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LAURA PAIGE RUTHERFORD

1970 - 2021

BORN

1970

DIED

2021

About

Winchester High School University of Illinois

LAURA RUTHERFORD Obituary

RUTHERFORD, Laura Paige A Fierce and Loving Soul Laura Paige Rutherford, of Newton, died on January 6, 2021, three years after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma and just weeks shy of her 51st birthday. Laura had worked as CFO of the Fessenden School since 2015 and previously held financial management positions at the Walnut Hill School, the Chestnut Hill School, and Beacon Press. Born at the U.S. Naval Hospital, Yokosuka, Japan, Laura graduated from Winchester High School and earned a B.S. degree at McGill University and an MBA at the University of Illinois. She served for many years on the board of the New Art Center and was a passionate youth soccer and futsal coach in Newton and Lincoln. Laura was an avid soccer player and fan. Fearless traveler and cook. Voracious reader. Incorrigible volunteer. Laura made friends easily, and friends were family, which meant many boisterous Thanksgiving dinners, Easter egg hunts, and other gatherings. As one friend put it, "Laura crackles." And blaze on our hearth she did. She will be remembered as a fierce and loving partner, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, coach, and friend. Beloved by husband John C. Sisson. Loving and adored mother of Vandrey J. Sisson and Findley T. Sisson. Daughter of Jayne R. Rutherford of Winchester and the late Paul F. Rutherford, and later daughter of the late Steve J. Poulos. Daughter-in-law of Beau and Olivia Sisson of Signal Mountain, TN. Laura leaves behind sisters Lana Tracy and her husband Justin of John's Creek, GA, Jennifer Nesbitt and her husband Tom of York, PA, brothers Derek Rutherford and his wife Michelle of Dallas, TX, and Greg Poulos and his wife Kelly of Golden, CO, many nieces and nephews. A family Service will be held. In lieu of flowers and in the spirit of service to others that Laura exemplified, we ask, if you are able, please donate blood or platelets at the Kraft Family Blood Donor Center at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute or at a cancer center near you. Monetary donations may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, "In honor of Laura P. Rutherford to support patient care and research of Multiple Myeloma" (under hematologic cancers), at: www.dana-farber.org/gift Our family wishes to express deepest gratitude to the front-line staff and medical professionals at Dana-Farber and especially the kind nurses who spent many hours at Laura's side caring for our beloved.

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Published by Boston Globe from Jan. 6 to Jan. 7, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for LAURA RUTHERFORD

31 Entries

Allison F. Bauer

March 11, 2021

I will always be grateful for your coaching and caring of Josh. You were strong and kind, and had an amazing amount of energy. We miss your presence on the filed and in the ‘hood.

Deborah Miller

January 30, 2021

Dear John, Vandry, and Finn,
My heartfelt condolences for your incredible loss. Laura always greeted us with a huge smile and her infectious laugh as we walked in the neighborhood and passed by your house. Please know we are always here for you. May her memory be a blessing. The Millers

Deb Miller

Planted Trees

Andy Faulkner

January 27, 2021

I am stunned by the news of Laura's passing. I will forever remember you. Rest in peace my friend.

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Quinn Perkson

January 26, 2021

Her smile and humor brightened our shared time at Pearson. A true and grounded person and professional. Sincerest condolences.

Joy Paine

January 14, 2021

My sincere sympathy to Laura's family. She loved you very much. I am a Fessenden friend who always enjoyed chatting with Laura. When she smiled, the space around her lit up. I am so sorry for your loss.
Joy Paine

Valerie

January 13, 2021

I am so honored and grateful to have known you Laura. As my parents and siblings say, you are my sister from other parents. I miss your drive, fairness, your compassion, your love, “ta joie de vivre”. Van, Fin, when I broke the news to Paul, he looked at me and said: “but mom who is going to take care of Van and Fin now?” and I told him, Uncle John is there, Grandma Jayne is there and all of us are there. Never forget we are there for you. John, the first time I heard about you was when Laura and I went to Conakry. I did not know you then but I wanted to meet you then just from all the great things she said and I was there with you for the wedding. Please know that she loved you and the boys and you were her life. Jayne and all of Laura’s siblings, I feel your pain and sorrow. I am sure she will continue to take care of us from above.
Thank you! Thank you Laura for the lovely memories. I will keep you in my heart now.
Valerie

Helen Babcock

January 11, 2021

Rest in peace dear Laura. As a friend of your Mother, I had the wonderful
privilege of watching you grow into a loving and "fierce" woman who knew exactly who you were and how you wanted to carry yourself in the world. You will be missed but your spirit will remain. Helen Babcock

Tamara Larsen

January 11, 2021

I will miss our lovely neighbor. It was always such a treat to chat with Laura on the front steps or enjoy a walk together. John, Van, and Fin, my deepest sympathies for your loss.

Linda Sanches

January 10, 2021

John, Van and Findley, I am so sorry for your loss. When you all were attending St.Paul's, I looked forward to spending time with Laura--so warm, friendly and funny. Bumping in to her around Newton at at youth soccer was always a welcome surprise.

Eternal Affection Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

Isabella Garcia

Sent Flowers

Megan Hurley Demitropoulos

January 8, 2021

Laura was my brother and my favorite babysitter when we were growing up in Winchester. Whenever I think of her, a smile comes to my face. She was w wonderful person and I wish you you peace in this difficult time.

Vandrey Sisson

January 7, 2021

I love you, mom. Now and forever

Jonathan Raymond ‘74 and parent ‘19

January 7, 2021

My family will always be grateful for Laura’s kindness and grace.

David Taylor

January 7, 2021

Laura’s family and the Fessenden community will deeply miss a wonderful woman who made us all better for knowing her.

Felicite

January 7, 2021

So sorry for your loss. Laura was radiant, embracing and supportive. I pray for your families comfort and peace. God bless.
Felicite
Sister in law of her friend Valerie Nkoumondo.

jon stokes

January 7, 2021

Very sorry about Laura's passing and please accept my sympathies. Jon Stokes

The Long Stem Pink Rose Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

Huiwen Lin

Sent Flowers

Jane Weeks

January 6, 2021

Dear John,

So sorry for your loss. Laura was radiant, generous, and all-embracing, including to her extended family. Sending love to you, Vandrey and Findley.

Jennifer TumSuden

January 6, 2021

Laura was incredibly warm, fun, and sassy. Her energy was wonderfully contagious. It was a pleasure to work with her and to know her. She loved fiercely and spoke about John and her boys constantly. I can’t imagine their heartbreak. My deepest sympathies.

Eve Sadowsky

January 6, 2021

Dear John, Van and Fin, so sad about the loss of Laura. She was such a good friend, supportive, honest, brave and funny. She was one of a kind and loved her 3 boys always, so proud of you. I will miss her, our walks and talks and impromptu visits. I cannot fathom the sadness you are feeling. You are all in our thoughts with love, Eve, John and Will

Liane Sheehan Cadman

January 6, 2021

I pray for your families comfort and peace.
Godspeed to Laura

Anne Murphy

January 6, 2021

I was so honored to have known Laura. We first met at Walnut Hill and went on to become good friends. We shared a love of PEI, and I loved her enthusiasm for life. This saddens me so much and I am sending my deepest condolences and many prayers to Laura’s family - especially her boys for whom she devoted her life. Love you, Laura - say hi to Jimmy for me!
-Anne

Miriam Lundy

January 6, 2021

John, Van and Fin -
I am so sorry for your loss. Chris and I have many fond memories of all of you during our time in Boston. Laura was such a loving person and incredibly welcoming to us Boston newcomers. Such a fun person too - I appreciated so much her warmth and laughter. We think her often. I remember her coming over shortly after Zane was born to help when he was small. Sending so much love to you all. Laura was a wonderful person who will be dearly missed.
Miriam, Chris, Zane and Levi

Karen Carroll Bennett

January 6, 2021

This loss pains me to my soul. I loved and trusted my dear friend. We met when we were on the board of the New Art Center, and kept in touch for many years after as I sought her sage advice. John, Van and Finn, I can’t imagine what you are going through and I pray for your comfort and peace.
Rest in eternal peace, Laura.

Kim Spencer

January 6, 2021

A bright light has left the earth and will forever light the sky. It was such a joy to have known her, and to have worked on the NAC board by her side. I trusted and counted on her level-headed words completely. She was generous beyond belief, and will be missed by so many. May peace be with the entire family. You were so lucky to have her!

Erin Garry

January 6, 2021

Laura was a remarkable woman. Bright, spirited, and always an advocate for others. She always spoke so lovingly of her sons. Her spirit will not be forgotten. My deepest condolences to her family.

Sean Guthrie

January 6, 2021

I only got to work with Laura a little over a year and in that short time I got to learn how much she loved her family and cared about the students at our school. She always had a welcoming smile and a supportive ear as I proposed my ideas of how to improve our programming.

I will miss Laura's smile and positive attitude. My heart goes out to her family. I pray for peace in their hearts through this trying time.

God bless

Sheila Pransky

January 6, 2021

Dear John and Family,
I am so sad to hear of Laura's passing. Never having met her, but knowing John as a co-worker, and reading about John's dear wife, Laura was clearly a dynamic woman, and a force. Please accept my warmest wishes for peace and comfort in your happy memories over time. Sending caring prayers, and sure you all will receive support from us at your Town Hall family and all who love your family.

Elie Gentile

January 6, 2021

Laura was the perfect example of a loving and caring person. She was the epitome of what a friend, a mother, a daughter, a professional and a woman can be.
I am so sorry for your loss.

Beth Formica

January 6, 2021

Terribly sad to hear this. We were good friends while working at Pearson together and beyond that. She was friendly, kind, fearless and I looked up to her, admired her intelligence and confidence. I pray God will ease your grief, John, Van and Fin.. So very sorry.

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