2024, Calvary Lutheran Church
Recital in 2024
— with
Laurie and Kevin
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Laurie taught Lev (Cory) piano for many years, and she encouraged Kurt by being an accompanist who made his flute solos shine. My kids grew up loving Gregory like a little brother. For several years in a row, we loaded up Black Beauty (Volvo) and headed out to pick blueberries at Bybee Nims in North Bend. She was always faster than the rest of us combined, per usual! Laurie also introduced us to the amazing Scott's Dairy Freeze in North Bend. When we went to the county fair, she had the most interesting backstories on farm animals and she practically floated when we'd go see the horses. She kept me on my toes with MANY questions about such a wide variety of topics. Most of the time we would investigate the answers together because I sure didn't know! I felt like I could accomplish anything when I was hanging out with Laurie. She was first at my door with flowers and hugs and her huge heart when things went sideways, and last to leave, making sure to leave my world in better shape than she found it. I am so lucky to have had such an extraordinary friend and mentor for my kids. So much love to you, Laurie, Gary and Gregory.
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Piano teachers are special people.
All teachers have a big impact on their students. But in my opinion, piano teachers have an even greater impact. I took piano lessons for 5 years when I was young and it had a tremendous impact on me. I will never forget my piano teacher. Her name was Helen Odegaard and she lived on the north end of Green Lake in a charcoal gray house. It was those 5 years of piano lessons that ignited my lifelong love of music.
It also gave me an understanding of music theory and chord structure which allowed me to teach myself other instruments such as guitar.
By the way, I shared this story with Lori several years ago when we were chanting in her front yard and she seemed to enjoy hearing it.
So thank you Lori and all piano teachers for helping so many of us love and understand music.
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I know you can hear me practicing every time I play. We love you and we miss you 💕
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Dear Gary and Gregory,
We were shocked and deeply saddened to hear about Laurie’s passing. We always enjoyed our time with her, her spunk, humor, and warmth made every moment memorable. Louie especially loved working with her on your kitchen and bathrooms. He quickly learned that donuts were the way to her heart and made sure to include her in the morning ritual.
Laurie brought joy and laughter wherever she went, and we feel lucky to have known her. Please know that our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Janine and Louie
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Shocked and sad to hear of Laurie’s passing. Have good memories of her and their family at Smith River
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Dear Gary and Gregory. We were both shocked and saddened to hear the news of Laurie's passing. I will forever treasure the many conversations I had with her on your front lawn when I caught her outside doing yard work over the years. One of my favorite conversations was with her and Vic Miller, who lived across the street at the time. He was quite a character. And Laurie sure knew how to get a lot of smiles out of that crusty old air force pilot. I have a few photos from that time if I could only locate them. If I find them I'll be sure to share them with you. Take care, Greg [and Shannon, Bijoy and Paka] Ferrer
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We Henrys are shocked and crushed to learn that Laurie is gone. She was just a wonderful, wonderful neighbor — always had a smile and wave as she worked on her lovely and perfect lawn! The last time I talked to Laurie, she had knocked on our door to make sure we knew about that weekend’s anti-Trump protest. Love her! Maybe that was a perfect bookmark to our friendship, as I first got to know her shortly after we moved next door, and we both attended the 2016 primary caucus at Sunset. We both volunteered to represent our area at a district event and decided to drive together, and that’s when I first learned her very interesting life story. I so enjoyed talking to her, and so did Steve! We will miss her so much. Gregory and Gary, we are so sorry for your loss. - Casey, Steve, Aedan, Jamie and Liam
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I met Laurie at church where she was our loved pianist for several years. Every service was our own special concert. Her music was always so expressive we clapped and gasped for joy. She played with such exceptional beauty and sensitivity. We were truly blessed by the exquisite warmth and perceptive precision of her playing, at least three solos and several hymns at each service... everything expressing her technical mastery and unique tender soulfulness.
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Gregory and Gary. We are so sorry to hear about Laurie’s passing. We will remember she friendly smiles. She was such a kind person. We will miss her.
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I'm so sorry to hear of Laurie's passing!! I just found out today when the music director at her regular church gig contacted me to see if I could fill in for some Sundays. Laurie was a very fine musician, and such a wonderful person. Always a smile. I recall many years ago recording her piano trio (The Silsbee Trio) at her home, and making cassettes of that. (Yes, it was that long ago!). Wishing Laurie a pleasant journey into her next existence, and peace to her family.
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I wish I could be there so much but will be out of the country. Laurie was so special to me and my boys and I still can't fathom going forward without her presence in our lives. Her calm and kind presence and musical nurturing for all three of us as their teacher and my colleague and friend is inexpressible in words, but can be approached only through music. I'm grateful for the many recordings we were able to make together as I can revisit our time together through our shared music. Sending love and care to all she blessed.
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Super sad to hear the news. Our heartfelt condolences. Laurie was a kind and friendly neighbor. We'll miss the manicured lawn and her fearlessness (climbing on roof).
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