Laura Lynn Thomas passed peacefully in her home in Washougal, Washington, on June 9, 2025, following a fearless battle with cancer.

Born on December 16th, 1964, in Cleveland, Ohio, Laura spent her childhood in Virginia and California. She was a fiercely competitive and talented swimmer, earning numerous accolades and Division I scholarship offers by the time she was a senior in high school. She ultimately chose to swim for her beloved University of Georgia, where she was a two-time NCAA All-American, named All-SEC for four years, and served as team captain. Laura would stay in Athens for many years, where she would meet her first love, lifelong friends, and raise her family.

Swimming remained a central part of Laura’s life after earning her BA in Marketing at UGA. Laura founded two aquatic clubs and served as the head coach for three club teams, a high school team, and a collegiate team. As Coach Laura, she poured her heart into her teams, leaving a lasting mark on hundreds of swimmers of all ages throughout a coaching career that was fruitful, inspirational, and defined the odds. Laura was the kind of teacher every student hopes for: someone who truly sees them, meets them where they are, and can always make them laugh though even the hardest middle school days.

Laura’s vivacious energy and infectious smile were unmistakable. She was a free spirit with a boundless love for life and people. A gifted athlete, a loyal daughter, a cherished mother, a beloved life partner, a loving sister, a generous friend, a magical green thumb, a proud Parrot Head, and simply the most unique person you could ever know. She had a way of showing up fully, authentically, and unmistakably herself every time. 100% LT, 100% of the time.

She would not want us to be sad in her passing, but rather celebrate the joy of having known her, the memories made, and the love shared.

Laura is survived by numerous loved ones who miss her dearly:

Her mother and closest friend, Nancy Halligan.

Her beloved children, Zoë Smith-Owenby and Jared Smith, and her son-in-law, Zachary Smith Owenby, and daughter-in-law, Erica Mosca.

Her grandchildren, Kenny and Keyvan.

Her life partner, Tim Harvey, and treasured companion, Nola.

Her siblings, Jeff Thomas, Marty Thomas, Robert Thomas, and Craig Thomas.

Her niece, Shelby Thomas.

Countless friends, students, swimmers, teammates, and coworkers from across the United States.

Laura is now in eternal peace with her first love, Jim Smith.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the University of Georgia Swim Team in Laura’s memory. Donations can be made through the following link: https://gail.uga.edu/giving/t….

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025, at the University of Georgia Chapel, 109 Herty Dr, Athens, GA 30602, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Please join us to share memories, laughter, and music in honor of Laura and her remarkable legacy. 

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