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LAURA RINALDI Obituary
LAURA NICOLE RINALDI (Age 38)
On Sunday, July 28, 2013, of Bowie, MD. Beloved mother of Julian Joseph; daugther of Joan and the late Joseph Rinaldi; sister of Frank Rinaldi. Also survived by many other loving family and friends. Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard, West, Silver Spring, MD, (Valet Parking), on Friday, from 7 to 9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Nativity Catholic Church, 6001 13th Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20011 on Saturday, August 3, at 10 a.m. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to For Love of Children, 1763 Columbia Road, NW, Washington, DC 20009 or The Goldberg Center for Community Pediatric Health, Children's National Medical Center, 801 Roeder Road, Suite 300, Silver Spring, MD 20910.www.COLLINSFUNERALHOME.com
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Memories and Condolences
for LAURA RINALDI
Barbara Pando-Behnke
October 29, 2022
Hi Laura. I only learned last night at our 30 year reunion of your transition. What a shock. May you rest in eternal peace and joy. My condolences to your family. It was clear you were beloved. I remember you from Brookhaven, Parkland, and Wheaton. From when we were 10 years old. I wish you the best where you are.
Dana
December 18, 2021
Oh Laura I didn´t know you had passed. I stumbled on that through a crazy small world moment on social media. I see someone posted photos from Americorps, I remember that day. I wish we had kept in touch, I am so bad about that. Through all these years later I have thought of you often.
Shadey Kershaw
July 26, 2020
L- boogie we had such a blast, so many laughs and late night up eating all type of snacks, I remember when I drove from NC to NJ and I stop in MD to see you and my car broke down but we use to be in them dorms up late night just talking about life and all that we wanted to do and become. I see ya smile and ya fab saying “what’s up shadey girl” I miss and will always love you.
tiffiane sanders
August 28, 2013
Laura, may years have pasted since the hollowed halls of Parkland Junior High School and Wheaton Senior high School. From the Friday morning pep rallies to the pom pom competitions and even the parades we would do in Hagerstown. I have always looked up to you for your guidiance and support. You were a great person to talk with and bounce ideas off of. The world has lost a great person. I will always pray for your mother, brother and son, who will now know you through stories people will tell him, of what a great person you were. REST IN GODS ETERNAL PEACE MY FRIEND.. Keep watch over us as we strive to carry on your legacy.
Valecia Biddix
August 16, 2013
It is hard to put into words the sadness and continued disbelief that I feel over the loss of my friend, Laura. Her smile was infectious, her passion unmatched, her spirit full of life. Heaven is in awe of such a beautiful angel. My deepest condolences to the family and every one who was touched by Laura.
Donna C.
August 12, 2013
After reading Laura's obit in the WP, I was moved to write...and this is the first time I have ever done so. She was the type of person that fought to help others who couldn't help themselves. She was selfless, and after reading other's comments, she was an inspiration to her students. The family can be proud of the many people she influenced and helped in her short life. I am so sorry for your loss. She truely was a wonderful person.
George Mistretta
August 12, 2013
I read Laura's obituary in the WP today and was quite moved. As the father of a special needs child, I value the dedication that she brought to her work. I of course did not know Laura, but I wish I had. I sense that her life and work will be an on ongoing inspiration to all that came in contact with her and good things will derive. My sincere condolences to all of her family, friends and colleagues.
Victor R
August 11, 2013
I am dumbstruck by this terribly sad news. Laura gave her all on behalf of kids & families who wouldn't otherwise have had access to such able advocacy. My heart goes out to the entire Rinaldi family. DC & the world are better for having known Laura.
T B
August 8, 2013
I will never ever forget Laura. She was my supervising attorney at the UDC-DCSL Juvenile Law Clinic and in my professional endeavors, I often find myself wondering what Laura Rinaldi would do in a certain circumstance. She was that good. She fought so very hard for all of our clients, believing (rightfully) that pro bono clients deserved the same amount of respect, compassion, and dedication as any paying client. She demanded perfection from her students and pushed us so hard—I remember cringing every time I would see an email from her in my inbox—but in hindsight, I realize it was because that's what the client deserved. I was often worried that she irritated the hearing officer with her many requests and demands for our client—and she did—but it didn't matter to Laura, because our clients would get nothing less than a zealous advocate.
She made us all better—better lawyers, better advocates, and better people. I spent many very late nights in her office preparing for hearings and never saw her so tired that she couldn't offer a warm smile and attitude. Sometimes her gorgeous little Julian would accompany her, and she amazingly managed to excel at tending to his needs while tending to ours—young, inexperienced law students with many dumb questions. But there are no “dumb questions” to the very best teachers, and Laura would smile that huge smile as she would and ask us, “well, what do YOU think about that?” It was so very “Yoda” of her, but that's what she did—she empowered us, and believed in us to use our education to think critically and reach the right answer. And she never ever complained—about anything. Nor did she ever judge anyone. And she treated every single person as her equal.
When I learned of her passing, I had to pause and reflect on all that she did here on the earth—she literally changed the world in a massive way. She fought for children who were being robbed of an education. She pushed for those who were improperly denied healthcare. She used the justice system in the very way in which it was intended—to protect and equip each of us with dignity. She lived with intention, making no apologies for who she was and the fight she was so diligently fighting.
To Laura's parents and family—thank you for sharing this incredible woman with all of us. You will never know how much she left here on this earth. It should be all of our hopes that we leave more here on this planet than we take away—Laura's net contribution is immeasurable. Please know her work will live on in all of the students she helped shape into social justice advocates. She was the best.
August 7, 2013
August 7, 2013
Joe Biggin
August 6, 2013
My deepest condolences to all of Laura's family and friends. I remember Laura fondly from our school days, and I'm shocked to hear of her passing. It's clear from what has been written about her since the accident that she was doing good work for individuals and for the community. I'm sure she made a great difference in people's lives, that she was inspirational, and that she will be greatly missed.
Steven Soto
August 6, 2013
I'm so very sorry to hear this terrible news. My deepest sympathies. I remember Laura fondly from my childhood, all the years I lived down the street from her and her family on Marianna Dr. My heart goes out to her family and friends.
Cindy C
August 6, 2013
My deepest condolences to the Rinaldi family.
August 6, 2013
August 6, 2013
August 6, 2013
Diane Jordan
August 4, 2013
To put into word the value you added to so many people would not be enough.. You was a great friend when was in college and even better one when we left and became adult.. Love you and miss you so much.. Truly rest in peace. The world is less of a place without you here...
R.I.P Laura you will forever be miss we had so many laughs I will miss you I love you very much.
shadey kershaw
August 4, 2013
Frederick, Claretha, and Jason Joiner
August 3, 2013
It is with great sadness that the Joiner family extends deep sympathy to the Rinaldi family in the passing of our beloved Laura.
We will continually pray that the Peace of God will be extended to you during this extremely difficult period.
August 2, 2013
Our love and prayers go out to all of the
family. Charlie, Roger, Johnny, Judy, and
Brenda send their prayers as well.
Bob and Carol Waldecker and all the
Holmes family.
Carolyn Hems
August 2, 2013
Frank I was so sorry to hear about Laura's accident and death. Please know that you , your Mother and all the family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lee, Damien & Miles Heath
August 2, 2013
We knew Laura for only a short time but had come to know she and Julian as one of our dear neighbors in the Sanctuary. We will miss her beautiful smile and loving spirit that was present each and every encounter.
Kris Laurenti
August 2, 2013
My heart aches for Laura, her son and her family. She was a sunny, upbeat, smart woman. God Bless you Laura; your boundless energy and love were cut from this world too soon.
K, J, & D Turner
August 2, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Judi Rowles
August 2, 2013
My prayers and condolences go out to Joan & the rest of Laura's family. She was such a sweet & loving person. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Anne White
August 2, 2013
Peace be with you, Joan and family, with the many beautiful memories you have of Laura. Anne XO
IV
August 2, 2013
Laura we will miss you but never forget you. You and your family will forever live in our hearts and prayers!
Howard Brenner
August 2, 2013
My condolences to the Rinaldi family. I went to elementary school with Frank and Laura. Its been many many years, I was saddened to hear of Laura's passing.
Kia Scipio
August 2, 2013
Laura and I went to law school and then clerked together at DC Superior Court. She was one of the kindest, most caring people that I've ever had the fortune of knowing. My deepest condolences to all of Laura's family and friends. May your memories of her bring you comfort in this time of such sorrow.
Brenda Thomas
August 2, 2013
The Lord has sought out someone after his own heart and you are that person, you are an angel.
I remember the Christmas party we had last year and my 5 year old grandson fell in love with you and asked you to be his girl friend. You will be missed by all your co-workers.
Steven Barwick
August 2, 2013
RIP Laura. Your beautiful smile will forever be missed.
Jon Nachtsheim
August 1, 2013
You were a selfless friend who always spread happiness to those around you, I am lucky to have known you, you were taken from us way too soon...
August 1, 2013
Rest in peace, Laura. We love you and will deeply miss you. Buddy and Maria
Buford & Linda Goins
August 1, 2013
It was with great sadness Joan that we heard of the loss of your beautiful Laura. She brightened up her world and also that of others around her. Our family sends you love and wants you to know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.
J George
August 1, 2013
Heaven has a new advocate for child angels! Rest in Peace.
Kim
August 1, 2013
Rest in peace, Laura. May your family find solace in the amazing life you lived and the beautiful son who remains as your legacy to this world.
"Pinkie" Celtnieks
August 1, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you Joan and your family at this very sad time.
Patricia Brunetti-Pivarnik
August 1, 2013
I went to Seton Hall with Laura. I don't remember many classmates but Laura's smiling face and positive attitude made a permanent mark on me. May God's strength pull your family through this very difficult time.
Ngoc Huynh
August 1, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Monique Randall
August 1, 2013
My heart is so full of grief...this just shouldn't be. Laura was such a sweet person, I know she will be greatly missed by her family and friends. May the Lord help all that loved her thru this. My prayers go out to her son, mom, and brother as well as the rest of her extended family and friends.
God Bless...Monique Randall (UDC David A. Clarke School of Law)
Geno Donney
August 1, 2013
God bless you. May you rest in eternal peace.
Sara Mugmon
August 1, 2013
Love for the Rinaldi Family
Love for little Julian
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