Laura Furtaw Hagan Ellen

Laura Furtaw Hagan Ellen, age 45, of Sarasota, died on April 24, 2007. She was born in Westwood, NJ on October 25, 1961, and was a resident of Venice before moving to Sarasota. Laura graduated from Venice High School and the University of Florida. She was selected as Miss Pioneer Days in Englewood and Miss Venice. She served the community as a room mother at school, as a Big Sister, and by helping with the Sarasota Food Pantry. She had a beautiful voice and sang at special occasions. She was an active member of St. James United Methodist Church in Sarasota, serving with the church praise and worship team "Life Anchor". Laura worked as a Wealth Management Analyst for Merrill Lynch in Venice and Sarasota for 21 years. Surviving family members include her husband, Andre Ellen, of Sarasota; father Paul (Kaye) Furtaw, Sr. of North Augusta, SC; mother Constance (Everett) Miller of Venice; daughter Valerie Hagan of Sarasota; sons Thomas and Riley Hagan, also of Sarasota; step-son Johnathan Ellen of North Port; brother Paul Furtaw, Jr. of Cape Coral; and sister Phyllis Furtaw of Venice.