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Laury Estrada Obituary
Of Alexandria, VA, passed away unexpectedly on November 28, 2004. She was 46. She is survived by her loving mother, Ruby Gordon; and her devoted husband, Miguel Estrada. She also leaves behind her three loving dogs, Zeus, Ruby and Jackson and her chestnut mare, Lily, all of whom she loved deeply. Laury worked for many years as an Attorney in various positions in the Department of Justice, including the Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering section, the Office of Legislative Affairs and the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. She was also a Counsel for the Senate Judiciary Committee during the 105th Congress. She joined the Department of Justice following a judicial clerkship with the Honorable Joel Dubina, of the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit. She was a graduate of the University of Alabama and of the Cumberland School of Law. A viewing will be held on Thursday, December 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. at DEMAINE FUNERAL HOME, 520 S. Washington St., Alexandria, VA, (703) 549-0074. A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 3 at 2 p.m. at Christ Church, 118 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA, (703) 549-1450. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Mrs. Estrada's memory to Doberman Assistance, Rescue and Education, 5471 Keyser Rd., Hume, VA 22639; or www.dobe.net.
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Memories and Condolences
for Laury Estrada
Sponsored by Laury's friends in Doberman Assistance, Rescue and Education, Inc..
Douglas Stearn
December 23, 2004
Miguel,
Laury and I were friends during her early years in Washington, while we both were working at the Justice Department. It was always a joy to spend time with her. She was smart, fun, and kind. I wanted to get back in touch with her recently and truly regret that I did not. I am so sorry for your loss.
Sue Harris
December 21, 2004
I never actually met Laury, but her kindness and compassion came through in her emails to me and I felt like I knew her well. She was always there with good advise and guidance. What a wonderful person she was. I am so sorry for your loss.
Sadaf Atashbarghi
December 16, 2004
Miguel -- although I never had the opportunity meet your fantastic, life loving wife, she has left her mark not only in my heart, but in so many other hearts as well. My heart goes out to you and your family. May GOD bless you all.
Will Franklin
December 10, 2004
What a tragic loss. My prayers and sympathies are with the Estrada family.
Maria Margarita Zelaya de Nunez
December 10, 2004
Estimado Miguel Angel:
Me siento muy consternada por la partida de su querida esposa y ruego que Dios le conceda a ella eterno descanso y a usted fortaleza para sobrellevar esta dura etapa de la vida.
Flip Biondi
December 8, 2004
Dear Miguel,
Although we met only once when I came to help you and Laury with your wonderful Dobes, I wanted to write and express my deepest sympathy for such a crushing loss.
My father, Alex Biondi, also wishes to express his condolences - he and Laury had some wonderful conversations about Dobermans. She was such a sweet, life-loving woman. She will be missed even by those who did not know her well. God bless you and comfort you.
Flip Biondi
Reid Brogden
December 7, 2004
Miguel,we were moved by your strength and love for Laury. This will take a lifetime to forget but God will give you the strength to make each day better. Keep in touch and let us know how you are.
Reid and Teresa
Avi Garbow
December 7, 2004
Miguel,
I was so sorry to hear of Laury's passing. I met Laury many years ago at the U.S. Attorney's Office in Alexandria, and have seen her only sporadically since then. Laury made a lasting impression on me - as a genuinely kind and beautiful person. My sincere condolences, as she will be missed by all who knew her. Peace.
Trish Harman
December 7, 2004
Laury was a passionate attorney, a pleasure to work with and an easy person to talk to. She will be missed and fondly remembered. Detective Trish Harman
Keith Dugas
December 7, 2004
I am sorry for your loss. In addition to her friends and family, the wildlife and animals of this world will sadly miss her. Her work with AWLA was greatly appreciated.
Scott Marx
December 6, 2004
I am so very sorry for your loss. My most sincere sympathies are with you and your family.
Warren Belmar
December 5, 2004
Dear Miguel:
I only recently learned of your tragic loss and wished to extend my deepest sympathies. I trust your family, friends, and memories of Laury will all be sources of comfort during this difficult time.
David Zapolsky
December 4, 2004
We're so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with you.
Peter Cawthorne
December 4, 2004
Miguel, My deepest sympathies although I have never met you my heart goes out to you to have lost such a fine & caring woman.
I met LLG (Bambi) in Amsterdam 20yrs ago and visited her in the 80's in Birmingham & NYC. We lost contact over the years.For some unknown reason I did a google search for her this morning and found this sad news.
Ana Richardson
December 4, 2004
Miguel,
Laury so lovingly and unselfishly helped so many. She touched my heart with her kindness.
I know there are no words that will take away your pain. May you and all the family find a bit of comfort knowing how many people care. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marietta Geckos
December 4, 2004
To Miguel and Mrs. Gordon,
Please accept my condolences during this sad time. I met Laury at Justice in Washington, D.C. years ago. Her inward and outward beauty and compassion was always evident. Even this guestbook shows she captured the hearts of folks from all corners of this country, and beyond as well. Your family is in my prayers.
Dawn Bowen
December 4, 2004
Miguel, My deepest condolences on the loss of your wife. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ron Rotunda
December 4, 2004
You have my warmest sympathies. There is no easy measure of a person's impact in this world, but the love and respect Laury knew from so many people is the envy of anyone.
Don MacEwen
December 3, 2004
Miguel, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Laury was such a special person and will be missed. We met you both through DARE and enjoyed your company at many playgroups at Colleen's.
Karin Knowles & Don MacEwen
Edward Lanza
December 3, 2004
Mr. Estrada,
Please accept our deepest heart-felt condolensces for your loss. Please know that you and your family are in our prayers.
Alan Fowler
December 3, 2004
Miguel; my heart breaks for your loss, as well as Aunt Rubie. I remember times with Laury at Calico Fort in Ft. Deposit, going on runs, riding around Greenville just to have something to do. I also remember the beautiful wedding you two had and having the honor to walk Laury's mom down the isle. I know this time is extremely difficult for you; and you are in my thoughts and prayers. I only regret that we all live such busy lives that I have missed out on visiting with the two of you and being closer. It sounds like she was a very active and loving young lady who touched many live. A day never passes when I do not think of you guys. I will miss her deeply.
Love, Alan
Shawn Scribner
December 3, 2004
Laury's passion for the animals is an example to us all and her memory will continue to inspire many good works. I know Laury is busy reporting to God as to the state of the animals on earth. May we do better to honor her legacy.
Terri Hill
December 2, 2004
Dear Laury,
My heart is saddened. You left us so abruptly; we did not say our goodbyes. Our friendship began with our proud purchases of “Lily and Spud” I remember the very first time when we met. You graciously came over to me and introduced yourself to me as a “new horse owner” It was then our friendship began, from that point on our friendship grew beyond “horsey adventures” It was funny how my Spud experiences and thoughts seem to always closely mimic your Lily experiences and thoughts. I know we put a few grey hairs on Celia, as well as Pete and Miguel. We would always say, “If Celia knew…” Your dedication and love to Lily, Ruby, Zeus, Jackson, Miguel, and your mom was admired. You had a special love and affinity for animals, which was a special gift. My friend, it is ‘goodbye” for now, and I look forward to a “new hello” with more Spud and Lily stories. Your departure is our deep loss, but truly heaven’s gift. Your friendship will never be forgotten and always cherished. Miguel, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Terri
Bill/Jackie Jackson
December 2, 2004
Miguel: We are saddened to hear about Laury's passing. Please accept our condolences.
Shannon Grace
December 2, 2004
Miguel, Laury touched a lot of lives and there are so many of us that share your pain at her loss. I'll miss her kindness and friendship.
Glenda Estrada
December 2, 2004
Querido Hermano,
En este momento no hay palabras que te puedan consolar, todos sentimos muchisimo que Laury ya no este con nosotros, su dulce recuerdo nos acompañara siempre.
Elevamos a Dios nuestras oraciones para que te llene de fortaleza.
GLENDA ESTRADA
December 2, 2004
Querido Hermano,
Se que no hay palabras que te puedan consolar en este momemento, todos sentimos muchisimo que Laury ya no este con nosotros,aunque siempre su dulce recuerdo nos acompañara.
Elevamos a Dios nuestras oraciones para que te llene de fortaleza.
Theresa Van Vliet
December 2, 2004
Ms. Gordon and Miguel,
I was so sorry to learn of Laury's passing after such a short, but blessed, life. She had many friends and all who worked with her at Justice will remember her charm, intelligence and love of animals as a reflection of the wonderful person she was. Please accept my condolences, thoughts and prayers in these most difficult of times.
Julia Weller
December 2, 2004
Miguel, Over the last twenty years, Laury was one of those rare friends who was a true soulmate. Chris and I will miss her too deeply for words to express. With her southern warmth and charm, she possessed a unique sincere quality that made everyone who knew her feel as if they were the most important person in the world. We could always count on her honest candor and her gracious spirit. Her creative interests inspired me not just to be a better cook, a better lawyer, a better wife and mother, but more importantly, a better person. She gave so much to those lives she touched. My heart is breaking with sadness. Laury will be greatly missed.
Anne Marie Murphy
December 1, 2004
Oh my god! I am in total shock. Miguel, Susan Davies forwarded to me the death notice and I really don't know what to say I am in such pain. I know your pain must be so so much greater. Words can not really express what I feel. Laury was special. I was recently in the Capitol Grille while visiting from out of town and I imediately thought of you both. I remembered the fun evening we had there just shooting the breeze. We seemed to loose touch over the last few years. I now live in Illinois and run the Medicaid program. I so regret not seeing you both over the last while. From the bottom of my heart I grieve for you and my heart aches for the loss of Laury.
Anne Marie
Steve Bradley
December 1, 2004
Laury, your passion for, and commitment to the welfare of rescued dobies - and especially for your own 'doberkids' - was truly an inspiration for your fellow DAR&E colleagues. Thank you for being such a wonderful advocate for them and for us. Please know that you and Miguel are in our thoughts and our prayers.
Susan Green
December 1, 2004
Miguel,
No words can describe my heart felt sadness for you. I take solace in Laury’s death by remembering that her death is not an extinguishing of her light; but rather, extinguishing the light because the dawn has come. May God keep you in his loving grace through this most difficult time.
Ada Zelaya
December 1, 2004
Miguel Angel, se que en estos momentos no hay palabras de consuelo, pero quiero que sepas que lamento lo ocurrido y te acompaño a la distancia en tu dolor.
Arlethea Adams
December 1, 2004
Mr. Estrada, I am a new employee at GDC and have not yet had the pleasure of meeting you. I was so saddened by the news of your loss and pray that God will comfort you and keep you during this difficult time. I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers.
SHARON ZAJAC
December 1, 2004
SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOST. SEEMS LIKE WE CAN'T AFFORD TO LOOSE PEOPLE LIKE HER. I DIDN'T KNOW HER BUT I AM A DOBE LOVER AND SEEN HER ARTICLE WHILE VISITING HOPE'S SITE. SORRY AND GOD BLESS.
Julie Swanson
December 1, 2004
Miguel,
I am so sorry to hear about Laury. Laury and I shared a few tears over our fosters dogs and she was always willing to help babysit when I needed a sitter even tho you had a full house already. She was such a caring person. Love Julie & Vega
Gerry McDowell
December 1, 2004
Miguel, I worked with Laury at the Justice Department and was sad to learn of her death. I will pray for both her and you.
Frances Gable
December 1, 2004
Though we did not know you personally, your generosity to the Alabama School of Fine Arts will always be remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Colleen Messing
December 1, 2004
I am so sad of the loss of such a wonderful spirit and dedicated individual. My life was touched by Laury through Doberman Rescue and her passing will be greatly felt by all of us in DARE. To Miguel and family our thoughts and prayers are with you always and may the comfort of your wonderful friends (both four-legged and two) get you through this difficult time.
Annie Mangrum
December 1, 2004
Laury (LLG)my dear friend, I will miss you dearly. What a huge outpouring of love from your friends (human & animal), what a difference you made. I will treasure most our friendship that spans from our teens into forever. Smile down on us and laugh with me when we remember our antics of growing up and life in general - my love to Miguel, Ruby and your dear furry creatures.
Nancy Tang
December 1, 2004
Miguel, words cannot express the sorrow I feel. Laury was so full of life and caring, she will be missed by all who knew her. The last time I saw Laury was at the cardiology clinic for our dogs; she fussed and fretted over Zeus, Ruby, and especially Jackson. They were outfitted in the latest collars, harnesses, and leashes with poop bags. She sang to them to calm them on the examining table, just like any mother would do for her child. Each one of them behaved like the gentle, well-mannered dogs we know them to be. We will miss her so very, very much.
Trey Gowdy
November 30, 2004
Many of us from South Carolina who worked with Laury are deeply saddened. She was so very bright, hard-working, and gracious. She left a beautiful legacy here. Our thoughts and prayers are with her husband, mother, family and friends. Heavens gain is our loss.
Bonnie Butler
November 30, 2004
I am so sorry about Laury. I knew her, b/c we both began with the Kate Waller Barrett Chapter NSDAR around the same time. She had a beautiful grace about her.
My sincere condolences,
Bonnie Butler
Alice Crouan
November 30, 2004
Miguel, I only had the chance to meet you and Laury once at playgroup and got a wonderful feeling from talking to you both. Laury's spirit radiated through her words and she was always there to help and share experiences with members of DAR&E.
Laury, I didn't know you very well, but I miss you and will forever remember everything you did for our rescued dobes.
Kim Swanson
November 30, 2004
Dear Laury,
I feel so fortunate to have gotten to know you through Doberman Rescue. I didn't know you for very long, but feel as if I had known you for years. Your kindness,gentle heart, and strong spirit will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy to Miguel and the rest of your family.
Kathleen Banks
November 30, 2004
Laury
You will be so very missed. It was always such a pleasure comparing tails(tales) about our little red gals.
I'm thankful you'll no doubt be watched over by all our doberchildren who have passed.
They greeted you with wagging nubs, I'm sure.
We're all missing you Laury!
Gregory Maley
November 30, 2004
Laury, we had just begun to correspond and I could already see your passion for helping our dogs. You will be missed, but surely not forgotten.
Leslie Westphal
November 30, 2004
Laury - I will miss you, your sense of humor, your bright smile, your kindness. You always took time for your friends and you loved Miguel so very much. We have lost something wonderful. My warmest thoughts go to Miguel.
Rose Briceno
November 30, 2004
Miguel, Laury and I worked together in the Narcotics section at DOJ. She was bright and passionate and spoke so lovingly of you. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Denise Pons
November 30, 2004
Every once in awhile God sends us an angel on earth to remind us how to live our lives in the best way that we can...how to put our best face forward...how to receive in giving selflessly to others...and most of all to set an example for how he would want us to live our lives. Laury was such an angel.
Her reminders to be happy and to love all living creatures (some canine, some human, some equine) are her living memorial for us all to emulate each and every day.
Thank you God for sharing her with us...and Miguel for sharing your lovely bride with us DoberFolks. She will live on in her work of love...an incredible living legacy. Laury...see you at the Bridge...thanks for looking after our furkids till we get there.
Steven Guillen
November 30, 2004
Abogado Estrada,
Lo acompaño de todo corazon en este momento en el que la tristeza por la perdida de su querida Laury embarga su alma.
Mark and Cyndy Lively
November 30, 2004
Miguel, We will miss cousin Laury and our opportunities to spend time with the two of you when we visit the Washington area. We will especially remember your beautiful wedding to Laury in the heart of the South. In spite of her passing, you will always be a member of your extended family in North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. With all of our love.
Jodi Harmon
November 30, 2004
I had only met Laury a short time ago but have been continually impressed with the amount of people and organizations that she helped. She was so kind and giving and I instantly felt like she had been a life long friend. I feel lucky to have known her and will miss her as will all of her friends and animals in her life.
Jeannie Francis
November 30, 2004
Laury,
I got to know you really well over the past summer and will always be grateful for the compassion and support you showed in our battle to save Beau. He is alive because of your willingness to get involved and help. We share a love of Dobes and horses and I will miss the friendship we shared.
Miguel, please know that my thoughts are with you.
Annette Scribner
November 30, 2004
Laury, you will be missed so much I don't even know where to begin. Your dedication to animals was an amazing sight to see and the love and commitment you gave was something I will always remember. I know you are well taken care of but we sure wish you could have stayed longer ....
Gregory Paw
November 30, 2004
Laury was such a bright light, and a wonderful coffee partner. She always had time to tell one more funny story, or to talk about her horse or pets, or just to listen. I will never forget the wonderful dinners with her and Miguel, when we all seemed to laugh all night long. We will miss you, Laury.
Celia Vornholt
November 30, 2004
Laury -
I know that there were many friends to greet you at the Bridge. Your kindness and caring touched many lives both human and canine.
Celia
Dean & Paul Collier
November 30, 2004
Miguel,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. We will always remember the joy, love and energy Laury showed in all she did.
All our love and support,
Jill and Robert Joyce
November 29, 2004
To Laury - I remember a joyous, energetic person from Playgroup at Colleen's house ... a passionate person who loved her three Red Doberkids ... someone who participated fully in DAR&E and was there with a kind word. You are missed.
With love and support to Miguel,
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