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Laura Paliwoda Obituary
Paliwoda (nee Coates)
Passed away peacefully on December 12, 2013. with youngest daughter, Amber, at her side. Born in British Columbia, Canada on March 6, 1917, Laura Coates came to the U.S. at three years old with parents Laura and Crawford, spending the next 93 years in her beloved hometown of Manhattan Beach. Growing up, she was always considered "the beauty of the family." Upon completion of her schooling, which included Center Middle School and Redondo High, Laura found an exciting career working in the motion picture industry - specifically their "Ink and Paint Department" where she added color to the cells used in animation. MGM hired her on, but she subsequently received better offers, first from Fletcher Studios where she helped with the original Gulliver's Travels movie. Eventually landing at Walt Disney Studios, it was there she met the love of her life, Amby Paliwoda (died 1999), whom she wed on July 21, 1942. When the children started arriving, Laura left her studio career to become a full-time wife and mother, raising two sons and two daughters in the Manhattan Beach home built by her father in 1918. Remembering their mom's passionate love for the beach and her community, the loss will be felt deeply by her children left behind, Stephan (Melissa); Jerry; Lisa Fletcher (Glen); and Amber; as well as her only grandson, Matthew. A long-time member of St. Cross Episcopal Church, Laura spent many years actively involved in Job's Daughters. A memorial service will be held at St. Cross, 1818 Monterey Boulevard, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 on Saturday, April 12, 2014 at 1:00 PM. Memorial donations honoring Laura Paliwoda may be made to Diabetes Association. Please sign the guestbook at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Laura Paliwoda
Stephan "Steve" Paliwoda
March 28, 2023
Laura Coates Paliwoda´s legacy lives on - in her Grandson, Matthew Crawford Paliwoda (my son), who in early 2023 has received his PhD in Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. - Stephan Coates Paliwoda, Laura´s eldest son
Stephan ("Steve") Paliwoda
April 2, 2021
As time has gone by since my mother's passing in 2012, I continue to marvel at the even-tempered, never-ending, always-forgiving manner in which she supported my brother and sisters. Particularly amazing, in this modern-day world of junk food, was how she always ensured that our family received well-constructed and nourishing breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Today, at age 77, I feel as though I have the health and constitution of a 40 or 50 year old man -- and a good part of the reason for that is the well-rounded diet that Mom served up for us kids. Also, I learned a lot from her about parenting, and a good part of the reason my son Matthew is doing so well for himself today is because of the fine modeling behavior I witnessed in my Mother, Laura Coates Paliwoda
Tish Pearlman
March 23, 2020
Think of you and Amber often. Sending spring light.
Bob Perkins
March 29, 2015
Thanks, Paliwodas, for keeping this site open. Laura was an exceptionally kind and thoughtful person, especially to children, her own and others', especially to me.
We were more than welcome in her home -- it was our home, too. Lots of peanut butter, grape jelly, watching (& pretending to help)Steve work in the yard with his Dad.
Even when we messed up (as, for example, the time I got mad and smashed the Paliwoda croquet set) Laura didn't turn on us. She'd demand better behavior, but it was always clear she loved and valued each of the kids who came to her door. We (I) owe her a lot.
Stephan ("Steve") Paliwoda
April 17, 2014
I, my sister Amber, and my brother Jerry, wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who left such kind messages on this site in memory of our dear mother, Laura May (Coates) Paliwoda. I think that Amber, Jerry -- and our departed sister Lisa -- would all join me in saying that in a multitude of ways, our Mom left this World a better place. She loved us all dearly, and we'll always remember her with a smile.
April 10, 2014
Dear Paliwoda's-
Thinking of you all and sending light. The Paliwoda family (especially Amber) have been a part of my life since childhood. Fond memories of our amazing times in Manhattan Beach. So long, Laura, and safe passage.
-Tish Pearlman
Here is a poem about memory and our lives on the beach:
When We Were Young
by
Tish Pearlman
Even in December, summer
would take hold-
the dream of bold sun
and skin awakened to
heat and the soul to
light
even when darkness
came early and lighted lamps
held memory's shadow
we sensed summer
cresting over our small
town
bringing bonfire stories
and starlight songs
humming the melody of
surging tides
when the moon was high and full
and innocence had not yet vanished from our eyes.
L. M.
April 5, 2014
May memories comfort you and prayers strengthen you as our heavenly father gives you the courage to endure the days ahead. ( 2 Thess.2:16&17)
April 5, 2014
Deepest condolences to the family, May the peace of God be in your hearts to help you cope during this very difficult time of your dear loss (Philip 4:6&7, Psalm 147:3).
Dennis Coates
April 2, 2014
To us she was always "Aunt May" and the family beauty. Aunt May always had a big smile and great enthusiasm. Her influence on family and acquaintances sure will live on!
April 2, 2014
Hello cousin Amber,
I found the obit just as you described. I'll not say too much on this posting--- hoping to have a few words at the service.
Ladd Coates, my father was Laura May's brother
C Robinson
March 29, 2014
Sorry. For your loss. 1 Corinthians 1:4
Rick and Miki Finken
March 29, 2014
A good person, a life well lived and a family legacy to be proud of. It's a goal for all of us.
Sorry to say Miki and I will be out of town on April 12th and will not be able to attend.
Linda Navroth
March 29, 2014
My condolences to the family. I only met Laura once, but I remember her very well. I worked with Laura's husband Amby at Duck Soup animation studio in the late 70s. I remember going to a party at their home in Manhattan Beach; they were both very dear, sweet people.
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