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Laurie Beth Silverman
Laurie Beth Silverman
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Laurie Silverman Obituary
Laurie was born in Chicago to Phyllis and the late Oscar Silverman on November 15, 1957. After graduating from New Trier High School in Wilmette, IL, Laurie attended Michigan State where she graduated with a degree in Social Work. She lived in Michigan & North Carolina before settling in Oakland, California. She spent 25 years of her Oakland life with her former partner, Betty Mayo. She is survived by her mother, Phyllis Silverman, brothers, David & Michael Silverman, sister Shari Spraker, niece and nephews, and her many close friends who were also her family.
As far back as grade school, Laurie was the "deepest and most insightful, funniest, most intelligent" person, comfortable in her body and in her spirit, and made others feel accepted and accepting of themselves. Laurie boldly came out as a lesbian and fat activist who never faltered in her convictions, her innate intelligence, or her innovative creativity. She was, above all, a connector: She connected individuals in need to resources and single people to their future partners. She connected lesbians, artists, musicians, writers, and activists to each other. She loved music, animals, and people. During Laurie's 22 years at the Sperm Bank of California, she played a vital role in the movement to enable lesbians to have children and create their own families.
In more recent years, Laurie contributed her talents and enthusiasm to many organizations and groups. Laurie's connection to the local Cameroon community led her to her relationship with her partner, Chico.
Upcoming event details will be posted to Laurie's Facebook page. Below are some of Laurie's favorite organizations that are accepting donations in her name:
CJC Girl's & Women's Camp Scholarship Fund: https://cjc.edu/support/donate
Bay Area Lesbian Archives: https://www.bayarealesbianarchives.org/support
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Tressa E
January 31, 2020
Laurie, I met you in a Facebook feminist community and will never forget the joy and light your smile and indomitable spirit gave to those daily discussions.
judith shelton
August 31, 2019
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Linda Mammini
June 27, 2019
She was special indeed, going to miss our chats and the hugs...enjoy your highest level of paradise, u have well deserved it !!!
Giovanna Capone
June 26, 2019
I did not know Laurie well but was sad to hear of her illness and passing. I knew her as a very active lesbian in our San Francisco Bay Area Community. Sending my blessings to her, and to her many friends and family.
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Robert Gross
June 24, 2019
I never met Laurie Silverman from New Trier-West'75, but I check the obituaries online everyday looking for New Trier graduates. She led a heroic life that I think more alums should know about, so I posted her obit in Facebook on the New Trier High School Classmates in Memoriam page. If nothing else, I hope it will generate more memorial contributions to the organizations she loved, Bob Gross NT'67
Saunderina Pearl
June 23, 2019
Laurie, you forever changed my life, from the moment I met you, to helping continue my life Journey, words are immeasurable, I love you Laurie
Marla Faith
June 22, 2019
I miss my friend, yet I hear her deep sonorous voice in my heart. She has been a loving friend to me for 5 decades. Our lives are so brief yet make such an impact. I am in mourning. The importance of those formative years from age 10-18, we were very close, she is embroidered into my heart. I am grateful for then and that we reconnected these last 25 years. My life is enriched with Laurie in it. My selkie woman friend, I will see you again.
Karen Bertani
June 21, 2019
It's hard for me to believe that she's gone. She's now resting in peace. Condolences to her loved ones!
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