandaga Harley Owners Group, which they were a part of.
Laurie worked in the Parts Dept. at K. C. Canary, Inc. on Route 29 for many years, eventually becoming Parts Manager. Later on, after her son Justin started school, she worked in the office at Canary Classic Corp. Following her work for the family business, she worked as an office manager for Albie's Carpet Craft in Gloversville. Her most recent employment, starting around 2018, was as an office manager for "ABATE of New York," which stands for "American Bikers Aimed Toward Education." Since 1974 the organization has promoted motorcycle safety, awareness, and education.
Laurie had a real and personal relationship with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her faith through the years saw her serving in various churches and organizations. She oversaw the Samaritan's Purse program for the Baptist Church of Northville for many years and was also involved with the Sacandaga Bible Conference in Broadalbin. Laurie was also a local Animal Rights Activist. She served on the Board for the James A. Brennan Memorial Humane Society in Mayfield for many years, serving for a time as President. Laurie was a dedicated Cub Scout and Boy Scout Troop Mom, serving for many years with Troop #55 out of Northville. During those years, she was a pack leader, committee chair, and unofficial on-site First-Aid distributor during camping trips. Even after her son obtained his Eagle Scout award in 2005, she remained on the scout committee and stayed involved well after Justin aged out of the troop.
Laurie was talented at making various crafts throughout her life. She was a regular at Ceramics for many years, making gifts for family and friends. For many years, she made miniature Clay Snowmen as Christmas gifts, a different unique series each year. Making unique Adirondack-style Christmas Ornaments out of bark, twigs, moss, and acorns was another talent she had. She also had an eye for seeing the potential for beautiful art in items others would consider as garbage. She would collect containers, paper towel rolls, and other materials to either transform into art herself or donate to the Northville Central School for their art programs.
Laurie is survived by her husband of 42 years, Thomas Frederick of Northville; her son, Justin (Abby) Frederick; grandchildren Roman, Norah, and Judah, all of Northville; siblings, Lynda (Bob) Naske of Johnstown, Lois (Michael) Wager of Broadalbin and Keith (Kelly) Canary of Vail Mills; a brother-in-law, John Frederick; a sister- in- law, Susan Frederick with partner David Dominque of Milford MA; two aunts, Carol Crannell of Pacific, MO, and Marilyn (Doug) Canary Ottendorf of Kokomo, IN; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Laurie is predeceased by her parents, Ken and Phyllis Canary, her In-Laws, Jack and Rosemary Frederick, and Eleanor "Granny" Frederick.
A private service will be held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Fulton County Regional SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), in care of the funeral home. Arrangements are by the Robert M. Halgas Funeral Home, Inc. 111 County Highway 106, Johnstown, NY 12095.