Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Westford Funeral Home & Cremation Service

1301 Broadway

Bellingham, Washington

Laurel Crittenden Obituary

Sept 17, 1952- March 18, 2011 Laurel E. Crittenden, 58, of Custer, WA, formerly of Portola Valley, CA, died unexpectedly of natural causes. The youngest of four daughters, Laurel was born to Max and Mabel Crittenden in Washington DC. In 1956, she moved with her family to Portola Valley, CA. She spent many summers with her sisters and parents in the high mountains of Utah. She graduated from UCSB in 1973 and returned to Portola Valley in 1985. Laurel was an excellent long-distance swimmer, avid hiker, gifted gardener, craftswoman, and an especially devoted mother. Dogs were constant companions throughout Laurel's life and she particularly loved Labrador Retrievers. She is survived by her daughter Roxanne and her three sisters Beth Schwarzman, Joan Crittenden and Susan Zoller. She is already terribly missed by friends and family. Donations can be made in Laurel's memory to the Sempervirens Fund, 419 South San Antonia Rd., Los Altos, CA, 94022 or to Puget Sound Lab Rescue Program online at www.pslra.org. A Celebration of Laurel's life will be held at Westford's Broadway Hall, 1300 Broadway, on Sun. March 27th at 3 PM. Share memories with the family at www.westfordfuneralhome.com Westford Family Funeral Home & Cremation Broadway at Eldridge

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Bellingham Herald from Mar. 22 to Mar. 27, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Laurel Crittenden

Not sure what to say?





Laurel & Susan

Debbie Peterson

March 26, 2011

Debbie Peterson

March 26, 2011

My heart goes out to Roxie, Beth, Joan and Susan, and all the family. I was fortunate to know Laurel (via my college roommate, Susan) for many years. A few years ago, we visited Laurel and her labs and had a wonderful afternoon at her home in Custer. Like her sisters, Laurel had great talents in turning a house into a home, and a yard and garden into a special retreat. She happily welcomed 2 and 4 - legged visitors with a winning, warm smile. Her love for animals spoke volumes about the size of her heart and her compassion.

My deepest sympathy to all.

March 25, 2011

On Wednesday, March 16 I had breakfast with Laurel, the most enjoyable business breakfast I've had in years, if ever.

We talked about Portola Valley, her growing up and desire to return (a woman with a strong sense of place); we talked about the reason for the trek that found her in Custer (a woman of principle!); we talked about her daughter, her pride and confidence obvious (a woman of heart).

We talked of a few of the important things; I will miss the opportunity to talk more, learn more, and increase my appreciation of her intellect, sensitivity, and quiet self confidence.

Rick Held, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Susan Rogers

March 25, 2011

I forgot to mention in my first message, Laurel was a great teacher. She has been teaching my department about Sonotech products. She was great at explaining everything so that we could understand.

March 25, 2011

Roxanne I'm so sorry for your loss. I'll never forget the camping trips to Yosemite or the card games with your mom and grandmother or the times she and I would race in the pool or when we would watch our girls swim while gossiping on the pool deck. My heart goes out to you. Jill Rissi (Portola Valley, CA)

Cathy Woods

March 24, 2011

Roxanne and family I am so sorry for your loss.Laurel will be in our thoughts everyday here at work she will be missed. Rest in peace Laurel

Kathie Green

March 24, 2011

My condolences to Laurel's daughter and her sisters. I know I am a better person for having known Laurel. It was fun to “learn” new things with her, and it often amazed me how she could take a hold of a project and make things happen so effortlessly, yet she did it in such a humble and kind way. In many cases I was running after her trying to keep up. :) I will miss her very much.

March 24, 2011

Laurel was an example to all of us about making the most out of every moment of your life. Her warmth, humor and stories were basic to her personality . She will be terribly missed and always be in our hearts. Susan Rogers, Magnaflux, Glenview, IL

Suzanne Oliver

March 24, 2011

I will always remember Laurel and her friendship. Our meetings will not be the same with out her creative mind and wonderful smile - She will be deeply missed.

March 24, 2011

I am one of Laurel's Customers who totally enjoyed talking to her and messing with her as she would mess with me. She will always have a place in my Heart as a True Friend and Confidant. I will truly miss her and have a Special place in my Heart and will think of her on a daily basis.

Best Wishes,
Marvin Strange

Lori Converse

March 24, 2011

Our office is very quiet without Laurel's laughter and smiling face. We miss her every day.

Marvin Strnage

March 24, 2011

I am one of Laurel's Customers who totally enjoyed talking to her and messing with her as she would mess with me. She will always have a place in my Heart as a True Friend and Confidant. I will truly miss her and have a Special place in my Heart and will think of her on a daily basis.

Best Wishes,
Marvin Strange

CJ Allen

March 23, 2011

We are going to miss Laurel here at CE Family Dental. She always had a smile and was happy. We loved hearing about her adventures, especially being a river guide down the grand canyon.

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results

Make a Donation
in Laurel Crittenden's name

Memorial Events
for Laurel Crittenden

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Westford Funeral Home & Cremation Service

1301 Broadway, Bellingham, WA 98225

How to support Laurel's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Laurel Crittenden's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more