Laura Davidheiser

Laura DAVIDHEISER Laura Davidheiser took flight on February 17, 2011 leaving this world more beautiful than she found it on the day of her birth in Albuquerque, New Mexico on February 21, 1961. She would say that her greatest accomplishment was her marriage of 25 years to her true love, Roger Davidheiser, and the way that they raised their two amazing sons, Eric (20) and Gregor (18). Her hundreds of friends and admirers would agree, but would testify to so much more of what her life and legacy meant. Laura grew up in Seattle, Washington where she attended Forest Ridge Sacred Heart graduating from Roosevelt High School. She attended Skidmore College and graduated from the University of Washington with a BA in Art History. From the moment she could hold a pencil, Laura began making the world more beautiful with her artwork. She had a way of seeing loveliness in the environment and people around her that often escaped others. Laura held many administrative positions for nonprofit organizations including the Seattle Chamber Music Festival and the Northwest Girlchoir. She retired after being diagnosed with a terminal illness, Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. On July 12, 1998, Laura received a lung transplant at the University of Washington Medical Center. This miracle "rebirth day" gave her twelve more years of life. Laura was an accomplished artist. Her monoprints, containing a common theme of flight, were selected for numerous international, regional and select juried exhibitions throughout the United States. Her commissioned work hangs in Evergreen Hospital in Kirkland and Franciscan Hospice in University Place. Laura's greatest work of art is her boys. She threw herself into supporting their development and passions, especially the game of lacrosse. Through hundreds of hours of work, she was instrumental in turning the Vashon Island Lacrosse Club into the thriving, renowned program that it is today. Laura put great energy into her friendships. She never complained of her illness and never used it as an excuse to shy away from responsibilities and commitments to others. Upon her flight, Laura would want you to know there is vast beauty and freedom to be found beyond the restraints of our bodies. She is free, she is at peace, she is flying. Laura is survived by her husband Roger Davidheiser and sons Eric and Gregor of Vashon Island, Washington. Her mother and father, Don and Betty Olson, of Vashon Island. Her sister Lucy Gilmore and her husband Mark and nephews Keegan and Kyle of Brewster, Massachusetts. Her youngest sister Mary Kay Rauma and her husband David and nephew Jeff and niece Genevieve of Vashon Island. Laura's Celebration of Life will take place at the Vashon United Methodist Church on March 10th at 2 pm. Remembrances may be made "In Memory of Laura Davidheiser" to further the research of Neuromyelitis Optica through The Guthy-Jackson Research Foundation at www.guthy-jacksonfoundation.com or in Laura's name to Vashon Allied Arts at www.vashonalliedarts.org.