Celebrating Laurie
Laurie was loved by so many.
Before, after, and on November 1st, we ask her friends and family to share memories and pictures of her. Some of her photos have already been shared in her life story, and I'm adding more as people start to share what they would have shared if we had gathered together. Do you have a story/ letter/ words/ photos/ videos to share? Share them with mishamcpherson@gmail.com and I'll upload them here.
[Updated to add - THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUBMISSIONS! I have more to add - I'll catch up! ]
From Bruce
Laurie's Brother
My sister Laurie, such an incredible gift to us. My mom Carol and her husband Hank have been so shaken by this loss. She has been so strong and supportive but has been shaken by this loss. Yes, we all have been struck, my sister, Soli, and her loving children, Misha and Shannon and his family.
What a loss to her friends, especially Jasmine.
Thank you to all of her grieving friends and to my friends who have been so supportive, especially Tassa, during this difficult time.
Initially, I had a hard time grieving Laurie.
I felt such joy, realizing my connection with her spirit body. But now I miss her
Wel all share in our grieving.
Please click on the video to the right for additional thoughts from her loving brother Bruce.
Dallas
One of Laurie's dearest friends
I met Laurie at a yoga class in Incline Village in 1999. She was one of the first friends I met when I moved there. We shared our time taking walks together and spent countless days on the beautiful beaches of Lake Tahoe. I met Michael right away, and we began going to music in the park. This became our ritual, and we attended Several High Sierra and other music festivals together. We spent time at Wally Hot Springs in Genoa and even traveled back and forth to see each other when we moved apart. She always stayed in touch.
Laurie was truly one of a kind—honest, sincere, and the most caring friend. She was a mentor, one of the most inspiring people I’ve ever known. Laurie loved with her whole heart. She was genuinely interested in helping others and having those deep, heart-to-heart conversations that stay with you. She was so real, overflowing with love. Through my toughest times, she supported me without a hint of judgment, inspiring me constantly and encouraging my creativity every time we spoke. Laurie wore her heart on her sleeve, and I’ll always cherish the love and inspiration she brought into my life.-- Laure was one of my Best Friends and confidants. I miss her every day.
Leslie
A friend, Skyline neighbor, and artist
This image created by AI, is of a lovely lady named Laurie, a gymnast, who had a pet racoon. Laurie and her husband Mike built an A frame house in a meadow at the edge of an enchanted forest, in the Santa Cruz mountains. They raised two beautiful children, Misha and Shannon.
Laurie died this year. RIP
Note from Misha - Rocky, the raccoon, was a curious and welcome pet until it decided one day to bite mom's bum while she was peeing outside. Truly an off the grid experience ;)
Shannon
Laurie's Son
Laurie was a dedicated mother and wife. A talented artist with creativity that always inspired me. She was a free spirit. When I think of her I remember her working and smiling in her garden on Skyline, or teaching sweatie a new trick in Genoa. I think of her telling me about her adventures, her friends, her projects.
Amanda
A sweet friend of the family
Last night I celebrated Laurie by making roasted lamb. I realized I never asked Laurie what her favorite food was, and I wanted to celebrate Laurie by making dinner. Misha let me know that was her favorite meal so my boyfriend and I cooked it. Laurie would have loved getting together for dinner like we did many times. It makes me sad thinking that we will never physically eat dinner together again, but I will think of her at these times and remember she is here with us in spirit. So cheers Laurie, to always being here with us. Much love, Amanda
Kimi
One of Laurie's wonderful students
Laurie was one of the most generous and encouraging people I have ever met. L&M Gymnastics was a second home for many of us. From a young age, Laurie taught us some life skills, such as patience, perseverance, and strength of character. I have so many warm memories of the annual performances, with each gymnast performing skills across the sea of mats. At the time, I was quite young (6 years old in this photo), and I would look up to the more experienced gymnasts as role models. Laurie always supported all of us with kind words and advice. She will be so deeply missed, and I'm extremely grateful to have been a part of the L&M Gymnastics orbit.
With much love,
Kimi