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Alaura Rich Obituary
On May 2, 2024, in the early morning, the town of Carlyle lost one of it's most beautiful daughters, Alaura (Flynn) Rich. The world lost one of it's most loving and dedicated mothers, as well as it's proudest and most devoted grandmothers.
The daughter of Jim and Eleanor Flynn, whose lives were spent and invested in Carlyle from the dawn to the sunset of their days. Alaura made her way to ever larger cities before returning to the town her heart never left for the twilight of her life.
She made a career for herself in nursing, was an artist, was a dedicated volunteer in numerous areas from the libraries at which her children studied, to their sports teams, to efforts to fight and fund raise against cancer to honour her parents, well before those volunteer efforts became relevant to her own multiple battles with and victories over the disease.
All careers, hobbies and other efforts of Alaura Rich, though impressive enough to be the defining accomplishments of some, are foothills before the mountain that was her achievements as a mother.
She leaves behind two of the most dedicated sisters to grace the earth, who rose above anything that could have been expected to care for her in the worst valleys of her declining health, but like all who knew her, never failed to see the radiant beauty and shining star that brought sunlight to her family right to her final hours, managing a smile for her loved ones through pain and circumstances that would not be possible but for the combination of near superhuman stoicism and truly superhuman love for her family.
She leaves behind four children and a growing troupe of grandchildren, all of whom were blessed beyond anything that could be called mere good fortune to be born into her loving arms.
She leaves behind loving and devoted nieces, nephews and cousins, and a number of individuals across the country who would gladly testify that she was the best, most loyal and reliable friend they ever had. The truest example that we have witnessed this world produce of strong character and a life well lived, she left a lasting impression through every setting and chapter of her life of beauty, kindness and dependability.
Our mother, our sister, our grandmother, our aunt, our cousin and the most loyal friend we ever knew.
We love you with all our hearts.
And we always will.
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Memories and Condolences
for Alaura Rich
3 Entries
Darrell Swanson
April 9, 2025
I had no idea she had passed and my deepest condolences to her family. I went to high school with Alaura in Carlyle and reconnected with her briefly on the west coast. I remember her as a beautiful and kind, loving soul. May the Lord comfort you all in time of grieving.
Andy
May 24, 2024
On the outside, she had been regarded by some as the most beautiful woman they had ever seen. On the inside, she was the most beautiful person I ever knew.
She faced some incredible challenges of various stripes over the years, from childhood through young adulthood through middle and older age. And I can't think of one she didn't meet with dignity and grace. And guts. Courage enough for a platoon, concentrated in one woman.
She stood by people through thick and thin. Her life was a master class in loyalty.
She was an artist and craftswoman in various areas...and excelled in every branch that she undertook. This was the case whether it was a pencil, an exacto knife, a sewing needle, paints or any other implement of creativity that was fortunate enough to end up in her hands.
She honored the family who came before her and she taught those under her stead to do the same. And this was just one of the lessons in character for which any who had the opportunity to learn from her ought to be and are indeed thankful.
The good things she had in life she earned, built and created with love and hard work and by being a person of sound character. There were times when she deserved better than what she got...but her having the resolve, loyalty and stoicism that would normally be apportioned among several people meant that rarely or never was a complaint heard from her about any of it.
She is the first person who comes to mind when I think of any of strength, courage and love.
This is the truest instance I have ever known where the world is and will forever be a lesser place for no longer having this kind and loving person among its ranks.
I can only hope that there could be a heaven that is good enough to be what she deserves.
Andy
May 24, 2024
Mom...
Thank you so much for everything you did for your children throughout your life. There are good mothers, there are great mothers, and then there is a strata that resides somewhere between what humans normally do at their very best...and things that belong in the pages of myth and legend. What people normally do at their very best doesn't stack up to what you did almost every day.
From day one you were a North Star for guidance, a lighthouse that watched for storms and jagged shores even when we weren't looking, a bedrock that provided the foundation and stability for the entire family, a shepherd that brought us together all on your own for special occasions, and an angel that seemed to possess wisdom and morality that was like Greenwich Time for every corner of the family...a beacon that only fools would not use for calibration.
Thank you for being the best example this world ever provided me of love, kindness, reliability, justice and strength.
All my love...forever.
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