Laura W. Spurr

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Wayne State University

Laura Spurr Obituary

Laura W. Spurr Grosse Pointe Park Laura W. Spurr. Tribal Chair of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, died Friday, February 19th while attending a conference at the Rancho Springs Medical Center in Murrieta, California. Laura was instrumental in developing and expanding the facilities of the Huron Potawatomi Reservation in Athens Township, Michigan, arranging the transfer of the Huron Band's Land into federal trust status, and leading a ten year campaign to establish the Firekeepers Casino near Battle Creek. Spur, 64 is survived by her husband Stephen, a professor of economics at Wayne State University, two sons Nathaniel of Grosse Pointe Park, and Josiah of Cambridge, Massachusetts, her mother Irene Wesley of Athens and a sister, Mary Wesley also of Athens. There will be a viewing beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 26th at the Spencer Family Funeral Home, 310 South Capital Avenue in Athens. Funeral Services 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 27th at Athens Middle School, 515 East Williams Street in Athens. After the Funeral Service, there will be food and fellowship for friends and family at 3:00 p.m. at the Huron Potawatomi Community Center on the Pine Creek Reservation in Athens Township. To get to the Community Center from Athens Middle School, go west on Williams to 66 (Capital Avenue), turn right to go north, then left on S Drive, and left again on 1-1/2 Mile Road to the Pine Creek Reservation. Arrangements by Spencer Family Funeral Home. (269) 729-4100 or 1-800-698-8489. www.spencerfamilyfuneralhome.com

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Published by Battle Creek Enquirer from Feb. 23 to Feb. 27, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Laura Spurr

10 Entries

Dave Eddy

February 25, 2010

I had the pleasure of interviewing Laura from the planning stages of the FireKeepers Casino to its completion last summer. She was always very pleasant and knowledgeable and always very accomodating. I was so sorry to hear of her untimely passing. Condolences to her entire family.

Todd and Kelli Weaver

February 24, 2010

We were sorry to hear of Laura's passing. Our hearts and prayers are with her family and Tribe. I only had the privilege of meeting Laura last summer during the 5k but I later told my husband she was so kind and had the friendliest face and he agreed. Her personality, hard work and committment will be greatly missed.

Jeff Klein

February 24, 2010

My condolences to Mrs. Wesley, her family, the entire Tribe and everyone who knew and loved Laura. Although she is gone from this Earth, her works and her Spirit will live forever.

Susan Allen

February 24, 2010

Laura was a dear friend and mentor to me during the many years I worked at the Huron Potawatomi Health Department. She was an inspiration to me and strong advocate for Health Care of Native Americans.
She had clear unwavering goals for the many things she wanted for the tribe and was instrumental not only with the implementation of the Firekeepers Casino but also with the development of the reservation, including a comprehensive Health Care system with a beautiful building, a Community Center, and a major housing development for the reservation.
She played a major role in many other aspects that supported improvement of living conditions for the Huron Potawatomi Tribal members. She was a dedicated leader for the tribe, committed to the tribe and Indian culture, and had the "heart of a lion" as she served to improve the the life of Native Americans. She had the ability to never let adversity detour her from her committment to the tribe and it's development.
I will truly miss her. My love and prayers go out to Steve, Josiha, and Nat and to the other family members and friends, especially her Mother, Irene. who holds a special place in my heart.
I know Laura loved each of you in her special way. May God help to surround you with love, support, and peace at this time.

Stan and Nancy Moore

February 23, 2010

We were sorry to hear about Laura. In school she always had a big smile and was so nice. Her work certainly does vouch for her personality and the lives she touched. She certainly was hard working in her endeavers. May you find peace during this time.

February 23, 2010

So sorry to hear about Laura. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God Bless You.
Sincerely.
Dick and Mary Jo (Poplawski) Stephens
AHS Class of '62

Danni Oswald

February 22, 2010

Laura was such a beautiful person with the most amazing smile I've ever seen, you could always see the happiness in her eyes. She will be greatly missed.
My deepest condolances to her family - may you find peace in this time of sorrow.

Rose Nichols

February 21, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Laura was a wonderful lady and will be miss very much.It was an honor to know her at work and made you laugh. God Bless you.

February 21, 2010

I never had the privilege to get to know Laura Spurr. I do however know her oldest son Nat. I also know that she had a tremendous impact with the Casino and Tribe.. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Spurr family and the people who's life was impacted by this amazing women.

Henry & Carolyn Medawis

February 21, 2010

To Our Aunt, My Cousin's Family, and all who loved/knows Laura, It is truly a sad ordeal losing a loved one especially those known for their ability to savor the spirit of good-fellowship. The times spent talking and chit/chatting (camaraderie# with Laura and her family will always be in my/our family's mind. May our prayers give you strength and understanding in these seemingly forlorn moments in time? RIP - Laura (A Great Potawatomi Leader Qwe)

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