Working with Laurel at Crown Point School for 14 years was a great pleasure! She excelled at her career as a speech pathologist and was highly respected by her peers. Her students always looked forward to their sessions since she was able to make them fun- not an easy task! Laurel had a way of making each student feel special. There is no doubt that she had a huge impact on the lives of many children and they will never forget her.

There were several things I loved about Laurel. She had a great sense of humor and hearing her infectious laugh could make anyone's day get better! Laurel was a very passionate person who obviously loved life. Attending concerts was one of her favorite things due to her love of music. I never had the pleasure of attending a concert with her, but listening to her describe a great concert, like the Rolling Stones, was an experience in itself!

Of course, the thing that brought Laurel the most joy was being the mother of Sara and Sophia. She was a great mom and took great pride in their many accomplishments. What made her most proud was watching them grow up to be wonderful young women. Sara and Sophia are both very caring and compassionate- just like their mom! The strength and courage both demonstrated during the past several months was remarkable to see.

Laurel seemed very much at peace when I saw her a few days before she passed. I know this was due to her strong spiritual beliefs. She was so grateful for the many prayers she received from her family and friends. I feel so fortunate and blessed to have had Laurel as a friend and will forever cherish my memories of her.

Laurel never forgot my birthdays and would always send me a card to celebrate every milestone I achieved throughout the years. 

Her thoughtfulness and love meant the world to me. Even during the hardest of times, receiving her cards brought a smile to my face and reminded me that someone cared. Her constant support and encouragement helped me through many difficult moments, and I will always cherish her memory.

Her recent care package to my daughter Olivia included a sign with lyrics from "You are my Sunshine". This brings me to think that all along, we really knew Laurel was the sunshine in all of our lives. 

Love always,

Stephanie

My siblings and I were blessed to know Laurel since childhood through our parents and grandmothers.  Laurel always lifted us up with her energetic spirit, her positive outlook on life, her warmth, compassion and the best humor!  She was a true light in this world!  In recent years, I treasured our long conversations where we shared our mutual memories, both of joy and sorrow, (the depth of her memory was extraordinary!),  our love for our children, which was Laurel's greatest pride,  and  our deep faith and love for our Lord, which was a consolation and hope to both of us for this life and the life that is to come.

With heartfelt love to Justine, Jen, Sara and Sophia.  Laurel will always remain close to our hearts.  Your cousins, Gloria, Jimmy, Doug and Aida von Oiste

Your mom was such a outgoing and fun loving vibrant woman. When she traveled through the halls at Crown Point, she always had a smile on her face and something witty to say. She glowed with joy and was always a delight to have around. 

Your mom believed in the afterlife and spirits being able to speak to your heart. I remember one day sitting down with her and exchanging stories, our eyes filled with tears of joy and cherishing the words as we spoke. It was such a touching moment for us both. If anyone is as deserving to be able to speak from beyond, your mother is… believe 🦋