Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Laurel APPEL Obituary
APPEL, Laurel F., Ph. D.
Laurel F. Appel, Ph.D., of Durham, CT, adjunct associate professor of biology at Wesleyan University, died Monday, (March 4, 2013), at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown. She was 50. She is survived by her husband Michael P. Weir, her daughter Rebecca L. Weir, and her son Nathaniel J. Weir. She is also survived by her parents, Kenneth and Carole Appel of Dover, NH; her brothers, Andrew W. Appel and his wife, Maia Ginsburg of Princeton, NJ, and Peter H. Appel and his wife, Barbara Zamora-Appel of Alexandria, VA, her nephews, Avi Appel and Joseph Appel, and her niece, Carmen Appel. Laurel Frances Appel was born July 13, 1962, in Princeton, NJ, and grew up in Urbana, IL. She graduated from Oberlin College in 1984 and received a Ph.D. in genetics from the University of California at Berkeley in 1993, when she moved to Connecticut. She married Michael Weir in 1993. At Wesleyan, she directed the Ronald E. McNair Program, which supports and nurtures first-generation college students and students in underrepresented groups for entry into graduate programs.
A celebration of Laurel's life will take place Friday, March 8, at 3 p.m. at the Chapel at Wesleyan University, High Street, Middletown. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Laurel APPEL
Peter Zelchenko
March 13, 2013
I knew Laurel in our youth in Urbana and she was like all the Appels -- good people through and through. My thoughts goes out to her children and to the whole family.
Tauby Shimkin
March 12, 2013
Carol. I hope your are surrounded by the type of friend you were for me so many years ago. I ache for you
March 12, 2013
was so sad to hear from Ruthie about laurel's passing My thoughts are with you at this time.May the support of family and friends give you strength at this time
Chloe Bird
March 11, 2013
It is hard to imagine a world without Laurel. She's been a wonderful and positive influence on my life for over 30 years. Laurel provided endless humor and insight, on everything from reading material to life and parenting. And when the going got tough for us, she was our on call geneticist answering our questions on experimental genetic targeted therapies for Allen and then writing clear explanations for our friends and family. Her invaluable influence on our lives is too much to sum up here, but suffice to say is that there's no on else like her and I, for one, am so much better off and happier for having known her.
March 11, 2013
So very sorry to hear about this loss. We hope you are able to find some comfort in all of the happy memories.
Josh and Joy Levin
Mary Flynn Boener
March 10, 2013
Peter
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Losing a sibling compares to no other loss I know. Know that we are thinking of you.
Justin Grunau
March 8, 2013
I was so, so terribly saddened to hear about Laurel's passing. Laurel was one of my closest friends in high school and was my date for the prom. Although we didn't keep terribly in touch terribly well I will always remember her with immense fondness and admiration for her intelligence and humor. That she fought so hard until the very end is entirely consistent with the Laurel I knew.
The last time I saw Laurel, she was surrounded by her own family: she was simply radiantly happy and it was so very gratifying to me to see that she had found such joy in life: this for me is a spark of consolation, as I know she was surrounded by her family until the end.
My deepest condolences go out to her husband and children, and to her parents and her brothers Andrew and Peter at this terrible loss. Lisa and I will be thinking of you all at in particular 3pm today.
Gypsy Pyles
March 8, 2013
I have been honored to have known Laurel and always thankful for her relationship to my daughter as a sister person and friend. She has left a good mark on many people. Much Love to all of you at this time and always.
Michael Rice
March 8, 2013
We remember the good times visiting Laurel and Michael at their house and all the chatter about biology and bioinformatics. She seemed to pay attention to everyone !
It was just like that in the Wesleyan lab too with generations of students and faculty depending on Laurel's comments and encouragement. Her insight, wit, and support will be sorely missed - she was truly a special person.
Our deepest condolences to her family and our best wishes for Michael and the children.
Michael and Linda Rice
Nokomis, Florida
Faith Fraulino
March 7, 2013
I will miss seeing Laurel at our office. My sincere condolences to her entire family.
June Rheingrover
March 7, 2013
Laurel (aka Metasta-sister) was a special friend and I looked forward to her frank, funny and insightful advice. She was a true inspiration. I am so sorry for your family's loss. I will miss her very much.
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
Make a Donation
in Laurel APPEL's name
Memorial Events
for Laurel APPEL
How to support Laurel's loved ones
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
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
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
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 moreWays to honor Laurel APPEL's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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
