My family lived near the Lazenby's for some time, and my mother was quite close with her. We would often go and visit for holidays when I was young, maybe about 8 or 9 years old. My sister and I would pay in the river behind their house while the adults would tease us about the "crocodiles."
Lara loved to paint and used lots of stencils in her work as a designer. She taught my sister and I how to make stencil painting during one of our visits. I remember sitting out on the porch in front of the house as we selected stencil patterns. I still have the little cheetah painting with bright green eyes that we made together.
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Lara was a second mother to me and many others in my sunday school class. Her faith and incredible ability to liken the scriptures unto us helped shape my testimony. She helped me through many rough experiences during my teen years and was a constant reminder to stay on the right path. I would not be where I am today without her love and her example.
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My condolences to Lara's family. I first met Lara years ago in my office. We hit it off from the start. She was a beautiful soul. One of my fo dear memories was when she gave me a signed copy of her book! I will always treasure that and the memory of our conversations and her incredible talents and spirit. RIP Lara. 🩷
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I was sad when I heard the news of Lara's passing. I remember her as a great teacher in our ward Relief Society.
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I didn't know her very well, but what I do know is what a unique and special person she is! So talented, kind, loving, full of every good thing a woman could be blessed with. She will not be forgotten and will always be close by.
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I first met Lara when she spoke up at a neighborhood meeting a couple years ago, and her insightful comments made me think, “Here is a kindred spirit that I want to get to know better!” I could always count on her to bring intelligence, compassion and humor to our conversations. She had a strong spirit that I will always aspire to. And I’ll miss her sincere hugs.
2
I know of Lara from the Hodgkin’s Lymphoma community. I am a survivor too.I only wish I had actually met her. Clearly, Lara brought light into many others lives all while dealing with many late effects from her HL treatment at only 7. I certainly will be reading her book. I just wanted to send my condolences to you and the rest of your families. It can be tough for our community as we lose too many who are too young..You will be in my thoughts and prayers 💜🙏💜
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Lara was a very special person! I had the privilege of teaching on a special education team with Lara at McIntosh Middle School, many many years ago. She was only there for one year but I have always remembered her and valued her talents and her kindness!!!
•I had never been a fan of cranberry sauce and the year we taught together she made homemade cranberry sauce and to this day I ALWAYS make and have homemade cranberry sauce with our thanksgiving dinner!!!!
• I read her book and it was so Lara! She was a fighter!! There was a paragraph in her book about a time she had been in a field of poppies. It was my inspiration to use poppies as the flowers in my back tattoo!!!
Lara is someone I will never forget and will remember fondly and with much love!!!
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Vista, CA, USA
Our family bonds
— with
Vaughn’s and Poll’s
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Lara and I shared our writing with others in the Village of the Arts writing group at Dona's shop. I will be re-reading Lara's memoir, and recalling her radiance. She was calm and kind.
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Lara was a friend, a fellow cancer survivor, and an inspiration as a writer. A true blessing to have known her. I wrote this tribute for her on my blog.
https://pedelmanjr.com/2025/0…
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My condolences to Lara's family. I first met Lara as children in school. Lara was kind of quiet and sweet and I never heard her say an unkind word about anyone. I had no idea what she went through with her health until I read her book. She was a wonderful and poignant writer. As adults we reconnected via Facebook and I understood very quickly that she was the strongest woman I've ever met. She radiated love, compassion and presence. The world is a little less bright now that she is gone.
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We enjoyed Lara’s friendship, her sweet spirit and her love of Christ!
Until we meet again!
Carolyn and Richard Johnson
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