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Laurie Ennis Obituary
Laurie Ennis, 63, of North East, Pa., died on Saturday, August 15, of complications from colon cancer. She was born to Arthur and Jean Ennis, on July 27, 1952, in Rockville Centre, N.Y., the third of four children.
Laurie graduated from high school in Orchard Park, N.Y. in 1970 and went on to be part of the first class of women admitted to the college at Georgetown University, graduating in 1974. She thrived in Washington, D.C. for the next seven years, singing and acting in various theaters while working as a paralegal. She married Michael Madden in 1977. In 1981, Laurie graduated from law school at the Catholic University of America, passed the bar, moved to North East, Pa., and got her first golden retriever.
Laurie and Michael had their first son, Zachary, in 1982, with David and Andrew following in 1986 and 1988 respectively. Despite her life's many jobs and volunteer positions, Laurie would forever identify as a mother first. She was an avid volunteer in her home town, where she served as a member of North East's Borough Council for more than a decade, the last years of which she acted as borough council president. Laurie was an equally active at the Chautauqua Institution, where she had a second home and worked as the Director of Ticketing and Gate Operations, sharing her love of the place with all comers. In all of her endeavors, her tact, empathy, and quick wit will be missed.
Laurie was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her three sons, Zack, David, and Andrew Madden, her beloved grandsons, Theo and Levi Madden, her sisters, Sharon Kazary and Michelle Jackson, her brother, Jim Ennis, and many nieces and nephews. By friends and family alike, she will be remembered laughing - singing, joking, and laughing.
All are encouraged to attend a memorial service at North East's Heard Park beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, with light snacks, refreshments, and warm remembrances to follow.
Flowers can be sent to Elkin Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes you to make donations to the North East Community Food Pantry, 30 Bothel Street, North East, PA 16428.
Please send condolences to www.elkinfh.com.
Sign the Guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Laurie Ennis
Michele Campbell
August 23, 2015
Zach, David and Andrew, After hearing each of you speak today, it is clear that Laurie has instilled in each of you her love, humor and intelligence and that this is legacy you are blessed to be able to carry with you for the rest of your lives. You were always her finest accomplishment and greatest love and as such she will live on in your hearts and in the hearts of all you knew her and loved her.
The McGill family
August 22, 2015
deepest sympathy for your family at this difficult time
Dianne Gilbert Tyler
August 21, 2015
I was so very lucky to have met your mom and blessed to babysit you 3 boys... I will miss her so.... my thoughts and prayers are with you now and always
Antoinette Ferrino
August 21, 2015
My condolences to Laurie's family including her adorable pooch, Zooey. Laurie's kindness at Chautauqua will be remembered.
Tom and Linda Krueger
August 21, 2015
We will miss Laurie. She always had a smile and a good word to say. It will feel strange not seeing her around Chautauqua.
August 21, 2015
Laurie's family,
So very sorry to learn of your moms passing, we are sending you all our prayers & sympathy at this very sad time. God Bless your families.
Lou & Phyllis Ensani
John Almquist
August 21, 2015
Zach, David, and Andrew - I remember watching you three grow up in North East, riding bikes back by the woods and helping you set up ramps on the sidewalk. Your mom was one of the nicest and wisest people I knew and I was deeply moved last night when I heard of her passing. Her loving memory will live on with you, your children, and the many thousands of people whose lives she so positively affected.
August 21, 2015
Our prayers & sympathy to everyone.
Lauren Larson
August 21, 2015
Laurie made working in a stressful environment easier-her witty humor and goofy ways of lightening the mood always put everyone in a positive state of mind. I am absolutely devastated that she has passed, but find comfort in knowing that we have all gained the most beautiful guardian angel, because she cared for so many people.
August 21, 2015
Our deepest sympathies for your loss.
Kent and Karen Wolfe
August 20, 2015
Zach,David and Andrew, My deepest sympathy goes out to you all. Your mother was a wonderful person with such a good heart. She will be missed by many. Sincerely, Lisa Kelly
Wendy Limberg
August 20, 2015
So sorry for your loss. Laurie was a special lady, friend and Chautauqua co-worker. Keeping the entire family in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you during this very difficult time.
Debbie and Mark Neenan-Hipwell
August 20, 2015
Zach David and Andrew
So sorry for your loss. The entire family is in our thoughts and prayers.
August 20, 2015
I remember fondly renting downstairs and the boys thoughtfully tiptoeing up the stairs each day. Laurie was a wonderful Mom and will be sadly missed by all. Rita Argen Auerbach
Bill and Cathy Thompson
August 20, 2015
Deepest sympathy to your family at this difficult time.
August 20, 2015
So sorry for your loss. The entire Ennis clan is in our prayers and thoughts.
The Reiser Family
Karen Williams
August 20, 2015
Laurie was a delight to work with. She loved working at Chautauqua Institution and it showed everyday. She cared about her co-workers, the department employees and the Chautauquans. The joy she felt for her family was evident when she'd tell stories about visits with the family or share the latest photos of the grandsons. We lost a beautiful woman.
Roger and Kris (Lombardo) Copeland
August 20, 2015
Our deepest sympathies.
cindy lilly
August 20, 2015
Forever a light in our hearts
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William D. Elkin Funeral Home - North East65 South Lake Street, North East, PA 16428
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