Mary Katherine (Katie) Laporte

Surrounded by her two loving sons and family, with true grit and strength, inspiring courage and the calm of her deep faith, Katie left us too soon, after enjoying a full and rich life, leaving nothing on her bucket list.

 An all-round good human, not afraid to speak her mind or to stick to her strong principles, Katie didn’t suffer fools, and for exactly those qualities she was greatly admired. She was passionate about her sons, about her students, about her friends and especially about the definitive way to hit a 9 iron.

 She was a larger-than-life presence to her two sons, and so very proud of John and Matt (Leigha) and her grandchildren, Tyson and Berkley. She will be missed and remembered by her brothers Dennis and Joffre (Sharon), and her sisters Anne, Louise, Janet (Greg), Paula (Mark) and sister-in-law Kim. “Auntie Katie” was also adored and loved by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents, Andre (Hindu) and Faye (Mulligan) Rivet, and her brothers, Greg, Andre, and Marc.

 Katie was a graduate of St. Joseph’s College, North Bay, and the University of Ottawa. After graduation, Katie shaped many young minds, first as a teacher at St. Joseph-Scollard Hall, and then as a guidance counsellor. She finished her education career at the St. Joseph Adult Education Campus. She was passionately dedicated to her adult students, treating each with genuine respect, sincerity and kindness. She wanted to change lives and understood the challenges of returning to school as an adult. Believing in their abilities, she was instrumental in making her students each feel special as they worked towards their high school diploma.  Her coworkers admired her dedication, generous spirit and leadership in her career.

 An avid sports enthusiast, Katie was a formidable competitor, beginning as a star athlete in high school basketball, volleyball and hockey and continuing to the golf course. She served for many years as a board member at the North Bay Golf and Country Club. She forged many lifelong friendships through her love of the game. During her time as teacher/guidance counsellor she loved to serve as timekeeper for many football games. She followed NFL football and loved watching the NBA Raptors games. She was a member of the Aqua Barbies Aqua Fit group at CFB North Bay. She had a blast when given responsibility for the medals ceremonies when North Bay hosted the Special Olympics in 2015, roping in many friends to help her make it special for the athletes.

 Her bridge skills were extensions of her competitive nature, and she loved to play with intelligence and ruthless determination. Her service at the Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption began during her high school years and continued throughout her life, as she served in many capacities, on many church youth projects, social and finance committees, including the building fundraising committee. She was a vital member of the Olympics Gang, planning sports and games to coincide with the winter and summer Olympics since 2002.

 When faced with this devastating diagnosis, Katie was philosophical, stating she was glad for all the life she had, and believed she was one of the lucky ones, thankful for all the opportunities that came her way and the strong loving relationships she nurtured. Her memory will be a lasting source of comfort to many, a lasting source of inspiration to former students, and a lasting source of memorable fun moments.

 Many thanks to her former student and physician, Dr J. Blackadar, and to her palliative doctors, Dr. A. Brown, and Dr. H. Moore, doctors she said everyone wished they could have.  Also a huge thank you, for the dedicated care and compassion, to two of her closest friends, Carol Owens and Kathy Storie.

 If you would like to do something to honour her memory, volunteer at a church, a school or library, or write a letter to someone and tell them the positive way they have influenced your life.

 A visitation will be at Hillside Funeral Services, 362 Airport Rd, on Friday January 23, 2026 from 2 until 6 pm.  A funeral mass for Katie will be celebrated at the Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption church on Saturday January 24th , 2026 at 10:00 am

 Donations to the Pro-Cathedral Building Fund would be appreciated by the family.