Laurie Jane Stafford O'Banion

Laurie Jane Stafford O'Banion, 59, of Westminster passed away at her home surrounded by her loving family on Monday, January 2, 2017. She was born on August 11, 1957 in Norwich, CT and was the daughter of the late Arlene Krauss Stafford and Robert James Stafford and wife Mindy of West Warwick, RI. She was the beloved wife of Michael Lester O'Banion, her husband of 36 ½ years. Laurie earned her Master's Degree in English from Eastern Connecticut University. She was employed as a kindergarten teacher at Faith Christian School and then worked as a library associate in the outreach department at the Carroll County Public Library, a job she greatly enjoyed. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Westminster. She enjoyed boating on the Chesapeake Bay and staying in her beach house in Groton, CT. Laurie also liked snow skiing, hiking and traveling to several national parks and to Europe. Surviving in addition to her husband and parents are children Kimberly Anne O'Banion of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Mary Elizabeth Bergum and husband Erik of Clarence, NY, Daniel Stafford O'Banion and wife Alison of Timonium; sister Marcy Cascone and husband John of CA, brother Stuart Licker and wife Alice of RI; grandchildren Nava and Oriya, Bailey, Peter, Casey, and Elijah; numerous cousins; and her dog Bella. In addition, Laurie was greatly anticipating the arrival of her newest grandson Conor in April. A Celebration of Laurie's life will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 11:00 am at First Presbyterian Church of Westminster, 65 Washington Rd., Westminster, with her pastor Rev. Matthew Glasgow officiating. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the American Cancer Society, 8219 Town Center Dr., Baltimore, MD 21236. Online condolences may be offered at www.prittsfuneralhome.com